The main endocrine glands are:
- hypothalamus (in the brain);
- pituitary gland (in the brain);
- thyroid gland (on the front surface of the neck);
- pancreas (in the abdominal cavity);
- adrenal glands (on the upper poles of the kidneys);
- ovaries and testes. Thanks to the well-coordinated work of the endocrine and nervous systems, vital vital functions are maintained.
Hormonal imbalance
The regulation of the level of hormones in the body is carried out on the principle of feedback. In response to a decrease in the level of any of the hormones, the gland responsible for its production is activated. Conversely, when the level of the hormone increases, the activity of the gland decreases. Excessively high or low levels of hormones can be harmful to the body. Any violation of the hormonal balance can lead to the emergence of various pathological conditions, from infertility to obesity. Some disorders of the endocrine system are difficult to diagnose, so patients with suspected hormonal imbalance are referred to an endocrinologist for a thorough examination. To determine the exact cause of the violations it is necessary to conduct a series of studies. To assess the function of the gland, the level of the hormone it produces is measured. Clinical signs due to hormonal imbalance can serve as indirect indicators of the activity of the gland. Once the cause of the disorder is identified, appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
There are two main types of endocrine disorders:
• impaired hormone production;
• the inability of target organs to respond to the corresponding hormone.
Endocrine diseases
Among the most frequent endocrine diseases are:
• Diabetes mellitus - is associated with insufficient insulin production or tissue insensitivity to it;
• diabetes insipidus - develops with insufficient production of the hormone vasopressin;
• hypothyroidism - characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormones; in adults is manifested sluggishness and weight gain;
• thyrotoxicosis - is associated with excessive production of thyroid hormones; symptoms include heart palpitations and tremors (trembling);
• Cushing's syndrome - develops with an excess of glucocorticoids (adrenal hormones); symptoms include obesity and increased blood pressure;
• Acromegaly and gigantism - are observed, mainly, with a pituitary tumor.
Hyperfunction of the gland
Hyperfunction (increased activity of the gland) can be observed with a tumor of glandular tissue, which is accompanied by a violation of the principle of feedback. In some autoimmune diseases, the development of antibodies affecting the gland occurs, which is manifested by increased secretion of hormones. Similar consequences may lead to infection of the gland. Precisely diagnose endocrine pathology, with the exception of diabetes, can be quite difficult. Many of them are characterized by slow development and delayed manifestation of specific symptoms.
Evaluation of research results
An endocrinologist examining the patient in order to identify possible endocrine disorders. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by insufficient insulin production, which causes an excess of glucose in the blood, which is released by the kidneys. The analysis of urine helps to reveal this. The nature of endocrine disorders is investigated using a blood test. In this case, the blood can be detected different from the normal level of hormones or other substances. Then, various additional studies are carried out:
• blood test - to detect changes in the level of hormones or other substances in the blood. In some cases, samples are taken to stimulate or suppress hormone production;
• urine analysis - the concentration of hormones withdrawn from the body can be measured; it is also used to detect hormone production disorders;
• genetic analysis - identification of DNA mutations that can be the cause of endocrine diseases, can also be used to clarify the diagnosis;
• methods of visualization - studies are being done to create a picture of the gland; computed tomography is especially informative for the diagnosis of tumors that can be the cause of hormonal imbalance;
• radionuclide methods - the image of the gland can be obtained by introducing labeled isotopes, which allows one to evaluate its function. After identifying the cause of the disturbances, the endocrinologist appoints the optimal treatment regimen. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected gland, but prolonged drug therapy is more likely. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent metabolic disorders and is characterized by unquenchable thirst and polyuria (increased urine volume). The thyroid gland is responsible for the secretion of thyroid hormones, which play an important role in the regulation of metabolism. Violation of the function of this gland is accompanied by metabolic disorders. The pituitary gland is located in the base of the brain. It secretes a number of hormones, and also regulates the production of hormones by other glands. Violation of the pituitary gland is accompanied by significant changes in the balance of hormones, which can have long-term consequences. The adrenal glands are located on the upper poles of the kidneys and are responsible for the secretion of several hormones. Changing their level in the blood can lead to conditions such as Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome.