Endocrine glands are hormone producing glands that have no ducts. They secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which are then transported to their target destination. Hormones are chemical substances that regulate many important functions in the body. They help regulate body functions such as glucose levels in the blood, water balance in the body, blood pressure and growth. Hormonal disorders and their symptoms occur when a particular hormone is absent, present in little quantities or is being over-produced.
High Blood Glucose
Diabetes mellitus is a hormonal disorder in which the glucose content of the blood is abnormally high. It is caused by a deficiency of a hormone called insulin. It can also happen when the body does not respond to the effects of insulin. The job of this hormone is to remove glucose from the blood. Symptoms of this hormonal disorder include frequent urinating, increased thirst, constant hunger, blurry vision and fatigue.
Impaired Kidney Excretion
Antidiuretic hormone is produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. This hormone is released from the pituitary gland when the body needs it and its job is to regulate the amount of water the kidneys excrete. Diabetes insipidus is a hormonal disorder caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone or the inability of the kidneys to utilize the hormone. Urinating excessively and being constantly thirsty are symptoms of this hormonal disorder.
Galactorrhea
Galactorrhea is a hormonal disorder that involves prolactin--a hormone made by the pituitary gland . Prolactin stimulates milk production in the mammary glands of the breasts. In this disease, the pituitary gland produces too much prolactin. Erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, less frequent or no periods in women and production of breast milk in men and women who are not breast feeding are symptoms of galactorrhea.
Overactive Adrenal Glands
Pheochromocytoma is a hormonal disorder of the adrenal glands. It happens when the adrenal glands secrete excessive amounts of a class of hormones called catecholamines. Catecholamines such as epinephrine control things like blood pressure, sweating and heart rate. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library explains that symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid pulses, excessive sweating and severe headaches are seen in this hormonal disorder.
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid glands secrete thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate the speed at which different processes occur in the body. They control body functions such as heart rate, skin maintenance, fertility, digestion, the rate at which calories are burned, respiratory rate and heat production. Hyperthyroidism is a hormonal disorder characterized by over production of thyroid hormones. Its symptoms include unintentional weight loss, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, excessive sweating and elevated blood pressure.
