What is the Endocrine System and Hormones?
The endocrine system is a complex network consisting of internal secretion glands located in various parts of the body (such as the thyroid, pancreas, pituitary, adrenal glands, etc.). These glands produce chemical messengers called "hormones" and secrete them directly into the bloodstream. Hormones travel through the blood circulation to reach target organs and regulate numerous vital processes including metabolism, growth, reproductive functions, and mood.
Endocrinology is the branch of science that studies this system, hormones, and diseases resulting from hormonal deficiency, excess, or ineffectiveness. Even the slightest disruption in hormonal balance can significantly affect the overall functioning of the body.
What Are the Main Hormonal Diseases?
Hormonal diseases occur when one or more hormones are secreted in lower (hypo-) or higher (hyper-) amounts than normal. The main endocrine diseases are as follows:
- Diabetes (Sugar Disease): The most common hormonal disease. Characterized by elevated blood sugar due to deficiency or ineffectiveness of insulin hormone secreted by the pancreas.
- Thyroid Gland Diseases: Involves imbalances in thyroid hormones that regulate metabolic rate.
- Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland. Causes symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold.
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland. Presents with symptoms like palpitations, weight loss, sweating, and nervousness.
- Goiter and Thyroid Nodules: Enlargement of the thyroid gland or formation of nodules within it.
- Obesity: A chronic disease closely related to hormones such as leptin and ghrelin that regulate appetite and metabolism.
- Adrenal Gland Diseases: Diseases of these glands that produce stress hormone cortisol, and aldosterone that regulates blood pressure (e.g., Cushing's Syndrome, Addison's Disease).
- Pituitary Gland Diseases: The "control center" gland that controls many other endocrine glands. Includes conditions like excess growth hormone (acromegaly) or deficiency, and high prolactin hormone levels (prolactinoma).
- Bone Metabolism Diseases: Disorders affecting calcium balance, such as parathyroid hormone imbalances and related conditions like osteoporosis (bone loss).
- Reproductive Endocrinology: Includes issues like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women, menstrual irregularities, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and low testosterone levels in men.
General Symptoms
The symptoms of hormonal diseases vary widely and are often non-specific. Common complaints include:
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Persistent fatigue, weakness, and low energy
- Excessive sweating, intolerance to heat or cold
- Dry skin, excessive oiliness, pimples, or color changes
- Hair loss or abnormal body hair growth
- Fluctuations in mood, anxiety, or depression
- Menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunctions
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
The diagnosis of hormonal disorders begins with a detailed patient history and physical examination. The primary method to confirm the diagnosis is through blood and urine tests that measure the levels of various hormones and related substances. Sometimes, dynamic tests that stimulate or suppress hormone production are needed. Additionally, radiological methods such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans can be used to visualize endocrine glands.
Treatment is entirely targeted at the underlying cause. Common approaches include hormone replacement therapy (e.g., thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism) or medications that suppress excess hormone production. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Hormonal diseases are chronic conditions that require close follow-up and management by a specialist doctor.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.