What is the endocrine system? What are its functions and organs? What conditions can affect the endocrine system? Discover the answers to these questions and more.

Understanding the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s functions. Unlike the nervous system, which uses electrical impulses and neurotransmitters, the endocrine system communicates through chemical messengers called hormones. These hormones are released by the endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to target specific organs and tissues, telling them how to function.

Key Functions of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is responsible for controlling a wide range of bodily functions, including:

• Metabolism
• Growth and development
• Sexual function and reproduction
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Appetite
• Sleep and wake cycles
• Body temperature

The Glands of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is composed of several glands, each with its own unique functions and hormones:

1. Hypothalamus: Produces hormones that control the pituitary gland and regulate functions like sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite.
2. Pituitary: Often referred to as the “master gland,” the pituitary produces hormones that affect growth and reproduction, as well as the function of other endocrine glands.
3. Pineal: Plays a role in regulating sleep-wake cycles through the production of melatonin.
4. Thyroid: Produces hormones that control metabolism, growth, and development.
5. Parathyroid: Maintains calcium levels in the bones and blood.
6. Thymus: Produces hormones important for the development of T cells, a type of white blood cell.
7. Adrenal: Releases hormones that regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and the body’s stress response.
8. Pancreas: Produces insulin and glucagon, which control blood sugar levels.
9. Ovaries and Testes: Produce hormones that are involved in sexual function and reproduction, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Hormones and Their Functions

The endocrine system produces a variety of hormones, each with its own specific function:

• Adrenaline: Increases blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism in response to stress.
• Aldosterone: Regulates the body’s salt and water balance.
• Cortisol: Plays a role in the body’s stress response.
• DHEA-S: Aids in the production of body odor and growth of body hair during puberty.
• Estrogen: Regulates the menstrual cycle, maintains pregnancy, and develops female sex characteristics.
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Controls the production of eggs and sperm.
• Glucagon: Helps increase blood glucose levels.
• Insulin: Helps reduce blood glucose levels.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Controls estrogen and testosterone production, as well as ovulation.
• Melatonin: Regulates sleep-wake cycles.
• Oxytocin: Facilitates lactation, childbirth, and mother-child bonding.
• Parathyroid Hormone: Controls calcium levels in the bones and blood.
• Progesterone: Helps prepare the body for pregnancy.
• Prolactin: Promotes breast-milk production.
• Testosterone: Contributes to sex drive, body density, and the development of male sex characteristics.
• Thyroid Hormones: Help control various body functions, including metabolism, growth, and development.

Conditions Affecting the Endocrine System

When the endocrine system is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of conditions, including:

• Diabetes: A condition caused by the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.
• Thyroid Disorders: Conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) that affect the production of thyroid hormones.
• Addison’s Disease: A condition caused by the underproduction of hormones by the adrenal glands.
• Cushing’s Syndrome: A condition caused by the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
• Acromegaly: A condition caused by the overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A condition characterized by the overproduction of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries.

The Importance of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s delicate balance and ensuring that all of its systems work together harmoniously. By understanding the functions, organs, and potential conditions of the endocrine system, we can better appreciate its importance in our overall health and well-being.

What Is It, Functions, Organs & Conditions

The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located throughout the body. It’s similar to the nervous system in that it plays a vital role in controlling and regulating many of the body’s functions.

However, while the nervous system uses nerve impulses and neurotransmitters for communication, the endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones.

Keep reading to discover more about the endocrine system, what it does, and the hormones it produces.

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating a range of bodily functions through the release of hormones.

Hormones are secreted by the glands of the endocrine system, traveling through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues in the body. The hormones then tell these organs and tissues what to do or how to function.

Some examples of bodily functions that are controlled by the endocrine system include:

• metabolism
• growth and development
• sexual function and reproduction
• heart rate
• blood pressure
• appetite
• sleeping and waking cycles
• body temperature

What is a gland?

A gland is an organ that creates and releases substances that the body needs to function. There are two types of glands:

• endocrine glands, which release hormones directly into the bloodstream
• exocrine glands, like lymph nodes and sweat glands, which are not part of the endocrine system

The glands of the endocrine system are where hormones are produced, stored, and released. Each gland produces one or more hormones, which go on to target specific organs and tissues in the body.

The glands of the endocrine system include the:

• Hypothalamus. While some people don’t consider it a gland, the hypothalamus produces multiple hormones that control the pituitary gland. It’s also involved in regulating many functions, including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. It can also regulate the function of other endocrine glands.
• Pituitary. The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus. The hormones it produces affect growth and reproduction. They can also control the function of other endocrine glands.
• Pineal. This gland is found in the middle of your brain. It’s important for your sleep-wake cycles.
• Thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the front part of your neck. It’s very important for metabolism.
• Parathyroid. Also located in the front of your neck, the parathyroid gland is important for maintaining control of calcium levels in your bones and blood.
• Thymus. Located in the upper torso, the thymus is active until puberty and produces hormones that are important for the development of a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
• Adrenal. One adrenal gland can be found on top of each kidney. These glands produce hormones that are important for regulating functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress response.
• Pancreas. The pancreas is located in your abdomen behind your stomach. Its endocrine function involves controlling blood sugar levels.

Some endocrine glands also have non-endocrine functions. For example, the ovaries and testes produce hormones, but they also have the non-endocrine function of producing eggs and sperm, respectively.

Hormones are the chemicals the endocrine system uses to send messages to organs and tissue throughout the body. Once released into the bloodstream, hormones travel to their target organ or tissue, which has receptors that recognize and react to the hormone.

Below are some examples of hormones that are produced by the endocrine system.

Explore the interactive 3-D diagram below to learn more about the endocrine system.

Sometimes, hormone levels can be too high or too low. When this happens, it can have a number of effects on your health. The signs and symptoms depend on the hormone that’s out of balance.

Here’s a look at some conditions that can affect the endocrine system and alter your hormone levels.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism happens when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than necessary. This can be caused by a range of things, including autoimmune conditions.

Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• fatigue
• nervousness
• weight loss
• diarrhea
• issues tolerating heat
• fast heart rate
• trouble sleeping

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is, as well as its underlying cause. Options include medications, radioiodine therapy, or surgery.

Graves‘ disease is an autoimmune disorder and a common form of hyperthyroidism. In people with Graves‘ disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid, which causes it to produce more thyroid hormone than usual.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Similar to hyperthyroidism, it has many potential causes.

Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• fatigue
• weight gain
• constipation
• issues tolerating the cold
• dry skin and hair
• slow heart rate
• irregular periods
• fertility issues

Treatment for hypothyroidism involves supplementing your thyroid hormone with medication.

Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome happens due to high levels of the hormone cortisol.

Common symptoms of Cushing syndrome include:

• weight gain
• fatty deposits in the face, midsection, or shoulders
• stretch marks, particularly on the arms, thighs, and abdomen
• slow healing of cuts, scrapes, and insect bites
• thin skin that bruises easily
• irregular periods
• decreased sex drive and fertility in males

Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and can include medications, radiation therapy, or surgery.

Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease happens when your adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Some symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

• fatigue
• weight loss
• abdominal pain
• low blood sugar
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
• irritability
• a craving for salt or salty foods
• irregular periods

Treatment for Addison’s disease involves taking medications that help replace the hormones your body isn’t producing enough of.

Diabetes

Diabetes refers to a condition in which your blood sugar levels aren’t regulated within a certain range.

People with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood (high blood sugar). There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Some common symptoms of diabetes include:

• fatigue
• increased hunger or thirst
• frequent urge to urinate
• irritability
• frequent infections

Treatment for diabetes can include blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, and medications. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, can also help.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

This common condition is caused by unbalanced reproductive hormones in people with ovaries, which can create issues in the ovaries. Living with PCOS can mean that an egg may not be released every month, or may not develop as it should when it is released.

Some of the common symptoms of PCOS are:

• irregular periods
• fertility issues
• cysts that form on the ovaries
• acne
• hirsutism, which is an unusual amount of hair growth on the face or chin
• thinning hair
• weight gain
• skin tags

Treatment for PCOS focuses on easing the symptoms. Treatments include medications, like birth control and metformin, and lifestyle changes, such as focusing on nutrition and trying to reach a moderate weight if your doctor has recommended it.

Hypogonadism

A common condition, especially in older males and occasionally in females, hypogonadism is caused by a lowered production of the sex hormone testosterone. This can lead to lowered libido, as well as a variety of other symptoms, such as:

• erectile dysfunction in people with a penis
• reduced energy
• reduced muscle mass
• depressed mood
• increased irritability

Treatment for hypogonadism focuses on improved testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes (such as working toward a moderate weight if your doctor has recommended it) are two popular methods.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an abnormal loss of bone mass and changes in bone tissue. It can be caused by a variety of issues, but two common causes are lowered estrogen levels in people with ovaries and lowered testosterone levels in people with testicles. These lowered hormone levels can be caused by age, as well as other diseases.

Osteoporosis doesn‘t always cause obvious symptoms. But some of the more common symptoms are bone fractures and injuries related to minor falls, lifting, and even coughing.

Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on slowing or stopping bone loss. Proper nutrition, exercise, and medications are three of the most common treatments.

Acromegaly

This rare disease is caused when the body makes too much growth hormone, which is mainly produced in the pituitary gland. Mostly diagnosed in middle-aged adults, it can cause organs, bones, cartilage, organs, and certain tissues to grow in size.

The common symptoms of acromegaly include:

• swollen nose
• swollen ears
• swollen hands and feet
• joint aches
• a deeper voice than usual
• an increase in sweating and body odor

Treatment for acromegaly includes medications, radiation therapy, and surgery.

The endocrine system is a complex collection of glands and organs that helps regulate various bodily functions. This is accomplished through the release of hormones, or chemical messengers, produced by the endocrine system.

What Is It, Functions, Organs & Conditions

The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located throughout the body. It’s similar to the nervous system in that it plays a vital role in controlling and regulating many of the body’s functions.

However, while the nervous system uses nerve impulses and neurotransmitters for communication, the endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones.

Keep reading to discover more about the endocrine system, what it does, and the hormones it produces.

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating a range of bodily functions through the release of hormones.

Hormones are secreted by the glands of the endocrine system, traveling through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues in the body. The hormones then tell these organs and tissues what to do or how to function.

Some examples of bodily functions that are controlled by the endocrine system include:

• metabolism
• growth and development
• sexual function and reproduction
• heart rate
• blood pressure
• appetite
• sleeping and waking cycles
• body temperature

What is a gland?

A gland is an organ that creates and releases substances that the body needs to function. There are two types of glands:

• endocrine glands, which release hormones directly into the bloodstream
• exocrine glands, like lymph nodes and sweat glands, which are not part of the endocrine system

The glands of the endocrine system are where hormones are produced, stored, and released. Each gland produces one or more hormones, which go on to target specific organs and tissues in the body.

The glands of the endocrine system include the:

• Hypothalamus. While some people don’t consider it a gland, the hypothalamus produces multiple hormones that control the pituitary gland. It’s also involved in regulating many functions, including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. It can also regulate the function of other endocrine glands.
• Pituitary. The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus. The hormones it produces affect growth and reproduction. They can also control the function of other endocrine glands.
• Pineal. This gland is found in the middle of your brain. It’s important for your sleep-wake cycles.
• Thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the front part of your neck. It’s very important for metabolism.
• Parathyroid. Also located in the front of your neck, the parathyroid gland is important for maintaining control of calcium levels in your bones and blood.
• Thymus. Located in the upper torso, the thymus is active until puberty and produces hormones that are important for the development of a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
• Adrenal. One adrenal gland can be found on top of each kidney. These glands produce hormones that are important for regulating functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress response.
• Pancreas. The pancreas is located in your abdomen behind your stomach. Its endocrine function involves controlling blood sugar levels.

Some endocrine glands also have non-endocrine functions. For example, the ovaries and testes produce hormones, but they also have the non-endocrine function of producing eggs and sperm, respectively.

Hormones are the chemicals the endocrine system uses to send messages to organs and tissue throughout the body. Once released into the bloodstream, hormones travel to their target organ or tissue, which has receptors that recognize and react to the hormone.

Below are some examples of hormones that are produced by the endocrine system.

Explore the interactive 3-D diagram below to learn more about the endocrine system.

Sometimes, hormone levels can be too high or too low. When this happens, it can have a number of effects on your health. The signs and symptoms depend on the hormone that’s out of balance.

Here’s a look at some conditions that can affect the endocrine system and alter your hormone levels.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism happens when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than necessary. This can be caused by a range of things, including autoimmune conditions.

Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• fatigue
• nervousness
• weight loss
• diarrhea
• issues tolerating heat
• fast heart rate
• trouble sleeping

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is, as well as its underlying cause. Options include medications, radioiodine therapy, or surgery.

Graves‘ disease is an autoimmune disorder and a common form of hyperthyroidism. In people with Graves‘ disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid, which causes it to produce more thyroid hormone than usual.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Similar to hyperthyroidism, it has many potential causes.

Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• fatigue
• weight gain
• constipation
• issues tolerating the cold
• dry skin and hair
• slow heart rate
• irregular periods
• fertility issues

Treatment for hypothyroidism involves supplementing your thyroid hormone with medication.

Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome happens due to high levels of the hormone cortisol.

Common symptoms of Cushing syndrome include:

• weight gain
• fatty deposits in the face, midsection, or shoulders
• stretch marks, particularly on the arms, thighs, and abdomen
• slow healing of cuts, scrapes, and insect bites
• thin skin that bruises easily
• irregular periods
• decreased sex drive and fertility in males

Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and can include medications, radiation therapy, or surgery.

Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease happens when your adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Some symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

• fatigue
• weight loss
• abdominal pain
• low blood sugar
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
• irritability
• a craving for salt or salty foods
• irregular periods

Treatment for Addison’s disease involves taking medications that help replace the hormones your body isn’t producing enough of.

Diabetes

Diabetes refers to a condition in which your blood sugar levels aren’t regulated within a certain range.

People with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood (high blood sugar). There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Some common symptoms of diabetes include:

• fatigue
• increased hunger or thirst
• frequent urge to urinate
• irritability
• frequent infections

Treatment for diabetes can include blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, and medications. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, can also help.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

This common condition is caused by unbalanced reproductive hormones in people with ovaries, which can create issues in the ovaries. Living with PCOS can mean that an egg may not be released every month, or may not develop as it should when it is released.

Some of the common symptoms of PCOS are:

• irregular periods
• fertility issues
• cysts that form on the ovaries
• acne
• hirsutism, which is an unusual amount of hair growth on the face or chin
• thinning hair
• weight gain
• skin tags

Treatment for PCOS focuses on easing the symptoms. Treatments include medications, like birth control and metformin, and lifestyle changes, such as focusing on nutrition and trying to reach a moderate weight if your doctor has recommended it.

Hypogonadism

A common condition, especially in older males and occasionally in females, hypogonadism is caused by a lowered production of the sex hormone testosterone. This can lead to lowered libido, as well as a variety of other symptoms, such as:

• erectile dysfunction in people with a penis
• reduced energy
• reduced muscle mass
• depressed mood
• increased irritability

Treatment for hypogonadism focuses on improved testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes (such as working toward a moderate weight if your doctor has recommended it) are two popular methods.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an abnormal loss of bone mass and changes in bone tissue. It can be caused by a variety of issues, but two common causes are lowered estrogen levels in people with ovaries and lowered testosterone levels in people with testicles. These lowered hormone levels can be caused by age, as well as other diseases.

Osteoporosis doesn‘t always cause obvious symptoms. But some of the more common symptoms are bone fractures and injuries related to minor falls, lifting, and even coughing.

Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on slowing or stopping bone loss. Proper nutrition, exercise, and medications are three of the most common treatments.

Acromegaly

This rare disease is caused when the body makes too much growth hormone, which is mainly produced in the pituitary gland. Mostly diagnosed in middle-aged adults, it can cause organs, bones, cartilage, organs, and certain tissues to grow in size.

The common symptoms of acromegaly include:

• swollen nose
• swollen ears
• swollen hands and feet
• joint aches
• a deeper voice than usual
• an increase in sweating and body odor

Treatment for acromegaly includes medications, radiation therapy, and surgery.

The endocrine system is a complex collection of glands and organs that helps regulate various bodily functions. This is accomplished through the release of hormones, or chemical messengers, produced by the endocrine system.

“Everything is intertwined.

” How to find and cure a tumor of the endocrine system

— Galina Afanasyevna, you have been studying tumors of the endocrine system for a long time. What are they like? Is it difficult to diagnose?

— The difficulty of working with people who have tumors of the endocrine system lies in the fact that the work of the endocrine system in the body is intertwined with the other two integrative systems – immune and nervous. They are interconnected, and they have common signaling pathways, some organs perform dual functions.

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Another difficulty is that pathological changes, which include benign and malignant tumors, can undergo not only classical endocrine organs, such as the endocrine glands, the pituitary gland, which is located in the cranium, sexual organs and so on. Adipose and bone tissue, intestinal and lung tissue, vascular endothelium can also form tumors that can produce hormones. In this case, these organs become non-classical endocrine glands. Tumors in them are also diagnosed and often treated by a team of doctors, the “conductor” of which is an endocrinologist.

The third problem is that the boundary between benign and malignant tumors of the endocrine system is often blurred.
We have been dealing with these problems for a long time, our Center for the Treatment of Tumors of the Endocrine System is highly appreciated at the government level, and in 2018 the President of the Center, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences I.I. Dedov became a laureate of the State Prize in Science and Technology for his work, including the treatment of tumors of the endocrine system.

— Is the endocrine system itself very complex?

— I wouldn’t say that. The principles of the endocrine system are very simple. The pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate the activity of the peripheral endocrine glands, and a violation of the work of these peripheral glands, for example, an excess of hormones, will block the activity of the pituitary gland. This is negative feedback. But there is also a positive one.

This can be compared to traffic jams on the Garden Ring. If there are a lot of these cars, the movement becomes slower or stops altogether. If there are no cars on the Garden Ring at all, the responsible authorities will raise a terrible cry and demand that all other cars be immediately redirected to the Garden Ring.

— How many organs are there in the endocrine system?

— The classical endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus, gonads, male and female, endocrine pancreas. The latter manages to combine the functions of an exocrine organ for the production of digestive enzymes and endocrine functions for the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. The gonads combine the function of endocrine organs, producing hormones, and reproductive functions.

— That is, if a tumor is located in an organ of the endocrine system, then it is not a fact that it is the endocrinologist who should treat it? Does it all depend on the “filling” of the tumor?

– Unfortunately, if the patient thinks like this: “I have a tumor in the thyroid gland” – then for the endocrinologist this is “nothing. ” We need to understand from which components of the thyroid gland the tumor is created: from thyrocytes (epithelial cells of the thyroid gland) or wandering C-cells of another origin. Hence different forecasts, different treatment.

Treatment of tumors of the exocrine pancreas is the work of an oncologist, gastroenterologist and abdominal surgeon. But the treatment of a pancreatic tumor from insulin-producing cells is the work of an endocrinologist and a surgeon specializing in endocrine organs or an abdominal surgeon.

– Can any organ become a non-classical endocrine gland – that is, start producing hormones?

— Yes, every organ can have a tumor capable of producing hormones or hormone-like substances. And even in the skin. Endocrinologists and other specialists deal with these neoplasms. At the same time, the role of the endocrinologist is most often to suspect and prove the presence of this unusual tumor, and in the future, after its removal, to provide the necessary additional treatment.

However, classical tumors of the endocrine system are often treated with the participation of a whole team of doctors, not only endocrinologists.
For the treatment of tumors of the pituitary gland, and occasionally of the epiphysis, the help of a neurosurgeon, and sometimes a radiologist, may be needed; an endocrinologist, an endocrine surgeon, a morphologist, and a radiologist are involved in working with patients with thyroid tumors.

Tumors of the parathyroid glands after confirmation of the diagnosis are treated promptly by endocrine surgeons. More rare tumors – for example, the thymus – are treated by thoracic surgeons and oncologists. The help of a gynecologist or urologist is needed for tumors of the gonads.

The main task of an endocrinologist is to understand where the source of excess hormone production, which is one of the most important tumor signals, is located. However, a tumor of the endocrine system may also have the opposite signal: the destruction of hormone production.

– It turns out that the endocrinologist reacts to two things: an excess or a lack of hormone production?

— No. There are also tumors that may not produce anything extra, be neutral, but cause symptoms of compression of surrounding tissues. This is especially important for large pituitary or thyroid tumors. In addition, there are processes such as metastasis and intoxication.

– If we take tumors of the endocrine system, which one is the most dangerous?

– Adrenocortical cancer (tumor of the adrenal cortex) has the worst prognosis. It gives the most vivid picture of a malignant tumor – a rapidly growing volume, intoxication.

Is this cancer being treated now?

— I would like him to be treated more successfully, but we can prolong life.

– Does a patient with this type of cancer usually die after a short period of time?

– Without treatment, a person with such a tumor will not live even a year. Sometimes a year and a half.

But there are also victories. In the book “Pediatric Endocrinology” M.A. Zhukovsky, there is a series of images of a girl who had a large tumor removed – adrenocortical cancer. Back in the 1980s, due to lung metastases, a girl received mitotane (chloditan), an adrenolytic drug that destroys a tumor.

Many years later, this girl, who became a 25-year-old woman, appeared on the threshold of our clinic with the question: “Can I get pregnant?” And this is not our only victory even with such formidable tumors.

Now many years of experience of our center in searching for criteria for personalizing treatment with mitotane is summarized in a series of publications by a group of morphologists and surgeons of our “National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology”, led by PhD L.S. Urusova and Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences D.G. Beltsevich. This is adjuvant therapy after tumor removal, it should be used according to indications, because the drug is quite toxic.

— What is the name of the most successfully cured endocrine cancer?

– This is papillary thyroid cancer. The results here are excellent, our center has developed a coherent system for managing such patients. Surgeons, radiologists, histologists have done a lot to ensure that these patients are treated effectively. Recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone is also built into this system – its use makes it possible to clarify in difficult cases the presence or absence of continued growth or relapse, and also helps to avoid complications during treatment with radioactive iodine. We hope to obtain a domestic analogue of this drug together with a group led by Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences I.V. Smirnov in collaboration with IBCh RAS (Director Academician A.G. Gabibov).

— Are tumors of the endocrine system well diagnosed now?

– I would say even too much – and this is a big problematic story. Nowhere in the world is a screening thyroid ultrasound done to find anything in a healthy person.

— Why?

– Because the thyroid gland has millions of deviations from the ideal reference, the ideal structure. This is especially true for Russia, a region of iodine deficiency. Hence the most difficult situation that we have. Ultrasound is performed on almost everyone, they find a formation of 2-3-5 mm. According to ultrasound characteristics, this is a suspicious formation that may indicate papillary cancer. The thyroid gland is punctured, they prove that it is papillary cancer. Now fast forward to Japan or Korea. They did it there 30 years ago, operated on, after which they stopped.

— Have you observed patients over a long period of time?

Yes. And they found out that life is better for those who have not been operated on, because the tumor, as a rule, does not grow. And that thyroid cancer, anaplastic, from which people actually die is an incredible rarity. It grows very fast, it is almost impossible to “catch” it at the stage of a tiny knot.

— So why not do an ultrasound?

– I believe that the family doctor or the therapist of the polyclinic, to which you come annually for a preventive examination, should palpate the thyroid gland. Once he has felt the knot, he asks himself two questions. First, what does this node look like, and is it necessary to refine its structure? In case, if necessary, he sends for an ultrasound. If the ultrasound shows that this is a nodular colloid goiter – a banal thing in the region of iodine deficiency – and the gland actually works normally, then once again we need to remember iodized table salt. Secondly, the family doctor looks at the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone and, in case of violations in its level, refers to an endocrinologist.

– So you think that only those whose node is palpable should be sent for ultrasound?

– Yes, it is the probed node that should be examined on ultrasound.

— What advanced technologies are currently being developed or mastered at the National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology?

– First of all, this is what is associated with the management of patients with various thyroid cancers. A new algorithm for managing patients with a special C-cell tumor – medullary carcinoma has been created, good approaches to its diagnosis and treatment have been developed. We actively participate in the application of new medicines and develop new diagnostic procedures. Of these, the most interesting is the assessment of calcitonin in the washout from the needle after puncture. This is a relatively new method, it is a year and a half.

New technologies include the development of a complete algorithm for managing patients with papillary and follicular cancer, when, according to indications, the tumor is removed, then radioactive iodine treatment is performed to enhance the effect, sometimes to monitor the patient. It is carried out under the control of the introduction of thyroid-stimulating hormone – thyrogine. This is a domestic development.

We have made serious progress in pituitary tumors. Diagnosis is closely related to genetic testing – you need to find out in which genes the breakdown has occurred. Now such an analysis is gradually becoming a routine practice, and even if the tumor is not visible on MRI (it is very small), we know for sure that it is.

Among the most interesting, in my opinion, areas of work of our Center is the study of tumors of the parathyroid glands, and in our country, thanks to the efforts of young endocrinologists working under the guidance of the Director of the Center, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences N.G. Mokrysheva, at present there is literally a boom in the early detection of these tumors.

This changes before our eyes the situation with previously extremely neglected patients – now we can help them both promptly and conservatively, we can identify hereditary anomalies leading to the development of these tumors, we can predict the possibility of the formation of other tumors if the parathyroid glands are damaged – the first sign of the so-called multiple endocrine tumors. At the same time, today we can not only cure these tumors at an early stage, but also, with the help of assisted reproductive technologies, ensure the birth of a healthy child in such a family.

Diseases of the endocrine system and metabolic disorders

The endocrine system, inextricably linked with the nervous system, ensures the regulation of all vital body functions. It includes the glands of external (salivary, sweat) and internal secretion, as well as the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal gland (pineal gland), adrenal glands, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas and thymus, ovaries, etc.

The endocrine system plays a huge role in human body. Its functions include:

• ensuring the full work of all organs;
• participation in all body changes;
• regulation of organism development;
• ensuring the reproductive function of the body;
• metabolic control;
• is responsible for the emotional and psychological state of a person.

Therefore, any disease of the endocrine system leads to disruption of the integral functioning of the organism. The main function of the glands located in the endocrine system is the release of hormones into the blood.

Symptoms

Violations of the endocrine system immediately cause certain disruptions in the body. Symptoms of endocrine system disorders include:

• weight gain or decrease. This violation can be noticed when a person adheres to a proper balanced diet, but does not lose excess weight. It is possible to carry out the opposite process. Body weight decreases with a high-calorie diet;
• excessive sweating – a person begins to sweat a lot even when performing minor physical exertion;
• violation of the heart – often the patient has a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath;
• unrelated increase in body temperature – a sharp increase in body temperature for no apparent reason, may indicate a hormonal imbalance in the body;
• changes in the condition of the skin – increased growth of body hair, excessive oiliness or dryness of the skin, acne;
• pressure surges – a sharp increase and decrease in pressure during the day, accompanied by a headache; impassable fatigue – even after a long rest, a person does not feel in good shape;
• in women, menstrual disorders – delay, poor discharge, excessive discharge, pain during menstruation – all this is the cause of hormonal failure in the body;
• excessive growth of different parts of the body – disproportionately large limbs or other parts of the body, indicate disorders in the endocrine system;
• deterioration of vision – there is a sharp loss of vision, for no apparent reason;
• constant feeling of thirst – often this symptom accompanies all people with diseases of the endocrine system. memory impairment – forgetfulness or the development of sclerosis indicates an imbalance in the human body;
• digestive disorders – occur even with a balanced diet.

Causes

The exact causes of endocrine disorders are not known, but presumably it can be concluded that malfunctions occur due to:

• hereditary predisposition to diseases of the endocrine system;
• drinking and smoking;
• bad environment;
• wrong diet;
• stress;
• various injuries;
• viruses and infections that enter the body;
• the presence of tumors in the body;
• age-related changes;
• great physical activity.

Treatment

Treatment of endocrine diseases directly depends on the classification of the disease, its stage of development and the age of the patient. There are several ways to treat diseases associated with disruption of the endocrine system:

• drug treatment – implies taking: hormones, vitamins;
• magnetotherapy – impact on the human body due to the magnetic field;
• taking homeopathic medicines.