Endocrine Diseases

The endocrine system consists of several glands, including the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, adrenal glands in the kidneys, and thyroid in the neck, as well as the pancreas, ovaries and testes. The stomach, liver and intestines also secrete hormones related to digestion. Most common endocrine disorders are related to improper functioning of the pancreas and the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands.

What are the symptoms of endocrine disorders?

The symptoms of endocrine disorders can range from mild or even nonexistent to serious and affecting your entire body and overall feeling of well-being. Specific symptoms depend on the specific part of the endocrine system affected.

Causes of endocrine disorders

A number of factors are believed to cause endocrine disorders. Types and causes of endocrine disorders include:

Acromegaly, an overproduction of growth hormone, and prolactinoma, an overproduction of prolactin hormone, resulting from damage to the pituitary gland
Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome, disorders relating to changes in levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands
Diabetes mellitus, which arises when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot respond to the insulin that is present
Environmental or nutritional factors, such as a lack of iodine in hypothyroidism, which can affect hormone production
Genetic factors, which may play a role in endocrine disorders, especially with diabetes and other disorders, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis