Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system. The system is made up of all of the glands throughout the body, including the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus that are responsible for producing hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that are carried in the bloodstream to mediate physiological functions such as reproduction, metabolism (food burning and waste elimination), growth and development. Many diseases and conditions can cause an imbalance in this complex system of hormones.
Diabetes
Diabetes is probably the most well known and widespread endocrine disease. It results from the body's inability to process glucose, resulting in high blood glucose levels.
During the process of digestion, food is broken down into glucose, the main source of energy for the body. The glucose enters the bloodstream ready to be taken in by cells; however, it requires a hormone called insulin, produced in the pancreas, to help it cross the cell membranes.
In Type 1 diabetes, the cells of the immune system destroy the cells responsible for producing insulin. This inhibits insulin production and results in the increased level of blood glucose. In Type 2 diabetes, the insulin is still produced, but the body cannot use it. That leaves glucose in the blood.
Thyroid Disease
The thyroid, a gland located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate the rate at which the cells of the body use energy. This is known as the metabolism of the cells. The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 20 million Americans suffer from some sort of thyroid disease. The condition of too much thyroid hormone, known as hyperthyroidism, causes cells to use energy too quickly. A low level of thyroid hormone, known as hypothyroidism, causes cells to use energy too slowly. Because the thyroid hormones act on cells throughout the body, an imbalance in these hormones can cause problems with other organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and the eyes.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural stage in life for women. It occurs as the functions of the ovaries reduce due to aging. The ovaries are responsible for producing estrogen, the major female reproductive hormone, and other hormones. Menopause brings a decrease in the amounts of these hormones, which can result in a variety of effects--including hot flashes, headaches, mood swings, joint pain, osteoporosis (bone loss) and weight gain.
