Endocrine DisordersEndocrine DisordersEndocrine DisordersEndocrine Disorders

System Review• Simply put, endocrinology is the

study of endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are a group of  glands in the body which secrete hormones. The purpose of the secreted hormones is to evoke a specific response in other cells of the body which are located far away. As shown in the picture, the hormones are secreted into the blood stream giving them access to all other cells of the body.

Examples of Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

• Thyroid Gland. Located in the front of the neck. Secretes thyroid hormone. Purpose: Regulate the body's overall metabolism.parathyroid, parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone

• Parathyroid Glands. There are 4 parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid. Secretes parathyroid hormone. parathyroid, parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone Purpose: Absolute control over calcium levels throughout the body.

parathyroid, parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone • Adrenal Glands. There are 2 adrenal glands located on the top of each

kidney. Inner part secretes adrenaline, outer part secretes aldosterone and cortisol. Purpose: Maintain salt levels in the blood, maintain blood pressure, help control kidney function, control overall fluid concentrations in the body.parathyroid, parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone

• Neuroendocrine Glands of the Pancreas. Located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach, the pancreas is primarily a digestive organ. It also contains extremely important endocrine cells which secrete: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and others. Purpose: Control blood sugar and overall glucose metabolism, help control other endocrine cells of the digestive tract. parathyroid, parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone 

• Pituitary Gland. The pituitary is located at the base of the brain. Secretes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), adrenocotropic hormone (ACTH), and others. parathyroid, parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone Purpose: Control the activity of many other endocrine glands (thyroid, ovaries, adrenal, etc.). parathyroid, parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone

The Thyroid

• The function of the thyroid therefore is to regulate the body's metabolism.

Common Thyroid Problems

1. A thyroid goiter is a dramatic enlargement of the thyroid gland.

• Caused by lack of iodine in a persons diet

2. Hyperthyroidism is the medical term to describe the signs and symptoms associated with an over production of thyroid hormone Symptoms include:Palpitations Heat intolerance Nervousness Insomnia Breathlessness Increased bowel movements Light or absent menstrual periods Fatigue

Fast heart rate Trembling hands Weight loss Muscle weakness Warm moist skin Hair loss Staring gaze

3. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:Fatigue Weakness Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight Coarse, dry hair Dry, rough pale skin Hair loss Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you)

Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches Constipation Depression Irritability Memory loss Abnormal menstrual cycles Decreased libido