How does the endocrine system work. What are the main glands in the human body. Which hormones do different glands produce. What are common endocrine disorders. How does aging affect the endocrine system.

Understanding the Endocrine System: A Network of Glands

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating various bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. But what exactly are glands, and how do they contribute to the endocrine system’s functionality?

Glands are specialized organs that produce and release substances for particular functions in the body. In the context of the endocrine system, these glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, allowing them to reach target cells and tissues throughout the body. This intricate system plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood regulation.

Key Functions of the Endocrine System

• Hormone production and secretion
• Regulation of growth and development
• Control of metabolism
• Maintenance of reproductive processes
• Modulation of mood and stress responses
• Regulation of blood sugar levels
• Influence on bone health and calcium balance

Major Glands of the Endocrine System: Location and Function

The endocrine system comprises several glands, each with specific functions and hormone production. Understanding the location and role of these glands is essential for comprehending how the endocrine system operates as a whole.

Hypothalamus: The Control Center

Located in the brain, the hypothalamus serves as a crucial link between the endocrine and nervous systems. Its primary function is to regulate the pituitary gland, often referred to as the “master gland” of the endocrine system. The hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that control the pituitary’s hormone secretion, thereby indirectly influencing various bodily functions.

Pituitary Gland: The Master Orchestrator

Situated at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” due to its control over other endocrine glands. It produces a wide array of hormones, including:

• Growth hormone (GH): Stimulates growth and cell reproduction
• Prolactin: Promotes milk production in breastfeeding mothers
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal glands
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Regulates thyroid gland function
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH): Control reproductive functions
• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): Regulates water balance and blood pressure
• Oxytocin: Facilitates childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding

Pineal Gland: The Sleep Regulator

The pineal gland, located in the brain, produces melatonin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin production is influenced by light exposure, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to facilitate wakefulness.

The Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands: Metabolism and Calcium Balance

The thyroid and parathyroid glands, located in the neck, play vital roles in metabolism and calcium homeostasis. How do these glands function, and what are the consequences of their dysfunction?

Thyroid Gland: Metabolic Regulator

The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are crucial for regulating metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. Additionally, the thyroid gland secretes calcitonin, which contributes to bone health by promoting calcium incorporation into bones.

Thyroid dysfunction can lead to two primary conditions:

1. Hypothyroidism: Insufficient thyroid hormone production, resulting in slowed metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, and constipation.
2. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive thyroid hormone production, causing increased metabolism, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and diarrhea.

Parathyroid Glands: Calcium Balance Guardians

The parathyroid glands, consisting of four small glands located behind the thyroid, produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.

Adrenal Glands: Stress Response and Metabolism

The adrenal glands, situated atop the kidneys, are composed of two distinct parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. Each part produces different hormones with unique functions.

Adrenal Cortex: Steroid Hormone Production

The adrenal cortex produces several steroid hormones, including:

• Cortisol: Regulates metabolism, immune response, and stress adaptation
• Aldosterone: Controls blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• Androgens: Contribute to secondary sexual characteristics

Adrenal Medulla: “Fight or Flight” Response

The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines, primarily epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones are responsible for the “fight or flight” response, preparing the body for immediate action in stressful situations by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability.

Pancreas: Blood Sugar Regulation and Digestion

The pancreas is a unique organ that functions as part of both the endocrine and digestive systems. Its endocrine function primarily involves the regulation of blood sugar levels through the production of insulin and glucagon.

Insulin and Glucagon: Blood Sugar Balancing Act

Insulin, produced by beta cells in the pancreatic islets, lowers blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake by cells and storage in the liver. Glucagon, secreted by alpha cells, raises blood sugar by stimulating the release of stored glucose from the liver. The balance between these two hormones is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Diabetes mellitus, a common endocrine disorder, occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or becomes resistant to its effects (Type 2 diabetes). Both types result in elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to numerous health complications if left untreated.

Exocrine Function: Digestive Enzyme Production

In addition to its endocrine role, the pancreas also functions as an exocrine gland, producing digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine to aid in the breakdown of food.

Reproductive Glands: Ovaries and Testes

The reproductive glands, ovaries in females and testes in males, play crucial roles in sexual development, reproduction, and the maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics.

Ovaries: Female Reproductive Hormones

The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, support pregnancy, and influence the development of female secondary sexual characteristics. These hormones also play important roles in bone health, cardiovascular function, and cognitive processes.

Testes: Male Reproductive Hormones

The testes produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair growth and deepening of the voice. It also plays a crucial role in sperm production, muscle mass maintenance, and bone density.

Endocrine System Disorders: Causes and Consequences

Endocrine disorders can arise from various causes, including gland dysfunction, hormone imbalances, or problems with hormone receptors. Some common endocrine disorders include:

• Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
• Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Growth hormone deficiency or excess
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypogonadism

These disorders can have wide-ranging effects on the body, impacting metabolism, growth, reproduction, and overall health. Proper diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders often require a combination of hormone tests, imaging studies, and careful clinical evaluation.

Treatment Approaches for Endocrine Disorders

Treatment for endocrine disorders typically aims to restore hormone balance and alleviate symptoms. Approaches may include:

1. Hormone replacement therapy
2. Medication to suppress or stimulate hormone production
3. Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management)
4. Surgery (in some cases, such as removal of tumors)
5. Regular monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans

The Aging Endocrine System: Changes and Challenges

As we age, the endocrine system undergoes various changes that can affect hormone production and sensitivity. These age-related changes can contribute to a range of health issues and impact overall quality of life.

Common Age-Related Endocrine Changes

• Decreased growth hormone production
• Reduced thyroid function
• Declining sex hormone levels (menopause in women, andropause in men)
• Increased insulin resistance
• Alterations in stress hormone regulation

These changes can contribute to symptoms such as decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, reduced bone density, and changes in energy levels and mood. Understanding these age-related changes is crucial for developing appropriate strategies to maintain endocrine health and overall well-being as we age.

Strategies for Maintaining Endocrine Health with Age

While some age-related endocrine changes are inevitable, there are steps individuals can take to support their endocrine health as they age:

1. Regular exercise, including both aerobic and resistance training
2. Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
3. Getting adequate sleep and managing stress
4. Staying socially active and mentally engaged
5. Regular health check-ups and hormone level monitoring
6. Discussing hormone replacement therapy options with healthcare providers when appropriate

By implementing these strategies and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals can help mitigate the impact of age-related endocrine changes and maintain optimal health and well-being throughout their lives.

The Interplay Between the Endocrine System and Other Body Systems

The endocrine system doesn’t operate in isolation; it interacts closely with other body systems to maintain overall health and homeostasis. Understanding these interactions is crucial for comprehending the far-reaching effects of endocrine function and dysfunction.

Endocrine-Nervous System Connection

The endocrine and nervous systems work together to regulate bodily functions. The hypothalamus, a part of both systems, plays a key role in this interaction. It receives signals from the nervous system and translates them into hormonal responses, affecting various physiological processes.

Endocrine-Immune System Relationship

Hormones produced by the endocrine system can influence immune function, and conversely, the immune system can affect hormone production. This bidirectional relationship plays a crucial role in the body’s response to stress, infection, and inflammation.

Endocrine Influence on the Cardiovascular System

Several hormones, including thyroid hormones, cortisol, and sex hormones, have significant effects on cardiovascular function. They can influence heart rate, blood pressure, and blood vessel dilation, among other factors.

The complex interplay between the endocrine system and other body systems highlights the importance of maintaining endocrine health for overall well-being. Disruptions in endocrine function can have wide-ranging effects throughout the body, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Endocrinology

The field of endocrinology continues to evolve, with ongoing research shedding light on new aspects of hormone function and endocrine system regulation. Several exciting areas of research are shaping the future of endocrinology:

Endocrine Disruptors and Environmental Impacts

Researchers are increasingly focusing on the effects of environmental chemicals that can interfere with hormone function, known as endocrine disruptors. Understanding the long-term impacts of these substances on human health and developing strategies to mitigate their effects is a growing area of study.

Chronobiology and the Endocrine System

The study of how circadian rhythms influence hormone production and endocrine function is gaining attention. This research has implications for understanding and treating sleep disorders, metabolic conditions, and other health issues related to disrupted biological rhythms.

Personalized Endocrine Medicine

Advances in genetic testing and biomarker analysis are paving the way for more personalized approaches to diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders. This tailored approach aims to improve treatment efficacy and minimize side effects by considering individual genetic and physiological factors.

Hormone Therapy Innovations

Ongoing research is focused on developing new hormone replacement therapies and delivery methods. These innovations aim to provide more targeted and effective treatments for various endocrine disorders while minimizing potential side effects.

As research in these areas progresses, our understanding of the endocrine system and its role in health and disease continues to deepen. This evolving knowledge base promises to lead to improved diagnostic tools, treatment options, and preventive strategies for endocrine disorders in the future.

The Endocrine System and Glands of the Human Body: Function and Disorders

Written by Barbara Brody

• What Is the Endocrine System?
• What Is a Gland?
• Endocrine System Functions
• Parts of the Endocrine System
• Health Issues
• Endocrine System Disorders
• More

The endocrine system is a network of glands in your body that make the hormones that help cells talk to each other. They’re responsible for almost every cell, organ, and function in your body.

If your endocrine system isn’t healthy, you might have problems developing during puberty, getting pregnant, or managing stress. You also might gain weight easily, have weak bones, or lack energy because too much sugar stays in your blood instead of moving into your cells where it’s needed for energy.

A gland is an organ that makes and puts out hormones that do a specific job in your body. Endocrine and exocrine glands release the substances they make into your bloodstream.

Your endocrine system:

• Makes hormones that control your moods, growth and development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction
• Controls how your hormones are released
• Sends those hormones into your bloodstream so they can travel to other body parts

Many glands make up the endocrine system. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland are in your brain. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are in your neck. The thymus is between your lungs, the adrenals are on top of your kidneys, and the pancreas is behind your stomach. Your ovaries (if you’re a woman) or testes (if you’re a man) are in your pelvic region.

• Hypothalamus. This organ connects your endocrine system with your nervous system. Its main job is to tell your pituitary gland to start or stop making hormones.
• Pituitary gland. This is your endocrine system’s master gland. It uses information it gets from your brain to tell other glands in your body what to do. It makes many important hormones, including growth hormone; prolactin, which helps breastfeeding moms make milk; antidiuretic hormone(ADH) (vasopressin), which controls blood pressure and helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidney, corticotropin /ACTH: Adrenocorticotrophic hormone. which stimulates the adrenal gland to make certain hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, oxytocin which helps in milk ejection during breast feeding; and luteinizing hormone, which manages estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
• Pineal gland. It makes a chemical called melatonin that helps your body get ready to go to sleep.
• Thyroid gland. This gland makes thyroid hormone, which controls your growth and metabolism. If this gland doesn’t make enough (a condition called hypothyroidism), everything happens more slowly. Your heart rate might slow down. You could get constipated. And you might gain weight. If it makes too much (hyperthyroidism), everything speeds up. Your heart might race. You could have diarrhea. And you might lose weight without trying. The thyroid gland also produces the hormone calcitonin, which may contribute to bone strength by helping calcium to be incorporated into bone.
• Parathyroid. This is a set of four small glands behind your thyroid. They play a role in bone health. The glands control your levels of calcium and phosphorus.
• Thymus. This gland makes white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that fight infection and are crucial as a child’s immune system develops. The thymus starts to shrink after puberty.
• Adrenals. Best known for making the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline (also called epinephrine), these two glands also make hormones called corticosteroids. They affect your metabolism heart rate, oxygen intake, blood flow, and sexual function, among other things.
• Pancreas. This organ is part of both your digestive and endocrine systems. It makes digestive enzymes that break down food. It also makes the hormones insulin and glucagon. These ensure you have the right amount of sugar in your bloodstream and your cells.
• If you don’t make insulin, which is the case for people with type 1 diabetes, your blood sugar levels can get dangerously high. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually makes some insulin but not enough.
• Ovaries. In women, these organs make estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help develop breasts at puberty, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support a pregnancy.
• Testes. In men, the testes make testosterone. It helps them grow facial and body hair at puberty. It also tells the penis to grow larger and plays a role in making sperm.

As you get older, it’s natural to notice some things related to your endocrine system. Your metabolism tends to slow down. So you might gain weight even though you haven’t changed how you eat or exercise. Hormonal shifts also explain, at least in part, why you’re more likely to have heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes as you age.

No matter how old you are, stress, infections, and being around certain chemicals can also mess with parts of your endocrine system. And genetics or lifestyle habits can increase your chances of an endocrine disorder like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or osteoporosis.

• Acromegaly. Sometimes the pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone and your bones get bigger. It usually affects your hands, feet, and face. It usually starts in middle age.
• Adrenal insufficiency. When you have this, your adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones, like cortisol, which controls stress.
• Cushing’s disease. In this, your body makes too much cortisol. You could gain weight, get stretch marks, bruise easily at first, then get weakened muscles and bones and possibly develop a hump on your upper back.
• Hyperthyroidism. This is when your thyroid gland makes more hormones than your body needs. You might hear it called overactive thyroid. It makes your system run fast and you might feel nervous, lose weight, and have a rapid heartbeat or trouble sleeping.
• Hypothyroidism. When your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, your system slows down. You might feel tired, gain weight, have a slow heartbeat, and get joint and muscle pains.
• Hypopituitarism. Sometimes your pituitary gland doesn’t make enough of certain hormones and your adrenal and thyroid glands can’t work right.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia. This is a group of disorders that affect your endocrine system. It causes tumors on at least two endocrine glands or in other organs and tissues.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome. An imbalance of reproductive hormones can cause your ovaries to either not make an egg or not release it during ovulation. This can throw off your periods, cause acne, and make hair to grow on your face or chin.
• Precocious puberty. When glands that control reproduction don’t work properly, some kids start puberty abnormally early — around 8 in girls and 9 in boys.

Top Picks

The Endocrine System and Glands of the Human Body: Function and Disorders

Written by Barbara Brody

• What Is the Endocrine System?
• What Is a Gland?
• Endocrine System Functions
• Parts of the Endocrine System
• Health Issues
• Endocrine System Disorders
• More

The endocrine system is a network of glands in your body that make the hormones that help cells talk to each other. They’re responsible for almost every cell, organ, and function in your body.

If your endocrine system isn’t healthy, you might have problems developing during puberty, getting pregnant, or managing stress. You also might gain weight easily, have weak bones, or lack energy because too much sugar stays in your blood instead of moving into your cells where it’s needed for energy.

A gland is an organ that makes and puts out hormones that do a specific job in your body. Endocrine and exocrine glands release the substances they make into your bloodstream.

Your endocrine system:

• Makes hormones that control your moods, growth and development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction
• Controls how your hormones are released
• Sends those hormones into your bloodstream so they can travel to other body parts

Many glands make up the endocrine system. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland are in your brain. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are in your neck. The thymus is between your lungs, the adrenals are on top of your kidneys, and the pancreas is behind your stomach. Your ovaries (if you’re a woman) or testes (if you’re a man) are in your pelvic region.

• Hypothalamus. This organ connects your endocrine system with your nervous system. Its main job is to tell your pituitary gland to start or stop making hormones.
• Pituitary gland. This is your endocrine system’s master gland. It uses information it gets from your brain to tell other glands in your body what to do. It makes many important hormones, including growth hormone; prolactin, which helps breastfeeding moms make milk; antidiuretic hormone(ADH) (vasopressin), which controls blood pressure and helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidney, corticotropin /ACTH: Adrenocorticotrophic hormone. which stimulates the adrenal gland to make certain hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, oxytocin which helps in milk ejection during breast feeding; and luteinizing hormone, which manages estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
• Pineal gland. It makes a chemical called melatonin that helps your body get ready to go to sleep.
• Thyroid gland. This gland makes thyroid hormone, which controls your growth and metabolism. If this gland doesn’t make enough (a condition called hypothyroidism), everything happens more slowly. Your heart rate might slow down. You could get constipated. And you might gain weight. If it makes too much (hyperthyroidism), everything speeds up. Your heart might race. You could have diarrhea. And you might lose weight without trying. The thyroid gland also produces the hormone calcitonin, which may contribute to bone strength by helping calcium to be incorporated into bone.
• Parathyroid. This is a set of four small glands behind your thyroid. They play a role in bone health. The glands control your levels of calcium and phosphorus.
• Thymus. This gland makes white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that fight infection and are crucial as a child’s immune system develops. The thymus starts to shrink after puberty.
• Adrenals. Best known for making the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline (also called epinephrine), these two glands also make hormones called corticosteroids. They affect your metabolism heart rate, oxygen intake, blood flow, and sexual function, among other things.
• Pancreas. This organ is part of both your digestive and endocrine systems. It makes digestive enzymes that break down food. It also makes the hormones insulin and glucagon. These ensure you have the right amount of sugar in your bloodstream and your cells.
• If you don’t make insulin, which is the case for people with type 1 diabetes, your blood sugar levels can get dangerously high. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually makes some insulin but not enough.
• Ovaries. In women, these organs make estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help develop breasts at puberty, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support a pregnancy.
• Testes. In men, the testes make testosterone. It helps them grow facial and body hair at puberty. It also tells the penis to grow larger and plays a role in making sperm.

As you get older, it’s natural to notice some things related to your endocrine system. Your metabolism tends to slow down. So you might gain weight even though you haven’t changed how you eat or exercise. Hormonal shifts also explain, at least in part, why you’re more likely to have heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes as you age.

No matter how old you are, stress, infections, and being around certain chemicals can also mess with parts of your endocrine system. And genetics or lifestyle habits can increase your chances of an endocrine disorder like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or osteoporosis.

• Acromegaly. Sometimes the pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone and your bones get bigger. It usually affects your hands, feet, and face. It usually starts in middle age.
• Adrenal insufficiency. When you have this, your adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones, like cortisol, which controls stress.
• Cushing’s disease. In this, your body makes too much cortisol. You could gain weight, get stretch marks, bruise easily at first, then get weakened muscles and bones and possibly develop a hump on your upper back.
• Hyperthyroidism. This is when your thyroid gland makes more hormones than your body needs. You might hear it called overactive thyroid. It makes your system run fast and you might feel nervous, lose weight, and have a rapid heartbeat or trouble sleeping.
• Hypothyroidism. When your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, your system slows down. You might feel tired, gain weight, have a slow heartbeat, and get joint and muscle pains.
• Hypopituitarism. Sometimes your pituitary gland doesn’t make enough of certain hormones and your adrenal and thyroid glands can’t work right.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia. This is a group of disorders that affect your endocrine system. It causes tumors on at least two endocrine glands or in other organs and tissues.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome. An imbalance of reproductive hormones can cause your ovaries to either not make an egg or not release it during ovulation. This can throw off your periods, cause acne, and make hair to grow on your face or chin.
• Precocious puberty. When glands that control reproduction don’t work properly, some kids start puberty abnormally early — around 8 in girls and 9 in boys.

Top Picks

Functions of the endocrine glands in the human body.

Tests for hormones and their interpretation.

The human endocrine system consists of organs called endocrine glands, which regulate the functioning of the whole organism by releasing biologically active substances – hormones – into the circulatory system. These substances perform paramount functions in the body: they help maintain homeostasis, control growth and development, participate in metabolic processes, are responsible for responding to changes in environmental conditions, and regulate the reproductive system.

Endocrine glands include:

Thyroid. Produces hormones – thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), calcitonin. These hormones are involved in metabolism, increasing its intensity, regulate growth processes in the body, increase the level of consumption of vital oxygen by organs and tissues.

Parathyroid glands. They produce parathyroid hormone that regulates the level of calcium in the body, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the motor apparatus and nervous system.

Thymus (thymus). This organ occupies a central place in the human immune system, not without reason the word “thymus” is translated from ancient Greek as “life force”. The thymus produces T-lymphocytes – immune cells that provide antiviral and antitumor protection of the body. It secretes a number of hormones into the blood: thymalin, thymosin, IGF-1, thymopoietin, which are responsible for the functional activity of the immune system.

Adrenals. They produce the so-called stress hormone – adrenaline, which is involved in the body’s response to external stressful situations. When a large amount of adrenaline is released into the blood, breathing quickens, the heart rate increases, blood vessels constrict, and the pupils dilate.

Pancreas. Is the main source of enzymes for the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It produces the hormones insulin, which lowers the level of glucose in the blood, and glucagon, on the contrary, increases it.

Gonads. In women, the ovaries; in men, the testes. The hormones produced by these glands are responsible for reproductive function.

Pituitary and hypothalamus. Form the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The pituitary gland produces hormones that control almost the entire endocrine system. Among them, the most important is the growth hormone – somatotropin, which affects the growth of bones, cartilage and muscles.

Epiphysis (pineal body, or pineal gland). The organ performs important functions: it slows down growth hormones, inhibits the development of tumors, and affects sexual development. It produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which controls the water balance of the body, oxytocin, which is responsible for muscle contraction, and melatonin, a hormone that controls the sequence of sleep phases.

Based on the foregoing, we can follow the conclusion that the importance of the endocrine system cannot be overestimated – its activity extends to all organs of the body and all processes occurring in it. Therefore, all deviations from the norm in the operation of this system require immediate medical intervention.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

There are a lot of symptoms of malfunctioning of the endocrine glands, among them are:

• Irregular or absent menstruation in women;
• Miscarriage or infertility;
• Loss of sexual desire;
• Weight gain;
• Eruptions on the body, acne;
• Deterioration of hair and nails;
• Sleep disturbances, lethargy, increased fatigue;
• Emotional instability: tearfulness, irascibility, nervousness;
• The development of osteoporosis is a disease that leads to brittle bones.

It is worth noting that none of the above symptoms is a direct confirmation of the presence of a hormonal imbalance, but only a possible consequence. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination by an endocrinologist, which includes the method of functional diagnostics (ultrasound, MRI), as well as laboratory blood tests, which will be discussed below.

How is blood tested for hormones?

A blood test for hormones is the most indicative and informative method for detecting any pathologies in the work of the endocrine glands. However, it is important to consider that many factors influence the hormonal background: the time of day, the menstrual cycle in women, and medication. For this reason, the preparation for taking tests for a hormonal study must be taken with all seriousness. If this is neglected, then the result of the analysis may be incorrect and, at best, it will have to be retaken, and at worst, an incorrect diagnosis may be made on its basis and the wrong treatment may be prescribed, which can lead to irreparable consequences.

To prepare for donating blood for hormones, the following general rules must be observed:

• On the eve of the test, you should give up physical activity, try to avoid stressful situations, stop any physiotherapy procedures, exclude oral contraceptives, alcohol, fatty foods and products containing iodine. It is also recommended to postpone the ECG, ultrasound, x-ray examination for a while after the test.
• An important point is taking medications – it is necessary to notify the doctor who ordered the hormonal blood test about the fact of taking medications. He will decide whether to cancel or continue taking medications at the time of the test.
• An analysis for a hormonal study is given strictly on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to stop eating 12 hours before blood sampling.
• In the morning, before the test, it is forbidden to chew gum, drink tea and smoke.
• Just before donating blood, rest for 15-10 minutes.
• Women need to take into account their menstrual cycle, because. it is possible to examine the blood for some hormones only in certain periods of this cycle.
• To track the dynamics of the levels of certain hormones, a second analysis is required. It is rented at approximately the same time as the previous one, in compliance with all the above rules.

Blood sampling for analysis is carried out in the first half of the day in the morning. The biomaterial is taken from the cubital vein.

Explanation of tests

Thyroid hormones

Triiodothyronine , or T3 – gives a general assessment of the work of the thyroid gland. This hormone is determined both in free form (norm: from 2.6 to 5.7 pmol/l.), And in the serum state, (general form; norm: from 1.3 to 2.7 nmol/l). An increase in the indicator indicates the use of narcotic substances: methadone, heroin, amphetamine, HIV infection, renal failure, hyperthyroidism. The decrease was established with the use of androgens, danazol, dexamethasone, propranolol.

Thyroxine , or T4 – regulates energy metabolism in the body. Norm: 10.8 – 22.0 pmol / l. A low level is observed with hyperthyroidism, hemolysis. Elevated levels – when taking oral contraceptives, methodone, heroin, estrogen.

Thyroglobulin , or Tg – is prescribed for suspected malignant neoplasms. Norm: < 55 ng / ml.

Antibodies to thyroglobulin – are prescribed for suspected autoimmune thyroid diseases. Norm: 0 – 18 U / ml.

Microsomal antibodies are the most accurate indicator of the presence of autoimmune diseases. A deviation from the norm < 5.6 U / ml is proof of the aggression of the immune system to its own body.

Thyroxine-binding globulin , or TSH, is responsible for the transport of the hormones T3 and T4. Norm: from 16.8 to 22.5 mcg / ml. An increased indicator may indicate pregnancy, a lower one – with cirrhosis of the liver.

Adrenal hormones

Cortisol – regulates carbohydrate metabolism. Norm: from 230 to 750 nm / l. A low rate may be the result of chronic adrenal insufficiency, and a high one may indicate oncology or adenoma.

Aldosterone – responsible for the water-salt balance. Norms: in a horizontal position 17. 6-230.2 pg / ml; in an upright position 25.2-392 pg / ml. Elevated levels of the hormone in the blood usually indicate an adrenal tumor.

Norepinephrine and epinephrine – normalize heart rate, blood pressure, form glucose levels. Norms: from 1.92 to 2.46 nm / l for adrenaline, from 0.62 to 3.23 nm / l for norepinephrine. An increase in indicators indicates kidney disease, Itsenko-Cushing’s syndrome, emotional and physical workload of the body, a decrease indicates pathology of the hypothalamus.

Sex hormones

Estradiol – is responsible for the production of germ cells and the proper development of pregnancy. The norm in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) is from 200 to 285 pm/l, the norm in the corpus luteum phase (luteal phase) is from 440 to 575 pi/l, during menopause from 50 to 133 pm/l. A lower indicator may indicate a tumor in the ovaries, an increased indicator – with their insufficient functioning.

Testosterone is the main male hormone. Responsible for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, stimulates the growth of muscle mass and bones. Norms: for men – 2 -10 ng / ml, for women – 0.2 – 1 ng / l.

Progesterone – ensures the proper development of the genital organs in women. The norm in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) is from 1 to 2.2 nm / l, the norm in the corpus luteum phase (luteal phase) is from 23 to 30 nm / l, during menopause from 1 to 1.8 nm / l . An increase in the indicator is observed with tumors of the adrenal cortex, a decrease – with ovarian sclerosis.

Pituitary hormones

Thyroid stimulating hormone , or TSH, stimulates the production of the main thyroid hormones, so deviations from the reference values ​​​​indicate thyroid dysfunction. Norm: 0.4-4.0 honey / l.

Somatotropic hormone , or STH – a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland, is responsible for stimulating the mouth of bones, muscle mass and other organs of the human body. Norm: < 10.0 ng / ml. Exceeding the value of the established norm indicates gigantism, acromegaly.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone , or ACTH – stimulates the synthesis of hormones in the adrenal cortex. Norm: < 46 pg / ml. Deviations from the norm are observed in Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, as well as in other disorders of the adrenal glands.

Prolactin is a hormone responsible for the growth of the mammary glands in women and the functioning of the prostate in men. The norm for the stronger sex is 100 – 265 mcg / l, for the fair sex – from 130 to 540 skg / l during the childbearing period.

Follicle-stimulating hormone , FSH – stimulates the growth of follicles in women, is responsible for the functioning of the seminiferous tubules in men. The norm in women: in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) from 1.37 – 9.90 IU / l, in the corpus luteum phase (luteal phase) from 1. 09 – 9.20 IU / ml, during menopause from 29, 5 to 55 mU / l, with ovulation from 2.7 to 6.7 mU / ml. The norm for men: 0.95 – 11.95 mU / ml.

Luteinizing hormone , or LH – stimulates the production of testosterone in men, progesterone in women. Normal values ​​for men: from 1.14 to 8.75 mU / ml. Norm for women: in the follicular phase from 1.68 to 15.00 mU / ml, in the ovulatory phase from 21.90 – 56.60 mU / ml, in the luteal phase: 0.61 – 16.30 mU / ml, in postmenopausal women from 14.20 – 52.30 mU / ml. Deviations from normal values ​​in both sexes indicate dysfunction of the gonads.

ENDOCRINOLOGY

BOOK

STATUS

MULTIPROFILE MEDICAL CENTER

TEST RESULTS

ENTRY

OPENING HOURS

DAILY

Services

Endocrinology (endo – inside, krino – highlight and logos – teaching) is a branch of medical science that studies the structure, function, diseases of the endocrine glands.

Endocrine glands of the body include:

• thyroid gland;
• parathyroid;
• insular pancreas;
• adrenal glands; testicles in men;
• ovaries in women; pituitary;
• hypothalamus.

You should contact an endocrinologist if you or your loved ones are:

• Overweight or underweight, or if you have experienced sudden changes in body weight in a short period of time.
• Insufficient, or rapid, growth during puberty. Enlargement of the hands, feet, nose, change in the shape of the chin in adulthood.
• Discomfort in the neck, a sensation of “lump in the throat”, aggravated by swallowing.
• Constant or intermittent palpitations, heart rhythm disturbances, feeling of internal trembling, excessive emotionality, tearfulness, constipation, swelling of the face.
• Unpleasant dry eyes, spontaneous lacrimation, “bulging eyes”, visible signs of goiter.