What are the main components of the endocrine system. How do hormones regulate bodily functions. Which glands play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis. What are the specific functions of each endocrine gland.

The Pituitary Gland: Master Regulator of the Endocrine System

The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small but mighty organ nestled in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. It serves as the command center of the endocrine system, orchestrating the functions of other glands through its hormone production. The pituitary is divided into two main lobes: the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis).

Anterior Pituitary: A Hub of Hormone Production

The anterior pituitary is a bustling factory of hormone production, housing various specialized cells that secrete crucial hormones:

• Somatotropic cells: Produce growth hormone (GH)
• Lactotropic cells: Secrete prolactin (PRL)
• Thyrotropic cells: Release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Gonadotropic cells: Produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Corticotropic cells: Secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

How does the anterior pituitary influence growth and development? Growth hormone stimulates overall body growth and metabolism, while prolactin promotes milk production in lactating mothers. TSH regulates thyroid function, FSH and LH control reproductive processes, and ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol.

Posterior Pituitary: Storage and Release of Neurohormones

The posterior pituitary, unlike its anterior counterpart, doesn’t produce hormones. Instead, it stores and releases two important neurohormones:

• Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone): Regulates water retention in the kidneys
• Oxytocin: Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding

These hormones are produced by neurosecretory neurons in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary for storage and release.

The Pineal Gland: Keeper of Circadian Rhythms

Perched atop the diencephalon, the pineal gland plays a crucial role in regulating our body’s internal clock. This small, pine cone-shaped gland is best known for its production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.

How does the pineal gland respond to light and darkness? The gland’s activity fluctuates throughout the day, with melatonin production increasing in darkness and decreasing in light. This circadian rhythm helps synchronize our bodies with the natural day-night cycle, influencing sleep patterns, mood, and even seasonal behaviors.

The Thyroid Gland: Metabolism’s Master Switch

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located in the neck, is a powerhouse of metabolic regulation. It produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play crucial roles in:

• Regulating basal metabolic rate
• Controlling heart rate and blood pressure
• Influencing growth and development
• Maintaining body temperature

The thyroid gland is composed of follicles filled with colloid, a protein-rich fluid containing thyroglobulin, the precursor to thyroid hormones. Surrounding these follicles are parafollicular cells, which produce calcitonin, a hormone involved in calcium homeostasis.

How does the thyroid gland affect overall health? An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat, while an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Maintaining proper thyroid function is essential for overall well-being and metabolic health.

Parathyroid Glands: Guardians of Calcium Balance

Nestled behind the thyroid gland are four small parathyroid glands, each about the size of a grain of rice. Despite their diminutive size, these glands play a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis in the body.

The parathyroid glands primarily consist of chief cells, which produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH works in concert with calcitonin from the thyroid gland to regulate calcium levels in the blood. When calcium levels drop, PTH is released, triggering several responses:

• Increased calcium absorption in the intestines
• Enhanced calcium reabsorption in the kidneys
• Stimulation of osteoclast activity to release calcium from bones

How do parathyroid glands maintain calcium balance? These glands act as sensitive calcium sensors, constantly monitoring blood calcium levels and adjusting PTH secretion accordingly. This delicate balance is crucial for proper nerve and muscle function, blood clotting, and bone health.

Adrenal Glands: Stress Response and Electrolyte Balance

Perched atop each kidney, the adrenal glands are small but mighty organs that play a vital role in the body’s stress response and electrolyte balance. Each adrenal gland is composed of two distinct regions: the outer cortex and the inner medulla.

Adrenal Cortex: Steroid Hormone Production

The adrenal cortex is divided into three zones, each producing different steroid hormones:

1. Zona glomerulosa: Produces aldosterone, which regulates sodium and potassium balance
2. Zona fasciculata: Secretes cortisol, the primary stress hormone
3. Zona reticularis: Produces small amounts of androgens

How does cortisol affect the body during stress? Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” helps the body respond to stressful situations by:

• Increasing blood glucose levels
• Enhancing metabolism of fats and proteins
• Suppressing the immune system
• Maintaining blood pressure

Adrenal Medulla: Catecholamine Production

The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines, primarily epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These hormones are released during the “fight or flight” response, preparing the body for immediate action by:

• Increasing heart rate and blood pressure
• Dilating airways to improve oxygen intake
• Redirecting blood flow to muscles and vital organs
• Enhancing mental alertness

Endocrine Pancreas: Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

While the pancreas is primarily known for its exocrine function in digestion, it also houses crucial endocrine cells within structures called islets of Langerhans. These islets contain several types of cells, each producing specific hormones:

• Alpha cells: Secrete glucagon
• Beta cells: Produce insulin
• Delta cells: Release somatostatin
• PP cells: Produce pancreatic polypeptide

How do insulin and glucagon work together to regulate blood sugar? Insulin and glucagon act as opposing forces to maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range:

• Insulin: Lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake and storage in cells
• Glucagon: Raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown and glucose production

This delicate balance is crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis and preventing conditions like diabetes.

The Endocrine Functions of the Kidneys

While primarily known for their role in filtering blood and producing urine, the kidneys also serve important endocrine functions. They produce several hormones that play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis:

Renin: Regulator of Blood Pressure

Renin is produced by specialized cells in the kidneys called juxtaglomerular cells. It plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. How does renin influence blood pressure? When blood pressure drops, renin is released, initiating a cascade of events that ultimately leads to:

• Vasoconstriction of blood vessels
• Increased sodium and water retention
• Elevated blood pressure

Erythropoietin: Stimulator of Red Blood Cell Production

Erythropoietin (EPO) is produced by specialized cells in the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. This hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. How does EPO respond to changes in oxygen levels? When oxygen levels drop, EPO production increases, leading to:

• Enhanced red blood cell production
• Improved oxygen delivery to tissues
• Increased exercise capacity and endurance

Calcitriol: Active Form of Vitamin D

The kidneys play a crucial role in activating vitamin D, converting it to its active form, calcitriol. This hormone is essential for calcium homeostasis and bone health. How does calcitriol affect calcium metabolism? Calcitriol works in concert with parathyroid hormone to:

• Enhance calcium absorption in the intestines
• Promote calcium reabsorption in the kidneys
• Stimulate bone mineralization

Gonads: Endocrine Regulators of Reproduction

The gonads – testes in males and ovaries in females – serve dual functions as both gamete-producing organs and endocrine glands. They secrete sex hormones that play crucial roles in reproductive development, sexual characteristics, and fertility.

Testes: Male Reproductive Hormones

The testes produce several important hormones:

• Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone
• Inhibin: Regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production
• Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): Important in male fetal development

How does testosterone influence male development? Testosterone is responsible for:

• Development of male secondary sexual characteristics
• Maintenance of muscle mass and bone density
• Regulation of sperm production
• Influencing libido and sexual function

Ovaries: Female Reproductive Hormones

The ovaries produce several hormones that regulate the female reproductive cycle:

• Estrogen: Primary female sex hormone
• Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for pregnancy
• Inhibin: Regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production

How do estrogen and progesterone work together in the menstrual cycle? These hormones collaborate to:

• Regulate the growth and shedding of the uterine lining
• Control the development and release of eggs
• Prepare the body for potential pregnancy
• Influence secondary sexual characteristics and bone health

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and hormones that work together to maintain homeostasis and regulate various bodily functions. From the pituitary gland’s role as the master regulator to the specific functions of each endocrine organ, this system plays a crucial role in growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. Understanding the intricate workings of the endocrine system is essential for comprehending overall human physiology and addressing various health conditions related to hormonal imbalances.

1. Functional Morphology of the Endocrine System • Functions of Cells and Human Body

Content:

1. Functional morphology of the endocrine system

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Functional morphology of the endocrine system

The endocrine system produces various substances called hormones that participate in coordination and control of many organs in the body. Hormones are specific biological substances secreted by endocrine cells into the intercellular connective tissue spaces and then pass into the bloodstream. Hormones affect distant organs in the body.

The endocrine system includes pituitary gland (hypophysis), pineal gland (epiphysis), thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, endocrine pancreas, kidneys and gonads.

Pituitary gland (Hypophysis)

The hypophysis (pituitary gland) is embedded in sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. The hypophysis composes of adenohypophysis (anterior lobe) and neurohypophysis (posterior lobe) joined together by the infundibulum (stalk).

Adenohypophysis (anterior lobe)

The anterior lobe is divided into pars dorsalis, pars intermedia and pars tuberalis. The pars distalis contains a blood capillary network, chromaffin cells and chromophobe cells. Two types of chromaffin cells can be distinguished – the acidophil cells are stained with eosin and they secrete low molecular weight proteins, and the basophil cells which are stained with hematoxylin and produce glycoproteins.

1 – Chromophobe cell, 2 – Acidophile cells, 3 – Basophils, 4 – Capillary

The acidophil cells are arranged on the periphery of the pars distalis and include somatotropic cells producing somatotropin (growth hormone) and lactotropic cells (PRL cells) producing  luteotrophic hormone (also called prolactin).

The basophil cells are usually larger than acidophil cells and they include thyrotropic cells, gonadotropic cells producing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and corticotropic cells producing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The luteinizing hormone affects the development of corpus luteum and testosterone production by Leydig cells.

Neurohypophysis (posterior lobe)

The posterior lobe contains unmyelinated axons of neurosecretory neurons, pituicytes and fenestrated capillaries. Bodies of the neurosecretory neurons are located in the hypothalamus – specifically in supraoptic nuclei (production of vasopressin which affects collecting ducts in kidneys) and paraventricular nuclei (production of oxytocin stimulating uterine contractions) of the hypothalamus.

Pineal gland (Epiphysis)

The pineal gland is located on the roof of diencephalon. Its surface is covered by capsule which continues to the pia mater. The pineal gland contains pinealocytes producing melatonin and astrocytes. The pineal secretory activity fluctuate during day depending on circadian changes of darkness and light.

Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is composed of two lobes connected by an isthmus. A thin connective tissue capsule surrounds the gland and sends septa extending into the glandular parenchyma. The gland contains follicular cells arranged into the follicles filled with colloid and parafollicular cells containing hormone calcitonin which decreases the blood level of calcium ions.

Parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands contain primarily principal (chief) cells producing the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and also oxyphil cells. The parathyroid hormone controls the blood level of calcium and phosphate ions, stimulates the activity of osteoclasts in bones and affects the process of resorption in kidneys.

Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are organized into two distinct regions – the cortex and the medulla. The cortex contains cells with characteristics typical of steroid-secreting cells which store their secretory products in secretory granules. The cells are arranged into the cellular cords surrounded by sinusoids. They have centrally located spherical nuclei, highly developed sER, mitochondria with tubular cristae and lipid droplets within the cytoplasm. The adrenal cortex is divided into three zones: zona glomerulosa located under the connective tissue capsule – produces aldosterone which affects the absorption of natrium ions in the distal tubules of kidneys. The second zone is zona fasciculata producing glucocorticoids (cortisol) and small amount of androgens. The third zone is called zona reticularis composed of cells with lipofuscin in the cytoplasm. These cells secrete glucocorticoids and androgens.

The medulla is formed by cellular cords and groups of polyhedral cells surrounded by reticular connective tissue. The cells produce biogenic amines – cells contain the secretory granules with catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine).

Endocrine pancreas

The pancreas is composed of exocrine and endocrine part. Exocrine pancreas is described in Chapter 9. Endocrine part is described below.

The endocrine pancreas consists of islets of Langerhans. These islets are formed by spherical cells arranged into cellular cords surrounded by network of fenestrated capillaries. Islets contain a few types of cells:

1) Beta cells –most numerous, generally located in the central portion of the islet, they secrete insulin

2) Alfa cells – located peripherally produce glucagon

3) Delta cells – produce somatostatin (inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion)

4) F-cells – produce pancreatic polypeptide

The islet is in the middle of the picture. The rest of foto is covered by exocrine acini.

Subchapter Author: Martina Šajdíková

Organic India Clean

Shining the Light on the Forgotten System

It’s not usually a topic of conversation around the dinner table or something you’d choose to
read up on, as most people would consider the functioning of the endocrine system to be a
tad dry. Yet, understanding the basics of this vital and fascinating system of the body can
make a huge difference to your life.

Our endocrine glands can impact every area of our health. The endocrine system is made up
of glands that produce and secrete hormones. It is responsible for the hormonal functions
in the body, with the 30 hormones produced each having a very specific job to do. We all
know the impact of whacky hormones, and it’s fair to say, it’s not good!

If one gland’s function is out of balance, it can affect the health of all the others, and
the glands affect the function of the entire body. Not only does the endocrine system work
on the physical realm, but also on the emotional and energetic realms. It is highly beneficial
and empowering to understand how we can nurture our own bodies and support the optimal functioning
of these glands.

With a few simple tricks, you can easily keep your body in tune and enjoy greater happiness
and balance.

A Basic Guide to The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a major, yet sometimes overlooked, component of your body. While it has
many physical functions, such as regulating sleep, heart rate, metabolism, the immune system,
and so much more, it is vital to mental functionality and mood.

The human Endocrine system plays a major role in our health and wellbeing.

Looking at the important gland centres of the body – the hypothalamus, the pituitary, thyroid,
parathyroid, the adrenals, pancreas, pineal gland, ovaries and testes – we begin to understand
why this system is so important. But the liver, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, kidneys,
and the placenta are all also part of the endocrine system. So if you’re feeling a little
down, touchy, or just plain grouchy, perhaps your endocrine system is suffering.

Together, the hypothalamus and the pituitary regulate all processes related to survival in
general, such as hunger, thirst, sexual activity, body temperature, stress, and fight or
flight. The hypothalamus tells the pituitary what to do, and then the pituitary tells the
other endocrine organs what to do. You can imagine it like a control centre with a chain
of command and if anything falls apart in this chain of command, the body’s balance can go
awry. The endocrine organ hormones feed back to the hypothalamus, telling it when to turn
on or off. The hypothalamus is the go-between of the endocrine system, nervous system, and
the immune system. There is a powerful relationship between the endocrine system and the
central nervous system and the two systems are synergistic. Most illness is caused by imbalance
and stress, and we all know that if your nervous system is optimal you will deal with stress
better, and have optimum wellbeing.

The hormone secretions are a language; a dance, that keeps us energetically stable, balanced
and feeling supported. When it is not in equilibrium we feel tired, heavy and unsupported.
Stress plays a big part in destabilising our endocrine function and, consequently, our nervous
system too.

Chinese Medicine and The Endocrine System

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the endocrine system is closely tied to the internal balance
of Yin and Yang energies in the body. Although imbalance between the Yin and Yang energy
is the basis of any human disease, the most important element for endocrine disorder treatment
is centered on the kidney meridian

Meridians are channels of energy that run throughout our bodies.

Western physiology and anatomy limits its description of the kidney to the actual organ itself,
while TCM assigns it major significance with the ‘kidney’ as the home of the ‘ancestral chi’
(inherent constitution) and the root of yin and yang for the entire body. TCM also recognises
the prominent hormone regulating role played by the adrenals, which are two endocrine glands
attached to the superior surface of the kidneys, and just how important they are in the regulation
of the autonomic nervous system.

The kidney meridian is known as the root of life and the reservoir of energy; the seat of
courage and willpower.

The Chakras and The Endocrine System

The ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, saw the spinal energy centres, or chakras, as being the
subtle organs of the soul in establishing dominion over the mind and body. Plato said that
the soul manifested in three forms.

The highest level of soul expression he called the logos, psyche or immortal soul. It’s found
in the eyebrow centre and associated with the endocrine gland, the pituitary and Hypothalamus
or master gland of the endocrine system. He called the middle level of soul expression thymos,
the mortal soul, the aspect that is in charge of the body and its vital expression, and its
associated endocrine gland is the thymus gland. The third or lowest level epithymia

, is concerned with our basic survival instincts and is at the root centre, associated with
the endocrine glands, the adrenals. So embedded in the chakra system is the endocrine glands,
with perhaps the most important endocrine glands – the adrenals – and the base chakra forming
the basic energetic support or foundation for the entire organism.

Hermeticists and other esoteric philosophers noticed that every chakra is linked to an endocrine
gland: the crown chakra with the pineal, the brow centre with the pituitary and hypothalamus,
the throat centre with the thyroid gland, the heart centre with the thymus gland, solar plexus
with pancreas, sacral chakra with the reproductive organs and the base chakra with adrenals.

The chakras are said to correlate with the different glands of the endocrine system.

They then reasoned that the function of the associated endocrine gland must have something to
do with the spiritual, psychological, psychosomatic and physiological functions attributed
to the chakra, or energy center.

Endocrine Disruptors

Stress, infection and inflammation, sleep, exercise and diet – especially minerals and fluid
balance – all have an impact on hormone levels. Synthetic organic chemicals have a negative
impact on the human endocrine system and they place stress on human reproduction, growth
and/or development.

The endocrine disruptors mimic or block hormones and disrupt the way the body normally works
through the functional impairment of the endocrine glands.

Typical symptoms of the endocrine disorders include low immunity, fatigue, weight gain, depression,
digestive issues, hair loss, arthritis, and feeling chilled regardless of the temperature.

Creating Endocrine Balance

The entire endocrine system works together to control the level of hormones circulating throughout
your body, and if one or more hormones are even slightly imbalanced, it can cause widespread
and major health problems.

Healthy, unprocessed fats promote optimal endocrine function.

There are some simple ways we can balance our hormones naturally. Eating healthy fats, like coconut
oil and avocados, go a long way to supporting hormonal balance. Supplementing your diet with
adaptogen herbs – a unique class of healing plants that promote hormone balance, boost immune
function and protect the body from diseases, especially those caused by excess stress – such
as Ashwagandha, medicinal mushrooms, Rhodiola and Holy Basil, can have a powerful effect
on the body. Dairy is a big no-no for taking care of your hormones because dairy contains
numerous natural hormones that weren’t meant to be combined with our own.

Reducing the impact of chemicals on the body, by eating wholesome natural food, and eliminating
toxic kitchen, beauty and body care products go a long way to supporting hormonal health.

Of course, exercise is vital for hormonal balance too. For people with hormonal imbalances,
the key with exercise is to be careful not to overdo it. Reducing stress and ensuring you
get enough sleep are vital to happy hormones. Cortisol, the primary ‘stress hormone’, is
regulated at midnight. So people who go to bed late never truly get a break from their sympathetic
flight/fight stress response.

Balancing Hormones with Yoga

Yoga is one of the best ways to balance the endocrine system. Practices like Yoga Nidra or yogic
sleep, are a great way to control stress and emotion through encouraging the autonomic nervous
system and the digest, rest response which is so nourishing to our entire system. Yogic breathing
supports the hypothalamus and other glands, helping to balance the endocrine system. And
of course, yoga asana (or poses) have a direct action on the endocrine organs, through twists,
inversions and other poses which massage and stimulate the organs such as the kidneys, liver
and pancreas, encouraging hormone production and flow. The chakras and endocrine glands align
and communicate in important ways, and by practising yoga we can support greater hormonal
balance through harmonised chakras.

Yoga asana (poses), pranayama (breathing), and Nidra (sleep) also balance our hormones.

The endocrine network ‘talks’ to the other systems within the body to control everything from
growth and development to how energetic a person feels. It controls the process of hormonal
balance, special chemicals produced, stored, and distributed by glands and organs within
the body.

Many yoga poses stimulate and/or activate certain glands and organs, maintaining hormone
balance and consistent production and distribution. Specific yoga poses include all twists,
rabbit pose, forward bends and shoulder stand.

We can easily improve our health and vitality by taking care of this amazing regulatory system
of the body, the endocrine system. When our hormones are balanced we feel happy and able
to go out into the world and live our purpose with enthusiasm and joy. Our relationships
are improved and life flows.

Source credits: This article originally appeared on
UPLIFT Connect. It was written by Writer, Editor, Yoga Teacher and Healing Facilitator,
Azriel Re’Shel, and
UPLIFT Contributing Writer, Tanja Taljaard. UPLIFT is a global media channel dedicated
to inspiring positive change.

Endocrinology

Endocrinology is a branch of medicine that studies the structure and functioning of the internal secretion organs – the endocrine glands.

Endocrine glands of the body include:

• thyroid gland
• parathyroid gland
• pancreas (islet) gland
• adrenal glands
• testicles in men, ovaries in women
• pituitary
• hypothalamus

Processes such as human growth and development, puberty, metabolism, reproductive function depend on the work of these glands. Any disturbances in their work lead to a change in the functioning of almost all body systems and can cause diseases of many organs.

Diseases of the endocrine system include:

• diabetes mellitus;
• gestational diabetes;
• diseases of the thyroid gland, accompanied by a violation of its function: diffuse toxic goiter, endemic goiter, nodular goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis;
• thyroid cancer;
• obesity;
• disorders of the sex glands in various types of endocrinopathies;
• diseases of the parathyroid glands: hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism;
• diseases of the adrenal glands: pheochromocytoma, aldosteroma;
• diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary system: acromegaly, Itsenko-Cushing’s disease, diabetes insipidus, etc.

Often, disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands are asymptomatic and are accompanied only by changes in laboratory parameters. This, in turn, leads to a later visit to a specialist and, as a result, a worsening of the prognosis of the disease, a decrease in the effectiveness of its treatment.

Which symptoms should alert and require consultation of an endocrinologist:

• weakness, decreased efficiency;
• hair loss;
• deterioration of the skin;
• peeling or brittle nails;
• dry or bitter mouth;
• menstrual disorders;
• constipation;
• extinction of sexual desire;
• weight change (increase or decrease in weight without changing diet and exercise).

If there are endocrinological diseases among blood relatives, the risk of their development increases, which also requires consultation with an endocrinologist.

At the MEDLINE Medical Center, you can always undergo a comprehensive endocrinological examination and, if necessary, start treatment of diseases of the endocrine system in a timely manner.

Diagnostics

At the initial appointment, the doctor will listen to your complaints, conduct a complete examination, measure height, weight, blood pressure, pulse rate. Will determine the need for additional examination: laboratory tests, ultrasound, X-ray studies, etc.

Treatment

The endocrine system has a regulatory effect on many organs and systems of our body. Therefore, the work of an endocrinologist is closely related to such areas of medicine as therapy, cardiology, neurology, urology, ophthalmology, etc.

observation.
Drug therapy, most often involves a long-term, systematic use of drugs. Do not forget that diet therapy and physical activity also play an important role in the recovery process.

You can get paid services of an endocrinologist at the Medline clinic or call a doctor at home.

Endocrinology – Medical Center “Your Doctor”

Endocrinologist – a medical specialist who has received training in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the endocrine system (these are endocrine glands such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, pancreas, ovaries, testicles, etc.). Hormones are secreted by the endocrine system into the bloodstream and regulate the vital processes in the body. All over the world, there has recently been an increase in diseases associated with endocrine disorders.

Endocrine diseases are a class of diseases that result from disorders of one or more endocrine glands. Even the most minor violations in the work of one of the glands leads to serious consequences.

When to contact an endocrinologist?

you often feel weak and tired for no apparent reason;

you have trembling hands or feet;

you have irregular menstrual cycles or menstruation has become excessively heavy or prolonged;

you feel a rapid heartbeat;

you have trouble tolerating heat or cold, or you sweat excessively;

you are overweight or underweight;

your appetite has deteriorated;

you are often depressed for no apparent reason, you have trouble concentrating;

you often suffer from constipation, nausea, sleep disturbances;

pain in the joints or bones;

worsened condition of hair and nails;

you suffer from infertility (male, female) of an unexplained nature.

All these cases are often symptoms of common endocrinological diseases: disorders of thyroid hormone production, excess or lack of calcium in the blood, or other hormonal pathologies.

But the appearance of one or more of the above symptoms may indicate other diseases that are not related to the endocrine system, and, quite possibly, you may need the help of a completely different specialist.

MAIN DISEASES

Diabetes mellitus

Patients with diabetes have an excess of sugar in the blood. In this disease, the production or action of the hormone insulin is impaired. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases in the world. Recent studies have shown that blood sugar control can prevent serious complications of diabetes such as nephropathy, retinopathy, polyneuropathy and avoid blindness, kidney failure, hemodialysis and limb amputations. An endocrinologist treats diabetes with specific dietary guidelines and medications, including insulin. He also works closely with the patient to control blood sugar and prevent and treat complications.

Diseases of the thyroid gland

Patients with thyroid disorders often have problems with their metabolic rate (metabolism). With such diseases, mood is disturbed, weight control is disturbed, the perception of cold and heat changes. An endocrinologist treats diseases associated with excessive (hyperthyroidism) or insufficient (hypothyroidism) production of thyroid hormones. An endocrinologist helps patients achieve hormonal balance by blocking or replacing thyroid hormone function. An endocrinologist also deals with enlarged thyroid problems (diffuse goiter), autoimmune thyroid diseases, and thyroid cancer.

Osteoporosis

An endocrinologist diagnoses conditions of bone softening (osteomalacia, rickets) and reduced bone density (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to a decrease in the strength of your skeleton, which can manifest as bone pain and fractures. Certain body hormones protect bone tissue from destruction. With the appearance of hormonal disorders of mineral metabolism, the bones begin to lose calcium and become brittle. Age-related changes – menopause in women and andropause in men – are risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures. The endocrinologist also treats other causes of osteoporosis, such as overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism) or long-term use of corticosteroids (such as prednisone).

Reproductive dysfunction/infertility

In recent years, unfortunately, the number of couples with infertility has increased. Successful research in endocrinology has helped thousands of families to have children. An endocrinologist identifies and treats hormonal imbalances that can affect reproductive function, and performs hormone replacement therapy. Problems treated by an endocrinologist include perimenopausal and menopausal changes, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, erectile dysfunction.

Overweight and obesity

Sometimes weight problems are the result of hormonal imbalances. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and gonads can cause obesity. In addition to treating obesity, an endocrinologist identifies obesity-related risk factors such as insulin resistance and genetic disorders.

Pituitary

The pituitary is often referred to as the master endocrine organ because it controls the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland produces a large number of important hormones. Disruption of the pituitary gland can cause hormonal imbalance and lead to infertility, menstrual irregularities, growth disorders (acromegaly, gigantism, dwarfism), excessive production of glucocorticoids by the body (Cushing’s disease). The endocrinologist treats these conditions with medication and/or refers to a surgeon.

Height

Both children and adults can have growth hormone (somatotropin) problems. With its insufficient production by the pituitary gland, dwarfism develops in childhood. With a lack of somatotropin in adults, fatigue, lethargy, depression, and disruption of the organs develop. Safe and effective growth hormone replacement therapy is available for these patients. Excess production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland in childhood leads to gigantism, in adulthood to acromegaly. Excessive production of somatotropin affects all organs and tissues – disrupts their work, increases the risk of cancer. Usually, endocrinologists treat acromegaly in conjunction with surgeons.

Arterial hypertension

Arterial hypertension is high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The reasons for the increase in pressure are different. About 10% of the increase in pressure is associated with excessive production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands. Half of these cases are associated with formations in the adrenal glands, which must be surgically removed. Overproduction of adrenaline by the adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma) also leads to a significant increase in blood pressure, even at a young age.