The endocrine system is in charge of several organs called glands.  These glands create and release hormones all throughout the body.  Hormones help cells talk to each other. 

The endocrine system helps with your metabolism, growth, development, emotions, mood, fertility, sexual function, sleep, and blood pressure.  The endocrine system helps send hormones into the bloodstream.  It can also help the body know when to release certain hormones in the body.  

The endocrine is made up of glands that are all over the body. 

In the brain there is the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland.  The hypothalamus links the endocrine and nervous system together.  The pituitary gland tells the glands what to do after receiving a message from the brain.  The pineal gland helps with melatonin production. 

In the neck there is the thyroid and parathyroid.  These both regulate hormones like metabolism. 

The thymus is locked in between the lungs and helps with the white blood cell production. 

Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and help with the production of cortisol, sex hormones, and adrenaline. 

The pancreas which is located behind the stomach.  The pancreas helps create digestive enzymes to break down food as well as production of insulin and glucagon. 

Ovaries in a woman’s endocrine system that helps with production of estrogen, progesterone, development, pregnancy support, and regulation of the menstrual cycle. 

Men have testes, which helps with testosterone, and body hair growth.  

An endocrine disorder can happen when a gland produces too much or too little of a certain hormone.  An unhealthy endocrine system can lead to many health problems. 

An imbalance can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, changes in sleep, mood, behavior, infertility, or irregular periods. 

There are certain conditions that can affect the endocrine system.  These conditions are diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypogonadism, poly cystic ovarian syndrome, and osteoporosis.  All of these conditions can cause an imbalance of hormones in the endocrine system. 

Other common endocrine disorders are Adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperaldosteronism, osteoporosis, and pituitary disorders.  

 

 

Symptoms Of An Endocrine Disorder

There are symptoms that can arise with an endocrine disorder.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may want to reach out to your doctor. 

  • If you have the constant urge to urinate. 
  • Extreme thirst. 
  • Nausea and stomach pain that doesn’t go away. 
  • Sudden or unexplained weight loss. 
  • Severe exhaustion. 
  • Excessive sweating. 
  • Rapid heart rate. 
  • Elevated blood pressure. 
  • Experience any development and growth delays. 

 

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects that you have an endocrine disorder then they may refer you to the endocrinologist.  An endocrinologist is a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system.  An endocrinologist may be able to help you manage and treat your condition better. 

When going to an appointment with an endocrinologist it is important to make sure they know all the medication that you are on that could be affecting your hormones.  This could include birth control medicine, thyroid hormones, insulin, or hormone therapy for menopause.  

 

 

Preventing Endocrine Disorders

There sometimes is no way to prevent endocrine disorders from happening.  There are some things you can do though to help either postpone them, or help your endocrine system work at its best. 

  • It is important to stay at a healthy weight. 
  • Eat a nutritious balanced diet. 
  • Get plenty of exercise. 
  • Include iodine into your diet.  The best way to do this is to buy iodine salt instead of other salt options. 
  • Managing conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or poly cystic ovarian syndrome can help with hormonal imbalances. 

Having an unhealthy endocrine system can lead to many health problems that can affect many different body systems.  

 

Takeaway

The endocrine system is in charge of making hormones that control mood, growth, development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction.  They also help the body know how to release hormones as well as send them through the bloodstream. 

Making sure your endocrine system is healthy can help your overall health, and bodily function.

 


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