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 endocrinology?
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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
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- Q What is the rate of incidence for endocrine system diseases?
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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
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- Q Do endocrine system diseases affect children differently than adults?
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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
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- Q How long do endocrine system diseases last?
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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
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- Q Can endocrine system diseases be prevented?
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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
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- Q Are endocrine system diseases serious?
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Endocrine system diseases can interfere with your body's most important metabolic processes and have serious complications, including major organ damage and death. Endocrine system diseases like diabetes can cause nerve damage and lead to amputation.... Full Answer
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- Q What is endocrine disruption?
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The endocrine system is the body's complex array of hormonal messages that affect almost every bodily function, including our reproductive health, thyroid gland, nerves, and immune system. Many industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals distort the... Full Answer
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- Q How does carcinoid syndrome affect the body?
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Carcinoid syndrome affects the body in a number of ways. For one thing, carcinoid tumors, that cause the syndrome, block your intestines, resulting in abdominal pain and changes to your bowel movements, such as frequent diarrhea. The carcinoid tumor is... Full Answer
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- Q How does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) affect skin moisture?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyDuring menopause, the steep decline in estrogen levels can distort skin's lipid content by damaging the lipid barrier that preserves moisture retention. Studies have shown that replacing estrogen levels through HRT helps to rebuild lipid barriers within... Full Answer
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- Q How does growth hormone change with age?
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Dr. Arthur Perry, Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryThe focus of many anti-aging gurus is human growth hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Among other functions, it is responsible for stimulating growth in children. As we age, the amount of this hormone declines. It... Full Answer
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