How does the endocrine system work?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by a General Internal Medicine Doctor - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
The endocrine system greatly influences the development of diabetes, thyroid disease, growth disorders, sexual dysfunction, and a host of other hormone-related disorders. This article will provide more information about the endocrine system, how the endocrine system works and the hormones it produces.

1. How does the endocrine system work?

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones that help control many important body functions, including the body's ability to change calories to fuel cells and muscles. mandarin. The endocrine system affects heart, bone and tissues development and fertility.
The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located throughout the body. It resembles the nervous system in controlling and regulating many bodily functions. However, while the nervous system uses nerve impulses and neurotransmitters for communication, the endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones. Hormones are substances that the endocrine system uses to send messages to organs and tissues throughout the body. Once released into the bloodstream, they travel to their target organ or tissue, where there are receptors that recognize and respond to hormones.

2. Endocrine system function

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating a variety of bodily functions through the release of hormones. Hormones are secreted by glands of the endocrine system, which travel through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues in the body. Hormones tell organs and tissues what to do or how to function.
Some examples of bodily functions controlled by the endocrine system include: metabolism, growth and development, sexual and reproductive functions, heart rate, blood pressure, appetite, sleep and wake cycles, body temperature.

3. Endocrine system organs

The endocrine system is made up of a complex network of glands, which are organs that secrete substances. The glands of the endocrine system are where hormones are produced, stored, and released. Each gland produces one or more hormones, which enter specific organs and tissues in the body. Glands of the endocrine system include:
The hypothalamus is where many of the hormones that control the pituitary gland are produced, which are involved in the regulation of many functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, and appetite. It may also regulate the function of other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is a gland located below the hypothalamus. The hormones it produces affect growth and reproduction, it can also control the function of other endocrine glands. The thyroid is a gland located in the front part of the neck. It is very important for metabolism. The parathyroid glands are located in the front of the neck and are important for maintaining control of calcium levels in the bones and blood. The thymus is located in the upper body, it works until puberty and produces hormones that are important for the development of a type of white blood cell called a T cell. The adrenal gland is a gland that can be found on At the top of each kidney, this gland produces hormones important for regulating functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress response. The pancreas is located in the abdomen behind the stomach and is involved in blood sugar control. Some endocrine glands also have non-endocrine functions. For example, the ovaries and testes produce hormones, but they also have non-endocrine functions producing eggs and sperm, respectively.
The endocrine system is very diverse and the relationship between the endocrine glands is very close, even a small change will affect the functioning of the organs in the body.

4. Conditions that can affect the endocrine system

Sometimes, hormone levels can be too high or too low. When this happens, it can have a number of health effects. Signs and symptoms depend on the extent of the hormone imbalance. Here are some of the conditions that can affect the endocrine system and change hormone levels.
4.1 Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than it needs. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune conditions. Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: fatigue, nervousness, weight loss, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, trouble sleeping.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the severity of the condition as well as its underlying cause. Options include medication, radioiodine therapy, or surgery. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder and is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. In patients with Graves' disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce more hormones than normal.
4.2 Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Like hyperthyroidism, it has many causes. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry hair, slow heartbeat, irregular cycles, fertility problems. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves supplementing your thyroid hormone with medication.
4.3 Cushing's Syndrome Cushing's syndrome occurs due to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include: weight gain, fat on the face, middle, or shoulders, stretch marks, especially on the arms, thighs, and abdomen, thin skin that bruises easily, irregular periods reduced Sex drive and fertility in men. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and may include medication, radiation therapy, or surgery.
4.4 Addison's Disease Addison's disease occurs when your adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Some of the symptoms of Addison's disease include: fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, low blood sugar, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, cravings for salt or salty foods, and irregular periods.
Treatment for Addison's disease includes taking medicines to help replace the hormones your body doesn't produce enough of.
4.5 Diabetes Diabetes occurs when blood sugar is not properly regulated. People with diabetes from having too much glucose in their blood (high blood sugar). There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Some common symptoms of diabetes include: fatigue, weight loss, increased hunger or thirst, frequent urination, irritability, frequent infections.
Treatment for diabetes may include blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, and medication. Lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, can also help.
The endocrine system is a complex set of glands and organs that help regulate various bodily functions. This is done through the release of hormones, or chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system.
The endocrine system plays a very important role in the human body. Therefore, as soon as the body has health problems related to the endocrine system, you need to immediately go to a medical facility for examination and early treatment. To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register online HERE.
Reference source: .webmd.com