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Overview of endocrine disorders

Overview of endocrine disorders

Endocrine disorders are related to the endocrine system which is a collection of major glands that are responsible for the secretion of vital hormones with the help of the circulatory system, throughout the body. Major glands of the endocrine system and their associated disorders include:

Pineal gland: This gland is found in the vertebrae of your brain which is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone which affects sleeping patterns. Endocrine disorders related to the pineal gland include deficiency of melatonin which leads to symptoms of depression, change in dietary habits, stress, peptic ulcers, unable to perform sexually. Psychotic depression happens to be the number one endocrine disorder when it comes to the pineal gland.

Pituitary gland: Pituitary glands help secrete hormones which control growth, blood pressure, the functioning of vital sex organs, your thyroid glands and most importantly your metabolism. Pituitary tumors can result in endocrine disorders like hypersecretion and hyposecretion which in simple terms means too much or too little of the hormone being secreted by the gland.

Thyroid gland: This gland mainly secrets thyroid hormones which influence your metabolism concerning your metabolic rate and protein synthesis. Endocrine disorders of the thyroid gland are more or less similar to the pituitary gland including the after-effects of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules. A thyroid nodule is a small bump in the thyroid gland which is not necessarily cancerous. However medical attention is advised in case the lumps are noticeable and enlarged.

Adrenal gland: Adrenal glands are responsible for producing vital hormones like adrenaline, steroid hormones like aldosterone and cortisol. However, adrenal glands are also one of the easiest to get affected when it comes to endocrine disorders which include Cushing syndrome due to the overproduction of cortisol, Addison’s disease which is the result of underproduction of cortisol.

Thymus: Thymus is the primary organ of your immune system consisting of T cells which help the body and the immune system adapt to foreign invaders. Endocrine disorders of the thymus gland include SCID’s which is a type of genetic mutation that affects the normal growth of T cells, thus affecting the immune system. DiGeorge syndrome results in poor development of vital organs of the immune system, while carcinomas results in cell growth outside the gland with common symptoms that include trouble breathing along with chest pain and a persistent cough.