The endocrine system is made up of the glands of internal secretion that produce hormones. On this page you will find a brief overview of the endocrine system, the work of an endocrinologist and the most common endocrine diseases.
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system brings together the glands of internal secretion. These glands are organs that synthesize and secrete hormones.
Hormones regulate reproduction, metabolism, growth and development. They also control how the body responds to its environment and help provide the energy and nutrient reserves the body needs to function.
The endocrine system includes the following glands:
- hypothalamus
- pituitary gland
- thyroid gland
- parathyroid glands
- pancreas
- adrenal glands
- sex glands — the ovaries in women and the testes in men
Who is an endocrinologist?
An endocrinologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the endocrine system. These conditions are often complex and involve several body systems.
If the doctor you see first finds an endocrine problem, they will refer you to an endocrinologist.
To assess how the endocrine glands are working, an endocrinologist performs a thorough examination and, when needed, orders certain tests.
What conditions does an endocrinologist treat?
- diabetes
- thyroid diseases
- metabolic disorders
- reproductive disorders
- menopause
- osteoporosis
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- fat (lipid) metabolism disorders
- infertility
- short stature and excessive height
- tumours of the endocrine glands
- overweight and obesity
The most common endocrine diseases
Below is a brief overview of the nine groups of conditions an endocrinologist encounters most often.
Diabetes
In diabetes, the blood sugar level is higher than normal. Untreated diabetes can lead to deteriorating vision (even blindness), kidney failure, reduced sensation in the hands and feet, and gangrene.
An endocrinologist treats diabetes with diet, oral medications or insulin. To keep blood sugar within the normal range and prevent complications, ongoing medical supervision is necessary.
Thyroid diseases
The most common complaint in thyroid disease is unstable energy levels. Muscle stiffness, mood changes, difficulty controlling weight, and problems tolerating heat or cold may also occur.
An endocrinologist treats patients with an excess of thyroid hormone caused by an overactive gland (hyperthyroidism) or a deficiency caused by an underactive gland (hypothyroidism). Treatment involves either prescribing thyroid hormone or medications that block the excess hormone.
Bone diseases
An endocrinologist treats osteoporosis, osteomalacia (rickets in children), and diseases of the parathyroid glands that disturb the calcium balance and cause osteoporosis.
Reproductive disorders
In reproductive endocrinology, an endocrinologist treats the following problems:
- menopausal symptoms
- menstrual cycle disorders
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- premenstrual syndrome
- erectile dysfunction
Obesity and overweight
In patients who are overweight or obese, an endocrinologist looks for and treats metabolic and hormonal causes. Disorders of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries and pituitary gland can cause obesity.
Pituitary diseases
The pituitary is considered the body’s “master gland” because it controls the activity of the other glands and produces important hormones.
An excess or deficiency of these hormones can lead to infertility, menstrual cycle disorders, growth disorders (excessive height or short stature), cortisol imbalance (weight gain or weight loss) and elevated prolactin.
These problems are treated with medication; when needed, the endocrinologist refers the patient to a surgeon.
Growth disorders
Growth hormone deficiency significantly affects both children and adults. In children, excessive height or short stature is treated by paediatric endocrinologists.
In adults, growth hormone deficiency presents with a variety of complaints. Safe and effective growth hormone treatment is available for these patients.
Hypertension
Hypertension means high blood pressure and is a risk factor for heart disease. Although it is most often associated with cardiovascular disease, in some cases it is caused by an excess of the hormone aldosterone.
Metabolic syndrome and the rare pheochromocytoma can also cause hypertension. All of these conditions are effectively treatable.
Lipid disorders
The most common lipid disorders are high cholesterol, high triglycerides or low “protective” cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). These disorders are often associated with cardiovascular disease.
Lipid disorders may occur together with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity. They can be treated with diet, physical activity and medication.
The information on this page is general and does not replace a medical examination.