The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones that help control many important body functions, including the body's ability to change calories into energy that powers cells and organs. The endocrine system influences how your heart beats, how your bones and tissues grow, even your ability to make a baby. It plays a vital role in whether or not you develop diabetes, thyroid disease, growth disorders, sexual dysfunction, and a host of other hormone-related disorders.

Endocrine Glands include:

• Adrenal glands: Two glands that sit on top of the kidneys that release the hormone cortisol.
• Hypothalamus: A part of the lower middle brain that tells the pituitary gland when to release hormones.
• Ovaries: The female reproductive organs that release eggs and produce sex hormones.

Causes of Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine disorders are typically grouped into two categories:

• Endocrine disease that results when a gland produces too much or too little of an endocrine hormone, called a hormone imbalance.
• Endocrine disease due to the development of lesions (such as nodules or tumors) in the endocrine system, which may or may not affect hormone levels.

Types of Endocrine Disorders

Adrenal insufficiency:  The adrenal gland releases too little of the hormone cortisol and sometimes, aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, stomach upset, dehydration, and skin changes. Addison's disease is a type of adrenal insufficiency. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Overproduction of androgens interfere with the development of eggs and their release from the female ovaries. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.

Cushing's disease: Overproduction of a pituitary gland hormone leads to an overactive adrenal gland. A similar condition called Cushing's syndrome may occur in people, particularly children, who take high doses of corticosteroid medications.

Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to weight loss, fast heart rate, sweating, and nervousness. The most common cause for an overactive thyroid is an autoimmune disorder called Grave's disease.

Symptoms

• Excessive thirst or hunger
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abnormally large lips, nose or tongue
• Abnormally large or swollen hands or feet
• Altered facial bone structure
• Body and joint aches

Risk factors

A number of factors increase the risk of developing endocrine disorders. Not all people with risk factors will develop endocrine disorders. Risk factors for endocrine disorders include:

• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Family history of endocrine disorder
• Inactivity
• Personal history of autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes
• Poor diet
• Pregnancy (in cases such as hyperthyroidism)
• Recent surgery, trauma, infection, or serious injury

Reducing Risk of Endocrine Disorders

While many endocrine disorders are inherited or arise for unknown reasons, some may be related to modifiable lifestyle factors. You may be able to lower your risk of certain endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism.

• Eating a balanced, healthy diet.
• Living a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity.

Treatment

In many cases, endocrine disorders may be symptomless or mild enough to not require treatment. Symptoms can arise from excess hormone production or a hormone deficiency. 

In cases such as prolactinoma, where a noncancerous tumor is responsible for symptoms, surgery or radiation therapy may be used. Often, diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of the endocrine disorder will resolve the symptoms.

• Thanks and Regards,
• Alpine
• Associate Editor
• Journal of Clinical Trials
• clinicaltrials@eclinicalsci.com