Endocrine system of human body: Endocrine glands – Health Video: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Endocrine System and Glands of the Human Body
Last updated on April 9th, 2022
Table of Contents
What is the Endocrine System?
It is the network of glands in the body. The endocrine system makes the hormones that aid cells talk to each other. They are responsible for every cell, organ, and function in the body.
If the endocrine system is not working properly, a person can have problems:
- during puberty
- getting pregnant
- managing stress
A person may also:
- gain weight easily
- have weak bones
- lack energy. As excess glucose stays in the blood rather than moving into the cells for energy.
What is a Gland?
A gland is an organ that produces and puts out hormones. Hormones are responsible for a specific job in the body. Endocrine and exocrine glands release chemicals reaching the bloodstream.
Functions of Endocrine System
Endocrine system:
- produces hormones. They regulate moods, growth and development, organs, metabolism, and reproduction.
- regulate the release of hormones.
- transfer those hormones into the bloodstream. Hence, they can travel to other body parts.
The endocrine system constantly monitors the hormones in the blood. Hormones transmit their messages. They do so by locking into the target cells. And, thus they may relay the message.
The pituitary gland senses raised hormonal levels. Also, informs other glands to stop producing and releasing hormones. When hormones fall below a certain point, the pituitary gland guides other glands to form and release more. This process is known as homeostasis. And, it functions similarly to the thermostat of a house. Hormones influence roughly every body process such as:
- Metabolism (the way food gets broken down and energy is derived from nutrients).
- Growth and development.
- Blood pressure.
- Fertility and sexual function.
- Sleep.
- Emotions and mood.
At times, glands produce an excess or not enough of a hormone. This unevenness may lead to health problems like:
- weight gain
- high blood pressure
- changes in sleep, mood and behaviour.
Many things may also influence how the body produces and releases hormones. Disease, stress and certain medicines may give rise to a hormone imbalance.
Parts of the Endocrine System
Many glands constitute the endocrine system. The hypothalamus, pineal gland, and pituitary gland are present in the brain. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are present in the neck. The thymus is present between the lungs. The adrenals are present on the top of the kidneys. And, the pancreas is behind the stomach. The ovaries (in females) or testes (in males) are present in the pelvic area.
- Hypothalamus. This organ connects the endocrine system with the nervous system. Its major role is to inform the pituitary to begin or stop producing hormones.
- Pituitary gland. This is the master gland of the endocrine system. It utilizes the information it receives from the brain to inform the roles of other glands. It produces many important hormones such as:
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) – vasopressin: it regulates blood pressure. Also, assists in controlling body water balance. It exerts an effect on the kidney.
- growth hormone – prolactin: it helps lactating moms produce milk
- corticotropin /ACTH – Adrenocorticotrophic hormone: It stimulates the adrenal gland to produce certain hormones:
- thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones
- oxytocin – helps in milk ejection during lactation
- luteinizing hormone: manages estrogen in females and testosterone in males.
- Pineal gland. It produces a chemical known as melatonin. It assists the body get prepared for sleep.
- Thyroid gland. This gland produces thyroid hormone. It regulates growth and metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough. The heart rate may slow down. A person can even get constipation. And a person may gain weight. If it produces an excess (hyperthyroidism), everything accelerates. The heart may race. A person may have diarrhoea. And, he or she may lose weight without trying. The thyroid gland also makes the hormone calcitonin. It contributes to bone strength by assisting calcium to get added into bone.
- Parathyroid. It is a set of 4 small glands present behind the thyroid. They play a major role in bone health. The glands regulate the calcium and phosphorus levels.
- Thymus. This gland produces WBCs known as T-lymphocytes. They fight infection and are critical as a child’s immunity develops. The thymus begins shrinking after puberty.
- Adrenals. They make the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline. It is also known as epinephrine. These 2 glands also produce hormones named corticosteroids. They influence:
- metabolism
- heart rate
- oxygen consumption
- blood flow
- sexual functioning
- Pancreas. This organ forms a part of the digestive and endocrine systems. It produces digestive enzymes that break down food. Also, it produces the hormones insulin and glucagon. These make sure that a person has the correct amount of sugar in the cells and blood. If a person fails to make insulin, blood glucose levels may rise. This is the case for people with type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas generally produces some insulin but not enough.
- Ovaries. In females, these organs produce estrogen and progesterone. These hormones assist in:
- developing breasts at puberty
- controlling the menstrual cycle
- supporting a pregnancy.
- Testes. In males, the testes produce testosterone. It assists them to grow facial and body hair at puberty. Also, it informs the male organ to grow larger. It plays a role in producing sperm.
Health Problems
With age, it’s natural to observe some changes associated with the endocrine system. The metabolism may slow down. So, a person may gain weight. Hormonal shifts also explain why a person tends to have:
- cardiovascular problems
- osteoporosis
- type 2 diabetes
Regardless of a person’s age, stress, infections, and chemicals may also obstruct the endocrine system. And genetics or lifestyle habits may enhance the chances of an endocrine disorder. These can be hypothyroidism, diabetes, or osteoporosis.
What Conditions and Disorders Influence Endocrine System?
Many conditions may cause problems in the endocrine system. These conditions may cause health problems all over the body. A few of these most common disorders are:
- Diabetes: It affects the way the body uses the energy from the food a person eats. Diabetes develops when the pancreas fails to make enough insulin, or insulin stops working.
- Thyroid disorders: Several conditions may also influence the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid fails to produce hormones. Hyperthyroidism happens when it produces an excess of hormones.
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone): In males, hypogonadism may lead to erectile dysfunction. It occurs when the testes fail to make enough of testosterone. It may also lead to:
- memory and concentration problems
- changes in muscle strength
- low sex drive.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal irregularity causes females with PCOS to have:
- irregular periods
- irregular hair growth
- too much acne
- excessive weight gain
- diabetes
- increased risk of metabolic syndrome
- infertility.
- Osteoporosis: When a female’s ovaries fail to make enough estrogen, bones become brittle and weak. The condition is more common in females. Males can at times have osteoporosis when testosterone levels decrease too much. Individuals having an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) might also have weak bones.
Chemicals named endocrine disrupters may also influence the endocrine system. These chemicals appear everywhere. They can be in pesticides, cosmetics, plastics, and even food and water. Endocrine disrupters may lead to a lot of problems all over the body. They cause problems by altering how hormones send messages.
How common are these conditions?
- Diabetes: This endocrine problem is prevalent. Roughly 10% of individuals have diabetes and 27% have prediabetes.
- Thyroid disorders: Roughly 20 million population have thyroid disease. Females are about 5 times more expected than males to develop the condition.
- Hypogonadism: Roughly 40% of males above 45 years of age have low testosterone. Levels of this sex hormone naturally fall down with a man’s age. Other factors like a man’s diet, weight and other health issues may influence testosterone levels.
- PCOS: This common condition influences nearly 5% to 10% of adult females. It is a leading reason for infertility.
- Osteoporosis: More than half of adults over age 50 suffer from osteoporosis. It is more likely to take place in females than males.
How to Keep Endocrine System Healthy?
The endocrine system requires similar things the body requires for being healthy. A person must exercise, consume right and visit a doctor regularly. If a person has a family history of diabetes, thyroid disorders or PCOS, discuss with a provider. Managing these conditions may assist him or her to avoid a hormone imbalance. This imbalance may cause various health problems.
When to Call a Doctor?
Some signs may indicate a serious health condition like diabetes. Call a provider if a person has:
- Intense thirst, even after a person had plenty of water.
- Nausea or stomach pain that doesn’t get away.
- The urge to urinate (pee) a lot.
- Too much sweating.
- Sudden incidents of rapid heart hearts or raised blood pressure
- Developmental or growth delays.
- Unexpected weight loss or unexplained weight gain.
- Serious fatigue or weakness.
Endocrine problems are common. They may occur even when one step in the process doesn’t function as it is supposed to. If a person experiences an endocrine disorder, consultation with a specialist (endocrinologist) is a must. He or she would effectively diagnose and help treat the condition.
FAQs:
Which is not an endocrine gland?
There is another type of gland (an exocrine gland). These include sweat glands and lymph nodes. They do not produce hormones and release their product via a duct. The adrenal glands are small structures adhering to the top of each kidney.
Which is the smallest endocrine gland?
The pineal gland is the smallest endocrine gland. The pineal gland is present in the roof of the third ventricle. And its shape is similar to the small pine cone.
How does the endocrine system influence a person’s daily life?
The hormones in your endocrine system regulate all the processes in your body. These chemicals assist in coordinating the body’s functions. They may range from metabolism to growth and development, sexual function, emotions, mood, and even sleep.
What would occur without the endocrine system?
Without your endocrine glands and the hormones, they release. The cells wouldn’t identify when to do important things. For example, your bones fail to get the message to grow and get bigger. Endocrine system makes hormones vital for growth. Also, it helps you stay alert and full of energy.
References:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21201-endocrine-system
- https://www.healthline.com/health/the-endocrine-system
Last Updated on by Dr. Damanjit Duggal
Endocrine disruptors
Almost 20 years after the Community strategy for endocrine disruptors this issue remains a global challenge and a source of concern for many EU citizens.
Significant progress has been achieved over the past two decades and the EU is today recognised as one of the global leaders in dealing with these chemicals.
Yet, it is important to step up the EU’s efforts.
The Commission remains committed to protecting EU citizens and the environment from endocrine disruptors.
The communication Towards a comprehensive European Union framework on endocrine disruptors outlines the European Commission’s strategic approach to deal with these substances in the future and announces a number of concrete actions to be implemented across policy areas.
The European Commission is also committed to stepping up the implementation of existing policies on endocrine disruptors.
Next Steps
Fitness Check
The European Commission will take a cross-cutting look at the approach to endocrine disruptors’ assessment and management in a broad range of legislation.
The goal is to analyse the coherence of the different approaches to this topic, identify possible gaps and synergies and assess their collective impact on human health and the environment.
General information on the Fitness check activities can be found in the following documents:
Consultation strategy
- Roadmap of the Commission’s approach to the Fitness Check
The Fitness Check includes two public consultations, notably a public consultation (designed from a citizen’s perspective) and a stakeholder consultation (designed for stakeholders and experts):
- Public consultation (closing 09/03/2020)
- Stakeholders consultation (closing 31/01/2020)
A Factual Summary Report of the targeted stakeholder consultation can be found here.
In October 2020 the European Commission published:
- Staff Working Document on the Fitness Check on endocrine disruptors
- Executive Summary of the Staff Working Document on the Fitness Check on endocrine disruptors
The European Commission published a chemicals strategy for sustainability on 14 October 2020. It is part of the EU’s zero pollution ambition, which is a key commitment of the European Green Deal.
Annual Forum
The European Commission will organise a forum on endocrine disruptors on an annual basis.
In 2021, the third annual forum was held in the afternoons of 21 and 22 September 2021 (from 14h40 to 18h00).
In 2020, the second annual forum was held on 17-18 December. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event took place virtually via webstream.
The first annual forum was held on 8 November 2019.
- Programme
- Video
This forum brought together scientists, policy makers from different EU countries as well as interested parties for an exchange of knowledge, to identify challenges and build cooperation mechanisms.
The first meeting of the forum included:
- Presentation of the progress made on the Fitness Check and collection of feedback
- Presentation of projects funded in the framework of Horizon 2020
- Presentation of ongoing work performed at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) regarding test methods informing about substances with (possible) endocrine disruptor properties
- A stakeholder discussion on their experience with the current regulatory situation on endocrine disruptors and a discussion on in the inclusion of endocrine disruptors in the international system of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS).
- Presentation of the initiatives of some EU countries
Initiatives and activities
Actions by area
- chemicals strategy, ECHA agency and REACH regulation
- cosmetics
- environment
- pesticides and biocides
- water quality
- human biomonitoring initiative
- medical devices
Support for research
In the past decades, science on endocrine disruption has advanced significantly and progress has been reported in scientific publications by the European Commission and by EU agencies, namely the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Advance has also been made in the context of activities co-ordinated by the European Commission. Since 1999, the European Union’s Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development have allowed to fund over 50 relevant projects for an amount of over €150 million from the EU.
These projects have improved our understanding of the endocrine mechanism of action, the identification of adverse effects on human health and wildlife from exposure to endocrine disruptors, and the development of tools for identification of endocrine disruptors and exposure assessment.
The Commission allocated further €50 million under Horizon 2020, allowing the funding of eight projects on new testing methods for endocrine disruptors.
In addition to research funded under Horizon 2020, a special effort was made in recent years to further improve the availability of test guidelines for identification of endocrine disruptors and address the testing weaknesses identified at EU and international level, under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
- EU Research on Endocrine Disruptors
However, knowledge gaps still exist and reliable testing is necessary to identify endocrine disruptors. Therefore, it’s very important to continue supporting the establishment of a thorough research basis for effective policy-making.
Up-to-date scientific evidence
In its future framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe, the Commission will continue to ensure the necessary support to research on protecting citizens and environment from exposure to harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, building on the work under the current framework programme Horizon 2020.
Several proposed research areas across Horizon Europe are very relevant to endocrine disruptors, including:
- further development of hazard assessment, risk assessment and management of chemicals
- elimination of substances of concern in the production and end-of-life phases & support to the development of safe substitutes
- research on eco-innovation to prevent environmental pollution from hazardous substances and chemicals of emerging concern
International Cooperation
The European Commission actively cooperates with several institutions and countries and will step up its support to relevant international organisations, notably to:
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
World Health Organisation
Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)
United Nations Environment Programme
World Trade Organisation
- United States, Canada, Japan and recently also China, among others. While having different approaches on how to deal with endocrine disruptors, all partners agree on the importance of addressing the matter as a priority
The European Commission will also explore possibilities for the inclusion of endocrine disruptors in the existing international system for classification of chemicals.
The national authorities of Belgium, Denmark, France, The Netherlands and Sweden have launched on 2 June 2020 the website Endocrine Disruptors Lists*.
*The content of this website is under the sole responsibility of the national authorities managing it and does not necessarily represent a view of the Commission
Endocrinology in Moscow VAO Golyanovo
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The endocrine system of the human body is the main regulatory system of the body. Endocrine glands are actively involved in metabolic processes, because of this, hemostasis is maintained. If even one endocrine gland is damaged, a large number of functional changes begin to occur in all body systems.
Endocrinology in Moscow (VAO), Golyanovo district is located in the multidisciplinary medical center “Nadezhda”. The endocrinologist conducts reception daily and seven days a week. Registration is carried out online through the website or by phone number on the website.
Prices for endocrinology
Service | Price |
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Initial appointment with an endocrinologist | |
Insulin therapy (scheme selection) | 1200 r. |
Measurement of anthropometric data | 350 rub. |
One of the main signs of an endocrine system disorder is a metabolic disorder. With this symptom of endocrine disease, a change in body weight occurs. Body weight with such a disease begins to increase. But there is also a reverse process with body weight, weight loss occurs, even if the diet of food consumed does not change. This process occurs most often due to diabetes mellitus or thyrotoxicosis.
Clinical endocrinology
Diseases and disorders in endocrinology
Diseases | Diagnosis and treatment |
Type I and II diabetes mellitus |
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Thyroid diseases:
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Diseases of the pituitary and adrenal glands:
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Obesity |
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Endocrinological diseases:
- Sugar Diabetes
- Diabetes School
- Thyroid
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Adrenal disorders
- Hyperprolactinemia
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Endocrine Prevention Week
Publication date: . Category: News.
On May 22, Endocrine Disease Prevention Week started (in honor of World Thyroid Day on May 25).
Regulating the activity of the entire human body through hormones that are released into the blood or into neighboring cells, and there is the endocrine system.
Failure of this system is mainly observed in pathological changes in the thyroid and pancreas. Other endocrine diseases are much less common.
The thyroid gland, or as it is most often called by the people – the thyroid gland. This organ is responsible for the production of iodine-containing hormones that are involved in metabolism. Failure of the thyroid gland, in the case of an increase in its functional role, leads to an increase in its size, palpitations, exhaustion, and the appearance of psycho-emotional instability. A decrease in the efficiency of the thyroid gland leads to its decrease in size, in such patients there is a slowdown in heart rate, obesity, constipation, dry skin, and a decrease in excitability.
The adrenal glands owe their name to their location, namely, on the upper poles of both kidneys. They are small and have a pyramidal shape. The adrenal glands are able to provoke premature puberty with their increased functionality. In the case of a decrease in the functionality of the adrenal cortex, the condition will lead to Addison’s disease. The development of this pathology contributes to the general depletion of the body, severe hypotension, and a decrease in blood glucose. Against this background, immunity is greatly weakened. With increased functionality, hypertension develops.
The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen, between the spleen and the duodenum, and is between twelve and thirty centimeters long. It is a secretory organ of dual action, and therefore secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum and into the bloodstream – hormones.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Diseases that develop against the background of disorders of the endocrine system have two main vectors:
- Increased hormonal levels – hyperfunction
- Lack of hormone production – hypofunction.
The symptoms of endocrine disorders vary from patient to patient. Much depends on the causal relationships of the disease. But, there is a certain general pattern of complaints. First of all, the patient pays attention to a fairly rapid weight gain, and uncontrolled, or vice versa, its sharp decrease. Disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system, for no apparent reason, can also indicate a malfunction in the endocrine system. Sharp excitability and uncontrollable irritability. Excessive sweating, disruption of the sebaceous glands. Hyperthermia (37.2), increased blood pressure. Decreased memory and vision.
In order to establish an accurate diagnosis, the specialist will prescribe the following general mandatory examinations:
- Hormone test;
- Blood sugar test;
- ultrasound.
Prevention of diseases of the endocrine system
The main principle of the prevention of endocrine diseases is a healthy lifestyle:
- a conscious rejection of harmful habits that destroy the body, such as smoking and alcohol, will be correct;
- adherence to diet, rest and sleep will also have a positive effect on the state of the body;
- avoid any kind of radiation, and if professional activity is associated with them, then, if possible, change jobs.