What is Endocrinology: Definition and Overview
The endocrine
system consists of many glands, such as the pancreatic gland, adrenal glands
above the kidneys, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and several reproductive
organs, such as ovaries and testes.
The endocrine
system is responsible for producing and secreting hormones, which act as
chemical messengers that tell cells or tissues to work in specific ways or
perform essential activities in a person's life. For example, the pancreas
produces insulin, which helps store and circulate blood sugar (glucose) to provide
energy to the body's cells. Because these glands do not have their own
channels, the hormones produced will be circulated through the bloodstream.
The endocrine
system can also include specific organs that have similar functions to these
glands. One good example is the kidneys, which work with the liver and skin to
collect vitamin D to control calcium levels in the blood. The body will
naturally produce vitamin D, although its development will be triggered by
sunlight.
Changes in these
glands due to disease, congenital abnormalities, or other factors can cause
hormonal imbalances. This is the primary expertise of endocrinologists, who are
specialists who have been trained in this field.
All
endocrinologists are trained to deal with all diseases of the endocrine system.
However, they can also have primary expertise in reproduction, pediatric
medicine, internal medicine (including everything except the reproductive
system and pediatric patients), behaviour, oncology, and comparative analysis.
When Should You See an Endocrinologist
You may consider
seeing an endocrinologist if:
- You have factors that can affect
hormone production. The three most important factors are stress,
lifestyle, and age.
- You have specific genes that increase
your risk of hormonal health problems. Genetic factors can affect hormone
production in a variety of ways. A woman with defective genes called BRCA1
and BRCA2 has a 70% higher risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are also strongly related to genes.
- Have signs of hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal omens and imbalances can be very camouflaged or highly visible
and associated with other diseases unrelated to the endocrine system.
Symptoms can include hair loss and fatigue or fatigue. While other
signs can be obvious, such as infertility, difficulty controlling body
temperature, and obesity.
- You have congenital abnormalities
that can interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system.
- You have other diseases that stop the
average production of hormones, such as cancer of the body's glands.
- Experiencing psychic or behavioural
changes. One example is depression, which is associated with certain
hormones. Hormonal imbalances can increase a person's perceived pressure
level, cause difficulty sleeping, or alter their appetite. All of these
things are symptoms of depression.
- You have been diagnosed with an
endocrine-related disease and are taking medications or undergoing other
treatment methods.
An endocrinologist takes at least 20 years to practice, learn special skills,
and hone their skills. They spent at least four years in medical school, then
underwent residency training for at least 3-4 years. After that, they undergo
fellowship training, which can last for 2-3 years. The endocrinologist must be
certified.
Reference:
- American Association of Clinical
Endocrinologists
- The New England Journal of Medicine
