Endocrine disease

Endocrine disease refers to a wide range of conditions that affect the endocrine system, a network of glands that produce and release hormones that help control many important body functions. These diseases can be due to a problem with the endocrine glands themselves, or the levels of hormones in the body.

Overview

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones. Hormones are your body's chemical messengers, traveling in your bloodstream to tissues or organs. They work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, and mood.

Endocrine diseases are common and usually occur when glands produce an incorrect amount of hormones. Too much or too little of a certain hormone in the body can cause various health problems.

Types of Endocrine Diseases

There are many different types of endocrine diseases. Some of the most common include:

• Diabetes: The most common endocrine disease in the U.S. It occurs when the body fails to properly use or produce insulin.
• Thyroid diseases: These can occur when the thyroid gland produces either too much or too little thyroid hormones.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome: This condition is characterized by an imbalance in a woman's female sex hormones.
• Addison's disease: A disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of their hormones.
• Cushing's disease: This condition is caused by an overproduction of the hormone cortisol by the adrenal glands.

Symptoms

The symptoms of endocrine diseases can vary greatly depending on the specific disease. However, common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Skin rash
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of endocrine diseases often involves blood tests to measure hormone levels. Imaging tests may also be used to check for any abnormalities in the glands.

Treatment typically involves managing the symptoms and correcting the hormone imbalance. This may involve hormone replacement therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery.

See Also

• Endocrinology
• Hormone
• Metabolism

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  Diagram of the human endocrine system
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  Illustration of multiple endocrine neoplasia