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 What is a neuroendocrine tumor?
-
Neuroendocrine tumors arise from the neuroendocrine system, which is composed of cells that have features of both nerve cells and endocrine cells and are found though out the body. These cells share certain biochemical functions such as amine... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism?
-
Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism is when the blood parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are higher than normal but the blood calcium level is normal in patients who do not have secondary hyperparathyroidism. It is thought to be a mild or early form... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is polyendocrine deficiency syndrome?
-
Polyendocrine deficiency syndrome is classified into two separate forms, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is inherited and occurs in children. In addition to adrenal insufficiency, these children may have: Underactive parathyroid glands, which produce hormone... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes (MEN)?
-
Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes or MEN are familial disorders that cause abnormal changes in more than one endocrine organ at the same time (endocrine tissue secretes hormones). These changes may include hyperplasia (overgrowth of tissue) or... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the most common endocrine system diseases?
-
Diabetes is the most common endocrine system disease in the United States. Thyroid disorders are also very common. Thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid glands produce too little hormones, hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is endocrinology?
-
Endocrinology is the study of hormones produced by the body. Hormones are substances produced in one part of the body that can travel to remote sites and affect other parts of the body. Because insulin is a hormone, diabetes is a disease of the endocrine... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the rate of incidence for endocrine system diseases?
-
The rate of incidence for endocrine system diseases varies depending on the disease. Some endocrine system diseases, like diabetes or hypothyroidism, are quite common. About eight Americans in 1,000 are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Other disorders,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Do endocrine system diseases affect children differently than adults?
-
Some endocrine system diseases, such as diabetes, may affect children in much the same way as adults. Others, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, can cause early puberty, development of abnormal sexual characteristics, and stunted growth in children.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How long do endocrine system diseases last?
-
Most endocrine system diseases are chronic and persist for life. Endocrine system diseases can have serious complications but, with proper treatment, the prognosis is good. Many people with endocrine system diseases enjoy a high quality of life. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can endocrine system diseases be prevented?
-
Endocrine system diseases can be hard to prevent, because doctors do not understand what causes many of them. Family history, certain cancers, infections like tuberculosis, and autoimmune disorder could increase your risk of endocrine system diseases. If... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
