Endocrinology is a complex study of the various hormones. These are substances that help to control activities in the body and have several effects on the metabolism, reproduction, food absorption and utilization, growth and development etc
Glands are organs that make hormones. The glands that make up the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and testes.
The pituitary gland called the "master gland" because of its great influence on the other body organs. It produces hormones that act directly on the body and that stimulate other endocrine glands to produce their own hormones.
Prolactin: stimulates milk production from a woman's breasts after childbirth.
Growth hormone (GH): GH stimulates growth in childhood and is important for maintaining a healthy body composition. In adults it is also important for maintaining muscle mass and bone mass. GH also affects fat distribution in the body.
Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH): ACTH stimulates production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Cortisol, a so-called "stress hormone," is vital to survival. It helps maintain blood pressure and blood glucose levels, among other effects.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones, which, in turn, control (regulate) the body's metabolism, energy, growth and development, and nervous system activity.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH regulates testosterone in men and estrogen in women.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH stimulates the ovaries to release eggs (ovulate) in women. LH and FSH work together to allow normal function of the ovaries or testes, including sperm production.
Oxytocin: Oxytocin causes milk to be released in nursing mothers and contractions during childbirth.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): ADH, also called vasopressin, regulates water balance. If ADH is not secreted in the right amount, this can lead to too much or too little sodium (salt) and water in the bloodstream.
The hypothalamus is part of the brain that lies just above the pituitary gland. It releases hormones that start and stop the release of pituitary hormones. The hypothalamus controls hormone production in the pituitary gland through several "releasing" hormones.
The thyroid is a small gland in front of the neck. Thyroid hormones control your metabolism, which is the body's ability to break down food and store it as energy and the ability to break down food and use or store it as energy. The thyroid produces two hormones, T3 (called tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (called thyroxine).
Each adrenal gland is actually two endocrine organs. The outer portion is called the adrenal cortex. The inner portion is called the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids (such as cortisol) that help the body control blood sugar and respond to stressors like fever, major illness, and injury. It also makes mineralcorticoids (such as aldosterone) which control blood pressure. The adrenal medulla produces epinephrine (adrenaline), which increases the heart rate usually when a person is scared, excited, or under stress. Norepinephrine also is made by the adrenal medulla.
Located behind the thyroid gland are four tiny parathyroid glands. These glands make hormones that help control calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. The parathyroid glands are necessary for proper bone development.
Located behind the thyroid gland are four tiny parathyroid glands. These glands make hormones that help control calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. The parathyroid glands are necessary for proper bone development.
What is an Endocrinologist?
An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor. Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in your system. They take care of many conditions including:
What type of medical training do endocrinologists receive?
Overall, an endocrinologist's training will take more than 11 years.
4 ½ years- MBBS
1 year- Internship
3 years- MD
3 years- DM
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