Glandular describes anything related to glands, which are special organs in your body that produce and release important substances. Your body contains dozens of different glands, each with its own job. Some glands make saliva to help you digest food. Others produce sweat to cool you down. Your thyroid gland helps control how fast your body uses energy, while your adrenal glands help you respond to excitement or danger.

When doctors talk about glandular problems, they mean something isn't working right with one of these glands. For example, glandular fever (also called mononucleosis) can cause your lymph glands to swell up. If someone has a glandular disorder, they might produce too much or too little of an important hormone.

You might also hear the word used more casually. Sometimes people say someone has a “glandular problem” when they're trying to explain weight gain. Real glandular conditions are medical issues that doctors can diagnose and treat.