webDailyHealth
Our bodies are governed by an unusually large amount of chemical compounds. The endocrine system is the main system in the body that coordinates the compounds. The performance of the endocrine system affects almost all the cells, organs, and various functions in our body.
The endocrine system itself is composed of glands along with the hormones produced.
How Endocrine Glands Work
In the process of working, many endocrine systems work together with the nervous system. Therefore, they are called neuroendocrine systems. In the process of co-operation, the brain continuously sends instructions to the endocrine system. In return, the endocrine glands provide feedback.
In general, the endocrine system is largely responsible for the slow development of the body, such as cell growth, physical growth, reproductive processes, and metabolism. In comparison to the faster body processes of breathing and the movement of the body governed by the nerves.
These hormones are produced by various glands in the endocrine system. Then, the endocrine glands will secrete the hormone into the blood.
The Glands In The Endocrine System
Here are the glands in the endocrine system.
- The thyroid gland, producing thyroxine (T4) and triiodotironin (T3) hormones that are in charge of controlling the energy-burning rate of food. In addition parafolikular cells in the thyroid gland produce calcitonin hormones that play a role in bone formation.
- Parathyroid glands, releasing parathyroid hormone whose job is to regulate the levels of calcium in the blood. The task of this hormone is assisted by the hormone calcitonin.
- The pituitary gland is the most important gland in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland produces hormones whose function regulates other endocrine glands.
- The adrenal gland is divided into two parts. First, the part of the cortex that produces the hormone corticostreroids. This hormone is responsible for regulating fluid balance and salt levels in the body. This hormone also affects the metabolism, immune system, the body's response to stress, as well as the development and sexual function. Second, the medulla part that produces hormones such as epinephrine or adrenaline. When the body is stressed, epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate.
- The pancreas gland produces at least two important hormones, namely glucagon and insulin. Both of these hormones work together to maintain blood sugar levels and maintain energy stores in the body.
- Male reproductive glands (testes) are present in the scrotum, while the female reproductive gland (ovaries or ovaries) is present in the pelvic cavity. The testes produce the hormone testosterone, while the ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms of endocrine system disorders?
The symptoms of endocrine disorders can range from mild or no symptoms to serious and affect your entire body. Depending on the specific part of the affected endocrine system, some symptoms may be classified into:
Diabetes
The most common endocrine disorder is diabetes mellitus, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body can not use the optimally available insulin. Symptoms of diabetes may include:
- Excessive thirsty or hunger
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increase or weight loss with no reason
- Changes to vision.
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a disorder in which the pituitary gland produces excessive growth hormone. This causes excessive growth, especially in the hands and feet. Acromegaly symptoms are usually:
- The size of the lips, nose, or tongue is too big
- Hands or feet that are too big or swollen
- Changes in bone structure of the face
- Pain in the body and joints
- Deep voice
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headache
- Excess bone and cartilage growth and thickening of the skin
- Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido
- Sleep apnea
- Impaired vision.
Addison's disease
Addison's disease is characterized by a decrease in the production of cortisol and aldosterone due to damage to the adrenal glands. Addison's symptoms are usually:
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hyperpigmentation of the skin
- Hypoglycemia
- Low appetite
- Low blood pressure
- Missed periods of menstruation
- Nausea, with or without vomiting
- Want to consume salt
- Weight loss
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by overactive thyroid gland. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Goiter
- Intolerance to heat
- Easily irritable and mood changes
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Tremor
- Weight loss without cause
There may be signs and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
Causes of endocrine system disorders
Endocrine disorders are usually grouped into 2 categories:
- The glands produce too much or too little endocrine hormone, called hormonal imbalance
- The formation of a wound (such as a nodule or tumor) in the endocrine system, which may or may not affect hormone levels.
Treatment for endocrine system disorders
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
If symptoms of endocrine disorders interfere, these symptoms can generally be overcome by correcting hormonal imbalances. This is often done through the administration of synthesis hormones. In the case of prolactinoma, where noncancerous tumors cause symptoms, surgery or radiation therapy may be used. Often, the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders can overcome the symptoms.
Without us knowing, it turns out our body consists of so many elements and chemical compounds. The amount of unbalanced chemicals or hormones, such as too little or too much, can be problematic. Often doctors deal with problems in the endocrine system by controlling the production of hormones or replacing certain hormones with drugs.
Next Read : Routine breakfast wheat decrease diabetes risk?
