Endocrine System
Your endocrine system works with your nervous system to control important bodily functions. The endocrine systems responsibilities include regulating growth, sexual development and function, metabolism and mood. The endocrine system also helps give your body the energy it needs to function properly. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are considered chemical messengers, coordinating your body by transferring information from one set of cells to another.
Your endocrine system health can be affected by hormone imbalances resulting from impaired glands. A hormone imbalance can cause problems with bodily growth, sexual development, metabolism and other bodily functions. Endocrine system diseases or conditions include diabetes, growth disorders and osteoporosis.
Recently Answered
- Q How do hormones affect weight loss?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyDiet and exercise aren't the only factors that influence weight loss. In this video, "The Hormone Diet" author Natasha Turner, ND, talks to Dr. Oz about how hormones can wreak havoc on your waistline. Full Answer
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- Q Does my small adrenal tumor need to be removed?
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With the increasing use of CT scans and MRI, doctors are more likely these days to find small adrenal tumors (generally less than four centimeters in size) that they otherwise would not have known about (incidentaloma). As patients get older, they are... Full Answer
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- Q Is a carcinoid tumor cancer?
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Carcinoid (originally termed “karzinoide “ by a German pathologist) refers to the “carcinoma-like” feature of these tumors which tend to clinically behave like benign tumors, but have a malignant appearance when viewed under a... Full Answer
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- Q What is the pancreas?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineThe backyard neighbor to the liver, the pancreas primarily gets attention for its role in producing insulin. But that's not all it does. Looking like a strip steak with a fish head, the pancreas is about six inches long. Attached to the muscles and... Full Answer
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- Q What can I do to lower my cortisol level?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThree times a day, close the door, remove your shoes and socks, and lower the lights. Breathe in for seven seconds; hold it for another seven; then exhale for a final seven seconds. Repeat the technique seven times to help “reset”... Full Answer
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- Q What are the side effects of excessive cortisol?
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Dr. Michael T Murray, Naturopathic MedicineElevated cortisol levels are associated with increased appetite, cravings for sugar, and weight gain. To appreciate the full effect of excessive cortisol secretion on our physiology, let's take a look at the well-known side effects of a drug form of... Full Answer
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- Q What is cortisol?
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Cortisol belongs to a class of hormones called glucocorticoids, which affect almost every organ and tissue in the body. The most important job of cortisol is to help the body respond to stress. Among its many vital tasks, cortisol helps: Maintain blood... Full Answer
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- Q What is the function of aldosterone hormone?
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Aldosterone belongs to a class of hormones called mineral corticoids, also produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone helps maintain blood pressure (BP) and water and salt balance in the body by helping the kidneys retain sodium and excrete potassium.... Full Answer
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- Q What are possible complications of adrenal gland surgery?
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Overall, complications rates are significantly higher in open surgery compared to laparoscopic procedures. In open surgery, lung problems are the most common complications occurring in approximately 6% of patients. These include pneumonia and... Full Answer
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- Q What can I expect after adrenal gland surgery?
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After laparoscopic adrenalectomy, patients may be discharged from the hospital as early as the day after surgery. Patients are usually able to eat the night of surgery. The overall recovery may take up to 2-4 weeks. On the other hand, after open... Full Answer
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