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 hyperprolactinemia?
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Pituitary tumors are growths in the pituitary gland. When a pituitary gland does not function correctly, it is usually because of a benign, or non-cancerous, tumor of the gland. This is also called an adenoma. The pituitary gland is a pea-size gland... Full Answer
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- Q What are some myths about hormonal disorders?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyHere are some myths about hormonal disorders:Myth: Hormonal conditions have nothing to do with the immune system.Fact: Some hormonal disorders are actually autoimmune disorders. For example, the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States,... Full Answer
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- Q What triggers hormonal disorders?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyTo some extent, different hormonal conditions need to be treated in different ways -- since disorders like diabetes, an over- or underactive thyroid, and osteoporosis have different symptoms and consequences. On the other hand, all of these conditions... Full Answer
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- Q What are symptoms of an insulinoma?
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Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, uncontrolled shaking, hunger, and at times psychiatric disturbances. A history of fainting related to low blood sugar and weight gain commonly affects patients. Full Answer
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- Q What is an insulinoma?
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An insulinoma is a tumor, usually benign (non-cancerous), made up of specialized beta islet cells that constantly secrete insulin, causing hypoglycemia (low blood glucose–sugar). Normally, as the glucose rises with eating, the pancreas... Full Answer
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- Q What is a neuroendocrine tumor?
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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
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- Q What is normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism?
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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
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- Q What is polyendocrine deficiency syndrome?
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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
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- Q What are multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes (MEN)?
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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
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- Q What are the most common endocrine system diseases?
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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
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