What is Endocrinology?

Endocrinology is the study of hormones in the body. The endocrine system is made up of a network of glands which secrete hormones to regulate many bodily functions, including growth and metabolism. Endocrine diseases are common and usually occur when glands produce an incorrect amount of hormones (i.e. too much or too little).

The Endocrine Glands

The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete chemicals called hormones to help your body function properly. Hormones are chemical signals which are secreted into the bloodstream that coordinate a range of bodily functions.
The glands and the hormones they produce are:

Pituitary Gland:

Sometimes called the "master gland," the pituitary gland secretes and stores hormones, which it uses to regulate other glands.

• Prolactin
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone(FSH)/Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Growth Hormone (GH)
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Thyroid:

The thyroid gland controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones.

• Thyroxine (T4)
• Triiodothyronine (T3)

Parathyroid:

Parathyroid glands control the amount of calcium in the blood and within the bones.

• Parathyroid Hormone
• Calcitonin

Adrenal:

The adrenal glands are chiefly responsible for releasing hormones in response to stress and maintaining salt/water balance.

• Cortisol
• Epinephrine/Norepinephrine (NE)
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
• Aldosterone

Pancreas:

The pancreas creates enzymes to aid digestion and hormones to help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Insulin
• Glucagon
• Somatostatin

Ovaries:

The ovaries are a pair of glands in the female reproductive system where eggs are produced and estrogen is manufactured.

• Estrogen Ovaries and Testes
• Progesterone
• Testosterone

Testes:

The primary functions of the testes are to produce sperm and make testosterone.

• Testosterone

Endocrine Gland Disorders

Pituitary Disorders:

• Tumors
• Pituitary hormone deficiencies
• Pituitary hormone excesses

Thyroid Disorders:

• Nodules
• Goiter
• Multinodular goiter
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Thyroid cancer

Parathyroid Disorders:

• Tumors
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hypoparathyroidism

Adrenal Gland Disorders:

• Tumors, cancer, nodules
• Cushing's syndrome
• Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's disease)
• Aldosteronism
• Pheochromocytoma

Diabetes:

• Medication and insulin management
• Insulin pump referrals, education and instruction
• Continuous glucose sensors
• Hypoglycemia
• Immunizations against influenza and Pneumovax

Metabolic Bone Disorders:

• Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
• Osteomalacia (vitamin D deficiency)

Testes:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Testosterone deficiency
• Testosterone excess

Ovaries

• Menopausal symptoms
• Polycystic ovarian disease

Lipid Disorders:

• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Mixed disorders
• Rare genetic diseases of lipid metabolism