Dysfunction in any of the glands that make up the endocrine system can cause negative effects that impact the body’s various organ systems. The pituitary, pineal and hypothalamus glands in the brain send messages to the body by increasing or decreasing their production of hormones. Other organs, such as the pancreas, thyroid and kidneys produce hormones as well. Each hormone has a specific purpose in maintaining normal body function. When a hormone level changes, a variety of symptoms can result.
Weight Fluctuations
The thyroid gland produces two hormones, thyroxine, sometimes called T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3. These hormones are crucial to the regulation of metabolism, the rate at which the body burns fuel.
Hyperthyroidism, a condition wherein the thyroid gland produces abnormally high levels of T3 and T4, can accelerate metabolism hyperthyroidism is characterized by weight loss despite the absence of any reduction in dietary intake or of increased exercise. Unfortunately for would be dieters, hyperthyroidism is also characterized by increased heart rate, intolerance to cold, insomnia and irritability.
Hypothyroidism is a reverse of the situation seen in hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by lower than normal thyroid hormone levels, increased fatigue, facial swelling and weight gain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Digestive Problems
The pancreas is a gland that manufactures insulin and glucagon as well as pancreatic digestive enzymes. Gastrin and vasoactive intestinal peptide are hormones secreted by the pancreas that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms when their levels fluctuate.
EndocrineWeb explains that gastrin in higher than normal amounts can result in stomach ulcers due to the hormone’s ability to induce the production of stomach acid. Excess amounts of vasoactive intestinal peptide can cause severe watery diarrhea and salt imbalances by increasing the secretion of water and salt into the intestines.
Sexual Dysfunction
Estrogen and testosterone are produced in the ovaries and testes, respectively, but both hormones are also produced by the adrenal glands of both men and women. Dysfunction in any of these organs can affect the levels of estrogen or testosterone. The pituitary and hypothalamus also can affect sex hormone levels, according to Extoxnet.
Imbalances of sex hormones can result in impotence, infertility, premature ejaculation, and gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts, in men.
Women can suffer sexual side effects such as abnormal menstruation and infertility due to thyroid hormone fluctuations.
