Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
The system that includes the endocrine glands is called the endocrine system, while the branch of medicine that studies disorders affecting these glands is known as endocrinology. The endocrine glands are organs responsible for producing and secreting hormones. These hormones perform various functions in the body. In addition to contributing to reproduction, development, growth, and metabolism, hormones also regulate our responses.
The endocrine glands are located in the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries in women, testes in men, adrenal glands, parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Disorders affecting these glands can lead to many different diseases.
Endocrinologists, who specialize in this field, diagnose and subsequently treat diseases arising from the endocrine glands.
Major Endocrine Disorders by Endocrine Organ and System
- Pituitary Gland Disorders
- Pituitary Insufficiency
- Excess Prolactin (Milk Hormone)
- Excess Cortisol
- Excess Growth Hormone
- Growth Hormone Deficiency and Short Stature
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Thyroid Gland (Goiter) Disorders
- Goiter (Enlargement of the Thyroid Gland)
- Overactive Thyroid Gland (Toxic Goiter)
- Underactive Thyroid Gland
- Nodular Thyroid Disorders
- Inflammatory Diseases of the Thyroid Gland
- Hashimoto’s Disease
- Thyroid Cancers
- Parathyroid Gland Disorders
- Excess Parathyroid Hormone
- Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency
- Adrenal Gland Disorders
- Excess Cortisol
- Cortisol Deficiency
- Excess Aldosterone
- Excess Adrenaline
- Ovarian Disorders
- Sex Hormone Deficiencies in Women
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Absence of Menstruation, Weight Gain, and Excessive Hair Growth)
- Excessive Hair Growth
- Disorders of the Testes and Testicular Hormones
- Testosterone Deficiency
- Breast Enlargement in Men
- Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence (Due to Hormonal Causes/Testosterone Deficiency)
- Underdevelopment of the Testes and Penis and Lack of Beard Growth
Metabolic and Other Disorders Treated by Endocrinology
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
- Insulin Resistance Syndrome (Metabolic Syndrome): Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Hypertension, Elevated Blood Sugar, etc.
- Weight-Related Problems, Particularly Excess Weight (Obesity), Nutrition, and Weight Management
- Gestational Diabetes and Thyroid Disorders During Pregnancy
- Osteoporosis
- Disorders Related to Certain Vitamins and Minerals (Especially Vitamin D and Calcium Metabolism)
- High Cholesterol and Blood Lipids (Triglycerides)
- High Uric Acid Levels
- Endocrine Tumors
