1. Endocrine System 101
The endocrine system acts as a control center for the body--it consists of a group of glands and organs that produce, store and secrete hormones, which are released into the bloodstream to aid in normal body functioning. It works with the reproductive system, nervous system, gut, liver, kidneys and pancreas to ensure reproduction, adequate energy levels, responses to stress, injury or other surroundings, growth, development and proper metabolism. The adrenal, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pineal, thymus, pancreas, ovaries and testes make up the endocrine system.
2. Some Endocrine Disorders Are Common
Diabetes mellitus, which includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is a common endocrine disorder. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system interferes with the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. With type 2, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body builds resistance against it. Symptoms for type 2 are the same as type 1, and include wounds or sores that don't heal, infections and nausea.
Hypothyroidism is another associated condition that develops after age 40. In this case, the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, which is essential for growth and development, brain function and normal calcium levels in the blood. Intolerance to cold, weight gain, fatigue, lethargy and mental sluggishness are all associated with hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, causes too much thyroid hormone production. Symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, nervousness, diarrhea, heart palpitations, protruding eyes, trembling and insomnia. Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome are other endocrine disorders that interfere with blood levels and hormone production. Other less common endocrine disorders affect growth, such as growth hormone deficiency, which causes children to grow slower than normal.
3. Confirm Disorders Through Testing
Blood tests with a blood sugar level above 125mg before breakfast or above 200mg after a meal may signal type 1 diabetes. The doctor also administers a urine test to check for high levels of ketones, which means that there's a lack of insulin in the body to regulate blood sugar levels. Screening for type 2 diabetes include an oral glucose tolerance test and a fasting blood glucose test. To check for high hormone levels, the doctor does a physical examination and other blood tests. High levels of T3 or T4, which affect your metabolism, and low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone that produce T3 and T4, indicate hyperthyroidism. Blood tests also diagnose hypothyroidism, which results if you have high levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone and low levels of the T4 hormone in the bloodstream.
