What are the main functions of the endocrine system. How do endocrine disorders develop. What are common symptoms and diagnostic methods for endocrine conditions. How are various endocrine disorders treated.

The Endocrine System: An Overview of Its Critical Functions

The endocrine system plays a vital role in regulating numerous bodily functions through the secretion of hormones. This complex network of glands and organs works tirelessly to maintain homeostasis and ensure proper growth, development, and metabolism. Understanding the endocrine system’s functions is crucial for recognizing potential disorders and maintaining overall health.

What are the three main functions of the endocrine system?

The endocrine system serves three primary functions:

1. Hormone production and secretion
2. Regulation of physiological processes
3. Maintenance of homeostasis

These functions are interconnected and essential for the body’s proper functioning. Hormones act as chemical messengers, traveling through the bloodstream to target specific cells and tissues. They regulate various processes, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and stress response. By maintaining homeostasis, the endocrine system ensures that the body’s internal environment remains stable despite external changes.

How does the endocrine system differ from the exocrine system?

While both systems involve glands, they differ in their secretion methods:

• Endocrine glands: Release hormones directly into the bloodstream
• Exocrine glands: Secrete substances through ducts to nearby body surfaces

This distinction is crucial for understanding how hormones exert their effects throughout the body. Endocrine hormones can travel to distant target cells, leading to widespread and long-lasting effects.

Common Endocrine Disorders: Causes and Manifestations

Endocrine disorders arise when the delicate balance of hormone production and regulation is disrupted. These conditions can have far-reaching effects on the body due to the endocrine system’s influence on various physiological processes.

What are some common types of endocrine disorders?

Several endocrine disorders can affect individuals across different age groups and genders. Some of the most prevalent include:

• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Thyroid disorders (Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism)
• Adrenal disorders (Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome)
• Reproductive disorders (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hypogonadism)
• Pituitary disorders (Prolactinoma and Acromegaly)

Each of these disorders has unique characteristics and symptoms, often affecting multiple body systems due to the wide-ranging influence of hormones.

What causes endocrine disorders to develop?

Endocrine disorders can arise from various factors, including:

1. Hormone imbalances (overproduction or underproduction)
2. Genetic predisposition
3. Autoimmune conditions
4. Tumors or nodules in endocrine glands
5. Environmental factors and toxins
6. Injuries to endocrine glands
7. Infections

Often, a combination of these factors contributes to the development of an endocrine disorder. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Recognizing the Signs: Common Symptoms of Endocrine Disorders

Identifying endocrine disorders can be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms that may manifest. However, certain signs are commonly associated with hormonal imbalances and endocrine dysfunction.

What are the most frequent symptoms of endocrine disorders?

While symptoms can vary depending on the specific disorder and affected glands, some common signs include:

• Unexplained weight changes (gain or loss)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Mood swings and irritability
• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
• Alterations in blood glucose levels
• Skin changes (e.g., dryness, excessive sweating)
• Sleep disturbances
• Fluctuations in body temperature
• Changes in appetite
• Reproductive issues (e.g., infertility, irregular menstrual cycles)

It’s important to note that these symptoms can be associated with various other health conditions. Therefore, proper medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Can endocrine disorders affect mental health?

Yes, endocrine disorders can significantly impact mental health. Hormonal imbalances can lead to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Cognitive difficulties
• Mood swings
• Changes in energy levels and motivation

The intricate connection between the endocrine system and the nervous system means that hormonal disruptions can have profound effects on mental well-being. This highlights the importance of considering endocrine function when addressing mental health concerns.

Diagnostic Approaches: Identifying Endocrine Disorders

Diagnosing endocrine disorders requires a comprehensive approach, combining clinical assessment, patient history, and specialized testing. The complex nature of the endocrine system necessitates thorough evaluation to pinpoint the underlying cause of symptoms.

What diagnostic methods are used to identify endocrine disorders?

Endocrinologists and healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools and techniques, including:

1. Blood tests: Measure hormone levels and other relevant markers
2. Urine tests: Assess hormone metabolites and other indicators
3. Imaging studies:
   • Ultrasound
   • CT scans
   • MRI scans
   • PET scans
4. Genetic testing: Identify inherited endocrine disorders
5. Stimulation or suppression tests: Evaluate gland function
6. Biopsy: Examine tissue samples from endocrine glands

The choice of diagnostic methods depends on the suspected disorder, patient symptoms, and other clinical factors. Often, a combination of these tests is necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis.

Why is early diagnosis of endocrine disorders important?

Early diagnosis of endocrine disorders is crucial for several reasons:

• Prevents complications: Many endocrine disorders can lead to serious health issues if left untreated
• Improves treatment outcomes: Early intervention often results in better management and prognosis
• Enhances quality of life: Prompt treatment can alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being
• Reduces healthcare costs: Early detection and management can prevent the need for more intensive and expensive treatments later

Recognizing the signs and seeking medical attention promptly can make a significant difference in the course of an endocrine disorder.

Treatment Strategies for Endocrine Disorders

The treatment of endocrine disorders aims to restore hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms. Approaches vary depending on the specific condition, its severity, and individual patient factors.

What are the main treatment options for endocrine disorders?

Treatment strategies for endocrine disorders may include:

1. Hormone replacement therapy: Supplements deficient hormones
2. Medications: Control hormone production or block hormone action
3. Surgery: Remove tumors or dysfunctional glands
4. Radiation therapy: Treat certain types of endocrine tumors
5. Lifestyle modifications: Diet, exercise, and stress management
6. Gene therapy: Emerging treatment for certain genetic endocrine disorders

Often, a multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists, surgeons, and other specialists is necessary for optimal management of endocrine disorders.

How effective are current treatments for endocrine disorders?

The effectiveness of treatments for endocrine disorders has improved significantly in recent years. Many conditions can be well-managed with appropriate interventions. However, treatment success depends on various factors:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Timely intervention
• Patient adherence to treatment plans
• Individual response to therapy
• Presence of comorbidities

While some endocrine disorders can be cured, others require ongoing management. Advances in medical research continue to enhance treatment options and outcomes for patients with endocrine conditions.

The Impact of Endocrine Disorders on Quality of Life

Endocrine disorders can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life, influencing physical health, emotional well-being, and social interactions. Understanding these impacts is crucial for comprehensive patient care and support.

How do endocrine disorders affect daily life?

The effects of endocrine disorders on daily life can be far-reaching:

• Physical limitations: Fatigue, weakness, and pain can restrict activities
• Emotional challenges: Mood swings and anxiety may affect relationships
• Cognitive impacts: Some disorders can influence memory and concentration
• Body image issues: Weight changes and physical alterations can affect self-esteem
• Sexual and reproductive concerns: Hormonal imbalances may impact fertility and libido
• Dietary restrictions: Some conditions require specific dietary management
• Medication management: Regular medication schedules can be demanding

These factors underscore the importance of a holistic approach to managing endocrine disorders, addressing both physical and psychosocial aspects of patient care.

What support systems are available for individuals with endocrine disorders?

Various support systems can help individuals cope with endocrine disorders:

1. Medical support: Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers
2. Patient education programs: Enhance understanding and self-management skills
3. Support groups: Connect with others facing similar challenges
4. Mental health services: Address psychological impacts of disorders
5. Nutritional counseling: Guidance on dietary management
6. Occupational therapy: Help with adapting to physical limitations
7. Online resources: Access to information and virtual support communities

Utilizing these support systems can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with endocrine disorders.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Endocrine Medicine

The field of endocrinology is continually evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving our understanding of endocrine disorders and developing more effective treatments. These advancements hold promise for enhancing patient care and outcomes.

What are some current areas of research in endocrinology?

Several exciting areas of research are shaping the future of endocrine medicine:

• Precision medicine: Tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles
• Artificial pancreas technology: Improving diabetes management
• Stem cell therapies: Potential for regenerating damaged endocrine tissues
• Biomarker discovery: Enhancing early detection and monitoring of disorders
• Neuroendocrine interactions: Exploring the complex relationship between the nervous and endocrine systems
• Environmental endocrine disruptors: Investigating the impact of toxins on hormonal health
• Epigenetics: Understanding how environmental factors influence gene expression in endocrine disorders

These research areas hold the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of endocrine disorders in the coming years.

How might future treatments for endocrine disorders differ from current approaches?

Future treatments for endocrine disorders are likely to be characterized by:

1. Increased personalization: Treatments tailored to individual genetic and molecular profiles
2. Non-invasive monitoring: Advanced technologies for continuous hormone level tracking
3. Gene editing techniques: Potential for correcting genetic causes of endocrine disorders
4. Nanotechnology: Targeted drug delivery systems for more effective hormone therapies
5. Artificial intelligence: Enhanced diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning
6. Combination therapies: Synergistic approaches targeting multiple aspects of endocrine function
7. Regenerative medicine: Potential for restoring endocrine gland function

These advancements may lead to more effective, less invasive, and better-tolerated treatments for endocrine disorders, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Endocrine Disorders: Causes & Treatment

There are a wide variety of endocrine disorders, all of which disrupt the production of hormones in the body. 

An endocrine disorder results from the improper function of the endocrine system, which includes the glands that secrete hormones, the receptors that respond to hormones and the organs that are directly impacted by hormones. At any one of these points, dysfunction can occur and cause wide-ranging effects on the body.  

Some of the most common types of endocrine disorders include: 

• Menopause  
• Diabetes  
• Addison’s disease 
• Cushing’s disease 
• Graves’ disease 
• Hashimoto thyroiditis 
• Hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism 
• Prolactinoma 
• Cancers of the endocrine glands  

What Causes an Endocrine Disorder? 

An endocrine disorder is most often the result of a hormone imbalance, a condition characterized by a gland producing too much or too little of a hormone. This imbalance can be caused by: 

Issues with the endocrine’s feedback system—its main job is to keep hormones in the body perfectly balanced but it can malfunction and cause an imbalance 

• A genetic disorder 
• Infection or disease 
• Injury to an endocrine gland 

Endocrine disorders can also occur as a result of nodules or tumors developing in the endocrine system. While it’s rare for an endocrine nodule or lump to be cancerous or spread to another part of the body, it can disrupt the endocrine system’s hormone production. 

What Are the Symptoms of an Endocrine Disorder? 

While each endocrine disorder has its own set of symptoms, some of the most common symptoms found among many of them include: 

• Mood swings 
• Fatigue 
• Weakness 
• Unintended weight fluctuations 
• Changes in blood glucose levels or cholesterol levels 

How Is an Endocrine Disorder Diagnosed? 

Diagnosing an endocrine disorder is a complex process, as the endocrine system is an interconnected structure that regulates many different bodily functions, like growth, metabolism and reproduction.   

If your physician suspects you may have an endocrine disease, you may be referred to an endocrinologist. This specialist will likely order specific testing to confirm a diagnosis, such as: 

• Urinalysis 
• Blood testing 
• Fine needle aspiration 
• Ultrasound 
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan 
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan Positron emission test (PET) scan 

How Is an Endocrine Disorder Treated? 

Tampa General Hospital’s team of skilled endocrinologists and supportive care specialists deliver world-class treatment for endocrine disorders. Treatment varies widely depending on the type of disorder you have, as each one uniquely disrupts the endocrine system. Treatment may involve: 

• Medication to rebalance hormones and treat symptoms 
• Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for patients with cancerous tumors of the endocrine gland 
• Surgery to remove a tumor on a gland that is affecting hormone production 

12.

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• Suzanne Wakim & Mandeep Grewal
• Butte College

Moon Face

The patient in Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) has the characteristic moon face of a disorder named Cushing’s syndrome. Other signs and symptoms of this disorder include abnormal weight gain, acne, and excessive hairiness, among many other abnormalities. What can cause so many different problems in one patient? The answer is the overproduction of the endocrine system hormone cortisol.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): a person with Cushing’s syndrome

Overview of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a system of glands called endocrine glands that release chemical messenger molecules called hormones into the bloodstream. Other glands of the body, including sweat glands and salivary glands, also secrete substances but not into the bloodstream. Instead, they secrete them through ducts that carry them to nearby body surfaces. These other glands are called exocrine glands.

Endocrine hormones must travel through the bloodstream to the cells they affect, and this takes time. Because endocrine hormones are released into the bloodstream, they travel throughout the body wherever blood flows. As a result, endocrine hormones may affect many cells and have body-wide effects. Endocrine hormones may cause effects that last for days, weeks, or even months.

Glands of the Endocrine System

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Pineal gland, hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, Thyroid, Thymus, Pancreas, Adrenal gland, over and testes are part of the endocrine system. Note that the ovary and testis are the only endocrine glands that differ in males and females

The major glands of the endocrine system are shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\). The glands in the figure are described briefly in the rest of this section. Refer to the figure as you read about the glands in the following text.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is controlled by the nervous system via the brain structure called the hypothalamus, to which it is connected by a thin stalk. The pituitary gland consists of two lobes, called the anterior (front) lobe and posterior (back) lobe. The posterior lobe stores and secretes hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus. The anterior lobe synthesizes and secretes its own endocrine hormones, also under the influence of the hypothalamus. One endocrine hormone secreted by the pituitary gland is growth hormone, which stimulates cells throughout the body to synthesize proteins and divide. Most of the other endocrine hormones secreted by the pituitary gland control other endocrine glands. Generally, these hormones direct the other glands to secrete either more or less of their hormones. This is why the pituitary gland is often referred to as the “master gland” of the endocrine system.

Remaining Glands of the Endocrine System

Each of the other glands of the endocrine system is summarized below. Several of these endocrine glands are also discussed in greater detail in other concepts in the present chapter.

• The thyroid gland is a large gland in the neck. Thyroid hormones such as thyroxine increase the rate of metabolism in cells throughout the body. They control how quickly cells use energy and make proteins.
• The four parathyroid glands are located in the neck behind the thyroid gland. The parathyroid hormone helps keep the level of calcium in the blood within a narrow range. It stimulates bone cells to dissolve calcium and release it into the blood.
• The pineal gland is a tiny gland located near the center of the brain. It secretes the hormone melatonin, which controls the sleep-wake cycle and several other processes. The production of melatonin is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. Cells in the retina of the eye detect light and send signals to a structure in the brain named the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Nerve fibers carry the signals from the SCN to the pineal gland via the autonomic nervous system.
• The pancreas is located near the stomach. Its endocrine hormones include insulin and glucagon, which work together to control the level of glucose in the blood. The pancreas also secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
• The two adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. Adrenal glands secrete several different endocrine hormones, including the hormone adrenaline, which is involved in the fight-or-flight response. Other endocrine hormones secreted by the adrenal glands have a variety of functions. For example, the hormone aldosterone helps to regulate the balance of minerals in the body. The hormone cortisol, which causes Cushing’s syndrome when it is produced in excess, is also an adrenal gland hormone.
• The gonads include the ovaries in females and testes in males. They secrete sex hormones, such as testosterone (in males) and estrogen (in females). These hormones control sexual maturation during puberty and the production of gametes (sperm or egg cells) by the gonads after sexual maturation.
• The thymus gland is located in front of the heart. It is the site where immune system cells called T cells mature. T cells are critical to the adaptive immune system, in which the body adapts to specific pathogens.

Endocrine System Disorders

Diseases of the endocrine system are relatively common. An endocrine system disease usually involves the secretion of too much or not enough of a hormone. When too much hormone is secreted, the condition is called hypersecretion. When not enough hormone is secreted, the condition is called hyposecretion.

Hypersecretion

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Martin Van Buren Bates

Hypersecretion by an endocrine gland is often caused by a tumor. For example, a tumor of the pituitary gland can cause hypersecretion of growth hormone. If this occurs in childhood and goes untreated, it results in very long arms and legs and abnormally tall stature by adulthood (see ). This condition is commonly known as gigantism. Martin Van Buren Bates is depicted in Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\) standing next to a man of average size. Bates was a Civil War-era American famed for his incredibly large size. He was at least 7 feet 9 inches tall and weighed close to 500 pounds. He was normal in size at birth but started to grow very rapidly by about age 6 years, presumably because of the hypersecretion of growth hormone.

Hyposecretion

Hyposecretion by an endocrine gland is often caused by the destruction of the hormone-secreting cells of the gland. As a result, not enough of the hormone is secreted. An example of this is type 1 diabetes, in which the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys cells of the pancreas that secrete insulin. This type of diabetes is generally treated with frequent injections of insulin.

Hormone Insensitivity

In some cases, an endocrine gland secretes a normal amount of hormone, but target cells do not respond normally to it. This may occur because target cells have become resistant to the hormone. An example of this type of endocrine disorder is Androgen Insensitivity Disorder. Individuals with this disorder are born with an X and Y chromosome but develop and raised as females. This is due to a mutation in the Androgen Receptor (AR) gene which is located on the X chromosome. Testosterone is an androgen hormone that causes testes to descend and typical male characteristics to develop. People with this form of the condition have the external sex characteristics of females but do not have a uterus and therefore do not menstruate and are unable to conceive a child (infertile). They are typically raised as females and have a female gender identity. Affected individuals have male internal sex organs (testes) that are undescended, which means they are located in the pelvis or abdomen.

Review

1. What is the endocrine system? What is its general function?
2. Compare and contrast endocrine and exocrine glands.
3. How do endocrine system messages differ from those of the nervous system?
4. Describe the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system.
5. List three endocrine glands other than the pituitary gland, and identify their functions.
6. Which endocrine gland has an important function in the immune system? What is that function?
7. Define hypersecretion and hyposecretion.
8. Name an endocrine disorder in which too much of a hormone is produced.
9. What are two reasons people with diabetes might have signs and symptoms of inadequate insulin?
10. Choose one. Cushing’s syndrome is an example of (hyposecretion/hypersecretion).
11. True or False. The hypothalamus is the master gland of the endocrine system.
12. True or False. Mammary glands that produce milk for offspring are part of the endocrine system.
13. Melatonin is produced by the:
    1. A. Pituitary gland
    2. B. Hypothalamus
    3. C. Pineal gland
    4. D. Pancreas
14. Besides location, what is the main difference between the anterior lobe of the pituitary and the posterior lobe of the pituitary?
15. Which endocrine glands differ between males and females? Which hormones do they produce?

Explore More

https://bio.libretexts.org/link?16789#Explore_More

Most people want to live a long, healthy life. Geneticist Cynthia Kenyon’s research suggests that endocrine hormones may be a key to human longevity. Watch this fascinating TED talk to learn how.

Emily Quinn is an artist and activist. In this video, she talks about the hardship that she experienced while growing up as an individual with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.

Attributions

1. Cushing’s face by Ozlem Celik, Mutlu Niyazoglu, Hikmet Soylu and Pinar Kadioglu CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
2. Endocrine glands by Mariana Ruiz Villarreal CC BY-NC 3. 0 via CK-12 Foundation
3. Martin Van Buren Bates by Magnus Manske; public domain via Wikimedia Commons
4. Text adapted from Human Biology by CK-12 licensed CC BY-NC 3.0

This page titled 12.2: Introduction to the Endocrine System is shared under a CK-12 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Suzanne Wakim & Mandeep Grewal via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.

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Endocrinology – Healthy family

Endocrinology is a branch of medicine that studies the structure, functions and diseases of the internal secretion organs:

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

All of these organs produce hormones and release them directly into the bloodstream. In case of violation of the production of hormones (hypo- or hyperfunction), various endocrine diseases develop, often leading to disability of the patient.

Reasons to visit an endocrinologist may be:

• Chilliness;
• Drowsiness;
• Hair loss, brittle nails;
• Decreased exercise tolerance;
• Feeling of “lump in throat”;
• Weight gain;
• Sharp fluctuation in blood pressure;
• Rapid heartbeat;
• Sleep disorder;
• Excessive sweating;
• Menstrual disorders;
• Violations of potency;
• Decreased fertility;
• Increased hair growth on arms and legs;
• Thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, skin itching, unexplained weight loss.

Our medical center provides:

• Endocrinologist’s consultation, clinical examination;
• Ultrasound diagnostics;
• Examination of the hormonal background, including in gynecological diseases;
• Diagnosis of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism;
• Selection of treatment for diabetes mellitus type I and II;
• Prevention of complications of diabetes mellitus;
• Identification of the initial stage of development of complications of diabetes mellitus;
• Treatment of complications of diabetes mellitus;
• Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland;
• Treatment of climacteric syndrome, infertility;
• Diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disorders in ovarian dysfunction;
• Puncture of nodes and cysts of the thyroid gland and breast under ultrasound control;
• Puncture of lymph nodes (performed under ultrasound control by an oncologist).

Diseases of the endocrine system very often in the initial stages do not give any clinical manifestations, the so-called “latent current”, so a person, experiencing some kind of discomfort, does not know where to turn. Therefore, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist, who will help to establish a diagnosis and choose an adequate treatment. Timely diagnosis of the disease and individually selected therapy will prevent the development of various complications, improve the patient’s health

Pediatric endocrinology is a branch of science that studies the functions and structure of the endocrine glands in children and adolescents, the formation and effect of hormones on the child’s body, as well as the treatment of diseases associated with endocrine system disorders.

Pediatric endocrinologist is a highly specialized doctor engaged in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, taking into account the age-related characteristics of diseases associated with disorders and pathologies of the child and adolescent endocrine system.

Reasons to visit a pediatric endocrinologist may be:

• Overweight, including at birth, obesity or underweight of the child;
• Disorders of growth, development of the child;
• Presence of endocrine pathologies in close relatives;
• Dry skin, itching, swelling;
• Night sleep disorder;
• Fatigue, drowsiness, irritability;
• Impairment of intellectual abilities;
• Delay, disorders of sexual development;
• Thyroid enlargement;
• Sensation of constant thirst;
• Frequent urination;
• Already identified endocrine diseases that require constant monitoring.

Parents often try to explain such symptoms by beriberi, colds, bad mood and stress at school. But children’s endocrinologists of our medical center recommend not making a diagnosis on their own, but making an appointment with a specialist and stopping the development of the disease in time.

We provide the following services:

• Primary appointment with a pediatric endocrinologist, consultation;
• Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders in children and adolescents;
• Thyroid ultrasound;
• Palpation of the thyroid gland;
• Functional tests;
• Diagnosis and treatment of endocrine causes of growth disorders, weight development in children and adolescents;
• Diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 and type 2 diabetes;
• Treatment of disorders of the reproductive system of adolescents;
• Treatment of pathology of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland.

Pediatric endocrinologists urge parents of teenagers who are in puberty to be alert to all “suspicious” symptoms that may occur in a child during this period: mood swings, refusal of food (anorexia in girls), weight gain, fluctuations pressure, etc.

Doctors of the m/c “Healthy Family” will help you find the real cause of your child’s endocrine disorders, identify the pathology and competently prescribe treatment, taking into account all the individual characteristics of the baby or teenager.

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The influence of physical activity on the athlete’s body. Hormones and exercise.

Hormones play an extremely important role in the functioning of the human body. These substances stimulate the work of certain cells and body systems. Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands and certain tissues.

Of the wide range of hormones, anabolic and catabolic hormones are of particular importance. Catabolism is the process of metabolic breakdown of cells and tissues, as well as the decomposition of complex structures with the release of energy in the form of heat or in the form of adenosine triphosphate. Catabolic processes provide the release of a large amount of energy.

Anabolic processes are the opposite of catabolic ones. Anabolic processes mean the processes of creating cells and tissues, as well as substances necessary for the body to work. The course of regenerative processes and anabolism of muscle tissue largely depend on the level of growth hormone, insulin and testosterone in blood plasma.

Physical activity significantly increases the concentration of many hormones in the blood plasma, and not only directly at the time of exercise. From the beginning of the exercise (eg, near maximum power), during the first 4-10 minutes, the concentration of various hormones and metabolic products changes spontaneously. So with the beginning of the exercise, the concentration of lactic acid in the blood increases. And the concentration of glucose begins to change inversely with the concentration of lactic acid. With an increase in the load time, the level of somatotropin in the blood increases.

Other studies have shown that in older people (65-75 years old) after exercising on an exercise bike, testosterone levels increased by 40%. Gerontologists believe that it is the maintenance of normal testosterone levels that provides a vigorous, energetic state in old age and, probably, increases life expectancy.

The secretion of hormones and their entry into the blood during exercise can be represented as a cascade of reactions. Physical stress, like stress, provokes the release of liberins in the brain structures, which, in turn, trigger the production of tropins by the pituitary gland. Through the blood, tropins penetrate into the endocrine glands, where the secretion of hormones takes place.

Catabolism is due to the presence in the blood of many factors involved in the release of energy. One of these factors is cortisol . This hormone helps with stress. However, too high a level of cortisol is undesirable: the splitting of muscle cells begins, the delivery of amino acids to them is disrupted. It is quite clear that under such conditions, when proteins enter the body, they will not be able to take part in anabolism, but will either be intensively excreted in the urine or converted by the liver into glucose. Another negative role of cortisol is manifested in its effect on sugar metabolism during the rest period after exercise, when the athlete wants to quickly restore strength. Cortisol inhibits the accumulation of glycogen in muscle tissue. Alas, cortisol is produced in the human body during hard training. Intense workouts, high physical activity – it’s all stress. Cortisol plays one of the main roles in stress.

You can eliminate the catabolic effect of cortisol with the use of anabolic steroids. But this method is extremely unhealthy. Side effects are so dangerous that the athlete should find other effective anabolics that are legal and do not cause side effects. Getting a large amount of saccharides by the body as a result of the anabolic activity of insulin also favors rapid recovery. It turned out that in this case, too, the effect is achieved by inhibiting the activity of cortisol. The concentration of insulin is inversely proportional to the concentration of cortisol in the blood. Insulin is a polypeptide hormone and is essential in interconnecting energy supply pathways. Insulin anabolism affects muscle, adipose tissue and the liver. Insulin stimulates the formation of glycogen, aliphatic acids and proteins. Insulin also speeds up glycolysis.

The very mechanism of insulin anabolism is to accelerate the entry of glucose and free amino acids into cells. However, the processes of glycogen formation, activated by insulin, provoke a decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood (the main symptom of hypoglycemia). Insulin slows down catabolism in the body, incl. breakdown of glycogen and neutral fat. Acceleration of anabolism in the body, which is what most bodybuilders want, is possible without the use of doping agents such as anabolic steroids.

One of the most important agents that activate protein production is prohormone – somatomedin C. Experts say that the formation of this substance is stimulated by somatotropin and is carried out in the liver and muscle tissue. The production of somatomedin C to a certain extent depends on the amount of amino acids received by the body. Hormones with anabolic effect after exercise perform another task. As a result of research, it was found that muscle fibers are damaged during physical exertion. Under a microscope, on specially prepared samples of muscle tissue, one can see frequent tears and complete ruptures of muscle fibers. There are several factors for such a destructive effect of loading. The first hypotheses of experts were associated with the destructive effect of catabolic hormones. Later, the destructive effect of free oxidizing agents was also substantiated.

The endocrine system controls all types of metabolism and, depending on the situation, can activate the reserve forces of the body. It also controls recovery after heavy physical exercise. Moreover, the reactions of hormonal systems differ greatly in accordance with the degree of load (large or moderate power).

With a moderate power load and a long workout, growth hormone and cortisol levels increase, insulin levels fall, and triiodothyronine levels increase.

A high power load is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of growth hormone, cortisol, insulin and T3. Growth hormone and cortisol determine the development of special performance, and therefore an increase in their concentration during different training cycles is accompanied by an improvement in the sports performance of an athlete.

As a result of many studies, specialists have found that professional long-distance runners in a calm state have low or normal concentrations of growth hormone. However, during a marathon race, the level of growth hormone in the blood increases greatly, which ensures high performance for a long time. Growth hormone (somatotropin) is a hormone responsible for anabolism in the body (growth, development, weight gain in the body and various organs). In the body of an adult, the effect of growth hormone on growth functions is largely lost, but on anabolic functions (protein formation, sugar and fat metabolism) remains. This is the reason for the prohibition of somatotropic hormone as doping.

Another important adaptation hormone is cortisol, which is responsible for sugar and protein metabolism. Cortisol controls performance through a catabolic process that supplies the liver with glycogen and ketogenic amino acids. Together with the catabolic process (stopping the production of protein in the lymphoid and connective tissues), the concentration of glucose in the athlete’s blood plasma is maintained at a sufficient level. This hormone is also banned as doping. Insulin controls the concentration of glucose and its movement through the membranes of muscle and other cells. The level of insulin is normal – 5-20 mcd / ml. Lack of insulin reduces performance due to a decrease in the amount of glucose delivered to cells.

Insulin secretion is stimulated during high-power exercise, which ensures high permeability of cell membranes for glucose (glycolysis is stimulated). Efficiency is achieved through saccharide metabolism. With moderate intensity of exercise, insulin levels drop, which leads to a transition from saccharide to lipid metabolism, which is so in demand during prolonged physical activity, when glycogen reserves are partially used up.

Thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine control basal metabolism, oxygen consumption and oxidative phosphorylation. A change in the level of thyroid hormones determines the limit of a person’s working capacity and endurance (an imbalance occurs between oxygen production and phosphorylation, oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria of muscle cells slows down, adenosine triphosphate resynthesis slows down). Studies of ultra-distance runners have shown a link between performance and GH/cortisol levels.

Examination of the endocrine system of a certain athlete allows you to determine his capabilities and readiness to withstand physical activity with the best performance. Another essential aspect of predicting special performance is the ability of the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation.