The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that act
in consert with the nervous system to control and coordinate
the myriad chemical reaction assocated with storage and
release of energy, growth, maturation, reproduction and behavior.
The sheer complexity of the system makes it vulnerable to
breakdown, a fact that is reflected in numerous and varied
endocrine disorders. The endocrine system's influence on
bodily functions is so profound that many systems may be
affected when anyone of these glands fail to operate properly.

THE SYSTEM AND HOW IT WORKS
The endocrine system includes the pituary, thyroid, parathroid,
adrenais, testes, ovaries, pineal, and thymus glands and the
pancreas. The endocrine glands function by releasing
hormones (or chemial messengers) into the blood stream.
These hormones trigger reactions in specific tissue.

Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, produces
several hormones, including antidiuretic hormones(ADH),
adrenocorticotrophin hormones (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating
hormones (TSH), growth hormones (GH), follice-stimulating
hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH) and prolactin.

Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland, situated at the front of the throad, secretes
thyroxine (T4) and trilodothyronine (T3), which are essential
for growth and development. These two hormones stimulate
metabolism and protein synthesis in most of the body tissue.

Parathyroid Glands
The four parathyroid glands are located next to the thyroid
glands and secrete parathyroid hormones (PTH) which
controls phosphorous and calcium metabolism and plays
a central role in bone development.

Pancreas
The pancreas lies transversely in the abdomen, just behind
the stomach. It secretes digestive juices into the stomach and
two hormones insulin and glucagon into the blood stream. The
hormones regulate glucose metabolism. Insulin promotes
using glucose by the body's cells. Glucagon regulates
release of stored glucose into the blood stream.

Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands sits atop the kidneys and are composed
of two seperate parts, the outer cortex and the inner medulla.
The adrenal cortex accounts for 90% of the adrenals, secretes
aldosterone, which causes the kidneys to excrete potassium
and retain sodium, cortisol, corticosterone and cortisone,
which together helps the body resist stress, inhibits the
immune response, promotes normal metabolim of proteins,
fats and carbohydrates and inhibits inflammation. The cortex
also secretes sex hormones. The inner medulla secretes
epinephrine and norepinephine which produces the body's
fight or flight response to stress.

Testes
Men have two testes, which are located in the scrotum outside
the abdominal cavity. The testes produce sperm and male
sex hormones, most notably testosterone, which controls the
development of the male sex organ.

Ovaries
Women have two ovaries, which are situated on either side of
the uterus. The ovaries release eggs and secrete female sex
hormones including estorgen, which mediates the development
of the female sex organs and characteristics, and progesterone
which prepares the uterus for pregnancy and readies the
breast for lactation.

DISEASES AND DISORDERS

Pituitary Disorders

Hypopituitarism

Hyperpituitarism

Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs more frequently in women and is
diagnosed most often between 40 and 50 years of age.
Essentially it is an underproduction of thyroid hormone.
Can be caused by an insufficiency of the hypothalamus,
the pituitary or thyroid gland. An underactive thryoi d gland
may be he result of surgery, inflammation, autoimmune
condition or insufficient iodine in the diet. Congenital
defects may also cause hypothyroidism and the condition
may be the side effect of drugs. Early symptoms tend to
be vague. They include short-term memory loss, fatigue,
lethargy, unexplained weight gain, intolerance to colld, poor
healing wound and consipation. Later signs include
increased mental instability, puffiness in the face and
extremities, thin, dry hair, loss of libido, loss of appetite,
hand tremors, and abdominal bloating. If left untreated may
lead to onset of life threatening coma. Hypothyroidism is
treated by replacing the thyroid hormones with prescription.

Hyperthyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism

Others
Other thyroid disorders include thyroiditis (an inflammation of
the thyroid gland) and goiter (an enlargement of the gland).
Adrenal Gland Disorders

Addison's Disease

Cushing's Disease

**Material contained herein is intended for information only
and in no way is intented to replace your Doctor or any
other Health Care Provider.**