The endocrine system is a complex network of glands. Glands are organs that produce chemicals called hormones. Hormones serve the body by delivering messages to various organs to help to regulate functions such as heart rate, digestion and sexual reproduction. A number of symptoms can result when hormone levels are abnormally high or low. Sometimes these symptoms can manifest as mental or emotional disturbances.
Depresssion
AllAboutDepression.com notes that hormonal fluctuations associated with changes in brain chemistry are often observed in people with clinical depression. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands--parts of the limbic system of the brain--produce hormones that can influence mood. Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder that causes the adrenal glands to over-produce corticosteroid hormone. Addison’s disease also affects the adrenal glands, but results in under-production of corticosteroids. Both conditions have been associated with clinical depression.
Anxiety
The thyroid gland secretes hormones called thyroxine and triiodothyronine, or T4 and T3. These hormones are vital to the body’s ability to regulate the rate at which is burns energy.
An over-production of thyroid hormones, known as hyperthyroidism, accelerates the rate of metabolism. This effect can be compared to pushing up the setting on the body’s thermostat--more fuel is burned, the heart rate increases and heat becomes intolerable to the individual with hyperthyroidism, who can also experience feelings of nervousness, irritability and anxiety, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
High levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol can also result in feelings of stress. The Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratories explains that prolonged periods of elevated cortisol levels can simultaneously induce fatigue and anxiety.
Disorientation
Hormonal disorders can result in confusion, forgetfulness and disorientation resembling dementia. Hypoglycemia is a condition wherein the levels of sugar in the blood are decreased. Sugar is the brain’s main source of fuel. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states that severe hypoglycemia can cause confusion and panic. Those in the throes of a severe decline in blood sugar levels suffer from the results of a depletion of the brain’s supply of sugar. This can cause mental repercussions so extreme that the individual’s behavior can be misidentified as the results of alcohol intoxication.
Addison’s disease and other disorders affecting the adrenal or pituitary glands can lower hormone production and result in hypoglycemia.
