Endocrinology

Endocrinology is an aspect of biology and medicine that deals with studying the endocrine system, hormones, and diseases related to hormones. A doctor who handles hormone-related diseases is called an Endocrinologist.

Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that are secreted from the endocrine ductless glands directly into the blood, transporting them to the body’s organs and tissues to carry out their functions. The endocrine glands and their hormones include adrenal glands, testes, ovaries, pancreas, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, hypothalamus, and pineal glands.

The hormones are secreted in very minute quantities, which bring about significant changes in the body. They coordinate our body’s temperature, growth, mood, metabolism, sexual development and function, reproduction, stress, regulation of heartbeat and blood pressure, sleep, and so on. When the hormones are secreted in excess or reduced quantities which leads to a hormonal imbalance, some parts of the body will not function properly. If this occurs, the body has an inbuilt mechanism that helps it keep track of such issues and correct them. However, there are times when the body can not correct these issues. Thus problems occur, which cause major diseases in humans such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, obesity, some neurological problems, etc.

Hormone-related problems are treated based on the affected hormone, and hormone supplements are given in the case of a deficiency.