How does the endocrine system regulate bodily functions. What are the major glands in the human body and their roles. Why is hormonal balance crucial for overall health. How do endocrine disorders impact daily life.

The Endocrine System: An Overview of Hormonal Regulation

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream. These chemical messengers play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, from metabolism and growth to mood and reproduction. Understanding the intricate workings of this system is essential for comprehending how our bodies maintain homeostasis and respond to internal and external stimuli.

The endocrine system consists of several major glands, including:

• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary gland
• Pineal gland
• Thyroid gland
• Parathyroid glands
• Thymus
• Adrenal glands
• Pancreas
• Ovaries (in females)
• Testes (in males)

Each of these glands produces specific hormones that target various organs and tissues throughout the body. The precise balance of these hormones is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being.

The Pituitary Gland: The Master Controller of Hormonal Balance

Often referred to as the “master gland,” the pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating the endocrine system. Located at the base of the brain, this small but powerful gland produces and releases several important hormones that influence various bodily functions.

Some of the key hormones produced by the pituitary gland include:

• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin: Regulates blood pressure and body water balance
• Growth hormone: Stimulates growth and cell reproduction
• Prolactin: Promotes milk production in lactating mothers
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Regulates the production of thyroid hormones
• Luteinizing hormone (LH): Manages estrogen in females and testosterone in males

The pituitary gland works in close conjunction with the hypothalamus, which acts as a link between the endocrine and nervous systems. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland, instructing it to start or stop hormone production based on the body’s needs.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands: Regulators of Metabolism and Bone Health

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and growth. Thyroid hormones affect nearly every cell in the body, influencing energy production, heart rate, and body temperature.

Thyroid disorders can lead to significant health issues. For instance:

• Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, it can result in fatigue, weight gain, and slowed metabolism.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and increased metabolism.

The parathyroid glands, four small glands located behind the thyroid, regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. These minerals are essential for maintaining strong bones and proper nerve and muscle function.

Adrenal Glands: The Body’s Stress Response System

The adrenal glands, situated atop the kidneys, produce hormones that help the body respond to stress and regulate various metabolic processes. These glands secrete adrenaline (epinephrine) and corticosteroids, which influence:

• Metabolism
• Heart rate
• Oxygen consumption
• Blood flow
• Sexual function

The “fight or flight” response is primarily mediated by adrenaline, which prepares the body to react quickly in stressful situations. Chronic stress can lead to prolonged activation of the adrenal glands, potentially resulting in various health issues.

The Pancreas: Balancing Blood Sugar and Digestion

The pancreas is a unique organ that serves both endocrine and exocrine functions. As part of the endocrine system, it produces crucial hormones that regulate blood sugar levels:

• Insulin: Lowers blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake by cells
• Glucagon: Raises blood sugar by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose

The delicate balance between insulin and glucagon is essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Disruptions in this balance can lead to conditions such as diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronically elevated blood sugar levels.

In addition to its endocrine functions, the pancreas also produces digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food in the small intestine.

Reproductive Glands: Orchestrating Sexual Development and Function

The ovaries in females and testes in males are vital components of the endocrine system, responsible for producing sex hormones that regulate sexual development, fertility, and reproductive function.

In females, the ovaries produce:

• Estrogen: Regulates the menstrual cycle and supports female secondary sexual characteristics
• Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports early pregnancy

In males, the testes produce:

• Testosterone: Promotes male secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production

These hormones play crucial roles in puberty, fertility, and overall reproductive health.

Hormonal Imbalances: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. These imbalances can result from various factors, including:

• Stress
• Certain medications
• Endocrine disorders
• Tumors (benign or malignant) affecting endocrine glands
• Environmental factors
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances can vary widely depending on which hormones are affected. Common signs include:

• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Skin problems
• Irregular menstrual cycles in women
• Decreased libido

Diagnosing hormonal imbalances typically involves blood tests to measure hormone levels. Treatment options may include:

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Medications to regulate specific hormones
• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management)
• Surgery (in cases of tumors affecting endocrine glands)

It’s essential to consult with an endocrinologist or healthcare provider if you suspect a hormonal imbalance, as proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.

The Endocrine System and Aging: Navigating Hormonal Changes Over Time

As we age, the endocrine system undergoes various changes that can impact hormone production and regulation. Understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining health and addressing age-related hormonal imbalances.

Age-Related Hormonal Changes

Some common age-related hormonal changes include:

• Decreased growth hormone production
• Reduced thyroid function
• Decline in sex hormone levels (estrogen in women, testosterone in men)
• Changes in insulin sensitivity

These changes can contribute to various age-related health issues, such as:

• Loss of muscle mass and bone density
• Increased body fat
• Reduced energy levels
• Changes in sexual function
• Increased risk of certain diseases (e.g., osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes)

Managing Age-Related Hormonal Changes

While some hormonal changes are a natural part of aging, there are steps individuals can take to support endocrine health and mitigate the effects of these changes:

1. Regular exercise, including both cardiovascular and strength training
2. Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
3. Getting adequate sleep and managing stress
4. Regular health check-ups and hormone level monitoring
5. Discussing hormone replacement therapy options with a healthcare provider when appropriate

By proactively addressing age-related hormonal changes, individuals can help maintain their overall health and quality of life as they age.

Endocrine Disruptors: Environmental Factors Affecting Hormonal Balance

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. These compounds can mimic, block, or alter the production and action of hormones, potentially leading to various health issues.

Common Sources of Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors can be found in various everyday products and environmental sources, including:

• Plastics (e.g., bisphenol A or BPA)
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Industrial chemicals
• Some personal care products
• Certain food additives
• Flame retardants

Potential Health Effects of Endocrine Disruptors

Exposure to endocrine disruptors has been linked to various health concerns, including:

• Reproductive issues and fertility problems
• Developmental abnormalities
• Hormonal cancers (e.g., breast, prostate)
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Metabolic disorders
• Immune system dysfunction

Minimizing Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors

While it’s challenging to completely avoid endocrine disruptors in today’s environment, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure:

1. Choose BPA-free products and avoid plastic food containers when possible
2. Opt for organic produce to reduce pesticide exposure
3. Use natural cleaning products and personal care items
4. Filter drinking water to remove potential contaminants
5. Avoid heating food in plastic containers
6. Read product labels and choose items free from known endocrine-disrupting chemicals

By being aware of potential sources of endocrine disruptors and taking steps to minimize exposure, individuals can help protect their endocrine health and overall well-being.

The Future of Endocrine Research: Emerging Therapies and Personalized Medicine

As our understanding of the endocrine system continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new approaches to diagnosing, treating, and managing endocrine disorders. These advancements hold promise for more effective and personalized care in the future.

Emerging Therapies in Endocrinology

Some exciting areas of research in endocrinology include:

• Gene therapy for endocrine disorders
• Stem cell-based treatments for diabetes and other hormonal imbalances
• Novel drug delivery systems for more precise hormone replacement
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for predicting and managing endocrine disorders
• Bioengineered hormones with improved efficacy and fewer side effects

Personalized Medicine in Endocrinology

The concept of personalized medicine is particularly relevant in endocrinology, as hormonal imbalances can manifest differently in each individual. Future approaches may include:

• Genetic testing to identify predispositions to endocrine disorders
• Customized hormone replacement therapies based on individual genetic profiles
• Wearable devices for continuous hormone monitoring and real-time adjustments
• Tailored lifestyle interventions based on individual hormonal patterns

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

As research in endocrinology advances, several challenges and ethical considerations must be addressed:

• Ensuring equitable access to new therapies and technologies
• Balancing the benefits of personalized medicine with privacy concerns
• Addressing the potential long-term effects of novel hormone therapies
• Navigating the ethical implications of gene editing for endocrine disorders

The future of endocrine research holds great promise for improving the lives of individuals affected by hormonal imbalances and endocrine disorders. As these advancements continue to unfold, it will be crucial to consider both the potential benefits and the ethical implications of new therapies and approaches.

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:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21201-endocrine-system
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/the-endocrine-system

Last Updated on April 9, 2022 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.

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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

Endocrinological diseases:

• Sugar Diabetes
• Diabetes School
• Thyroid
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Adrenal disorders
• Hyperprolactinemia

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Endocrine Prevention Week

Publication date: May 22, 2023 . 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:

1. Increased hormonal levels – hyperfunction
2. 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.