Endocrine system is a system formed by internal secretion glands. Endocrine glands
organs that synthesize and secrete hormones. Hormones control various activities in our body. Different types of hormones control reproduction, metabolism, growth and development. Hormones also control how we respond to our environment and help provide the right amount of energy and nutrients for our body's functions. The secretory glands that make up the endocrine system are hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, pancreas, ovaries (ovaries in women, testes in men), adrenal gland.
Who is an endocrinologist?
Endocrinologist is a doctor who deals with diseases of the endocrine system. Endocrinologists diagnose diseases affecting the excretory glands. They know how to treat diseases that are generally complex and involve many systems in our body. Your primary care physician will refer you to an endocrinologist if you have a problem with your endocrine system.
What are the activities of endocrinologists?
Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems. They are interested in many different situations:
- diabetes
- thyroid diseases
- metabolic disorders
- too much or too little production of hormones
- menopause
- osteoporosis
- hypertension
- diseases related to fat metabolism
- infertility (infertility)
- growth retardation (short stature)
- tumors of the excretory glands
- obesity
Endocrinologists may also order some tests to assess how your glands are working.
What type of medical training do endocrinologists receive?
Endocrinologists graduate from six years of medical school and then complete a four- or five-year internal medicine residency program. They spend three years learning how to diagnose and treat hormonal disorders. In total, the education of an endocrinologist takes more than 13 years.
What are the most common endocrine diseases and disorders?
Diseases of the endocrine system can be grouped into different areas. Some endocrinologists specialize in one or more diseases of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, thyroid, reproductive and menstrual disorders. Others work in all areas of endocrinology. The main areas of endocrinology are described below.
Diabetes
The amount of sugar in the blood of patients with diabetes is high. Recent studies have shown that controlling blood sugar can help prevent serious problems that can lead to diabetes. These problems involve the eyes, kidneys, and nerves, and can lead to blindness, kidney failure, dialysis, or gangrene in patients with poor blood sugar control. Endocrinologists treat diabetes with diet and oral medications or insulin. They work with and monitor patients to control their blood sugar so they can prevent potential health problems from developing.
thyroid
Patients with thyroid disorders often have problems with energy levels. They may also have problems with muscle stiffness, sensory disturbances, weight control, and heat or cold tolerance. Endocrinologists treat patients who have too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) thyroid hormone, caused by an overactive or underactive thyroid. They help to ensure the hormonal balance of patients either by giving thyroid hormones or by blocking many hormones. Endocrinologists are also trained to treat thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and enlarged thyroid tissue (goiter).
bone
Adolescent Osteomalacia (Childhood Rickets), which softens the bones, and osteoporosis, parathyroid diseases that disturb the calcium balance and develop osteoporosis are bone diseases diagnosed and treated by endocrinologists. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the skeleton. Some hormones have a protective and some hormones have a destructive effect on bone tissue. When hormone levels are abnormal, bones lose calcium and become weak. Menopause in women and loss of testicular function in men and aging can put you at risk for bone fractures.
Reproduction / infertility
Around one in ten couples in the world cannot have children. Endocrine research has helped thousands of couples conceive. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat hormone disorders that can cause infertility. They work with patients who need to be given hormones. Problems treated by endocrinologists in reproductive endocrinology include menopausal complaints, menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual syndrome, and impotence.
Obesity and overweight
Endocrinologists examine and treat overweight and obese patients due to metabolic and hormonal problems. Obese people have the most body fat. Thyroid, adrenal, ovarian and pituitary disorders can cause obesity. Endocrinologists also evaluate and treat obesity-related insulin resistance and genetic problems.
pituitary gland
The pituitary gland is often referred to as the master excretory gland of the body because it controls the other excretory glands. The pituitary gland produces some important hormones. An excess or deficiency of pituitary hormones can lead to infertility, menstrual disorders, growth disorders (excessive growth or short stature), cortisol imbalances (fatigue or weakness), prolactin excess. Endocrinologists manage these conditions with medication and guide patients who need surgery.
growth
Children and adults are affected by not having enough growth hormone. Pediatric endocrinologists treat children with endocrine disorders that lead to short stature and other growth disorders. Adults with growth hormone deficiency experience emotional stress and fatigue. Safe and effective growth hormone treatment is available for these individuals.
hypertension
Hypertension means high blood pressure and is a risk factor for heart disease. More than 10% of people have high blood pressure due to an excess of aldosterone, a hormone synthesized in the adrenal gland. About half of these cases have tissue removed by surgery. Metabolic syndrome or pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal disorder, can also lead to hormone disruption and cause hypertension. All these conditions can be successfully treated.
lipid disorders
Patients with lipid disorders have problems maintaining normal body fat (cholesterol) levels. The most common lipid disorders; high cholesterol, high triglycerides, or low HDL cholesterol. Elevated levels of these fats are associated with heart (coronary) disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (circulation problems in the legs). Endocrinologists diagnose hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency), drug use (such as cortisone), genetic or metabolic conditions that may be associated with lipid disorders. Lipid disorders can be seen in association with conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity that require special management. Special diets, exercise, and medications are used to treat hyperlipidemia and other lipid disorders.
