Endocrine glands - secrete hormones straight into the

bloodstream. Hormones help to control many body functions,

such as growth, repair and reproduction. The endocrine system
involves many organ systems and hormones, many of which are
still being investigated and understood.
How does the endocrine system work with hormones?
Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. This
lets the hormones travel to cells in other parts of the body. The
endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and
development, the way our organs work, metabolism, and
reproduction. The endocrine system regulates how much of
each hormone is released.
What are the 8 endocrine glands?
The major glands of the endocrine system include the pineal
gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland,
parathyroid gland, hypothalamus and adrenal glands. The
hypothalamus and pituitary glands are neuroendocrine organs.
What is the largest endocrine gland?
Pancreas (Lapay)
 Your pancreas is your largest endocrine gland and it's
found in your belly. The pancreas makes several
hormones, including insulin, which helps glucose the sugar
that's in your blood, enter the cells of your body.
The Endocrine System - is a network of glands and organs
located throughout the body. It’s similar to the nervous system
in that it plays a vital role in controlling and regulating many of
the body’s functions.
However, while the nervous system uses nerve impulses and
neurotransmitters for communication, the endocrine system
uses chemical messengers called hormones.
Endocrine System Functions:
 The endocrine system is responsible for regulating a range
of bodily functions through the release of hormones.
 Hormones are secreted by the glands of the endocrine
system, traveling through the bloodstream to various
organs and tissues in the body. The hormones then tell
these organs and tissues what to do or how to function.
 Some examples of bodily functions that are controlled by
the endocrine system include:
• metabolism
• growth and development
• sexual function and reproduction
• heart rate
• blood pressure
• appetite
• sleeping and waking cycles
• body temperature
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 go on to target specific
organs and tissues in the body.
The glands of the endocrine system include:
Hypothalamus - While some people don’t consider it a gland,
the hypothalamus produces multiple hormones that control the
pituitary gland. It’s also involved in regulating many functions,
including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. It
can also regulate the function of other endocrine glands.
Pituitary - The pituitary gland is located below the
hypothalamus. The hormones it produces affect growth and
reproduction. They can also control the function of other
endocrine glands.
Pineal - This gland is found in the middle of your brain. It’s
important for your sleep-wake cycles.
Thyroid - The thyroid gland is located in the front part of your
neck. It’s very important for metabolism.
Parathyroid - Also located in the front of your neck, the
parathyroid gland is important for maintaining control of
calcium levels in your bones and blood.
Thymus - Located in the upper torso, the thymus is active until
puberty and produces hormones important for the
development of a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
Adrenal - One adrenal gland can be found on top of each
kidney. These glands produce hormones important for
regulating functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and
stress response.
Pancreas - The pancreas is located in your abdomen behind
your stomach. Its endocrine function involves controlling blood
sugar levels.
 Some endocrine glands also have non-endocrine functions.
For example, the ovaries and testes produce hormones,
but they also have the non-endocrine function of
producing eggs and sperm, respectively.
Endocrine system hormones
Hormones are the chemicals the endocrine system uses to send
messages to organs and tissue throughout the body. Once
released into the bloodstream, they travel to their target organ
or tissue, which has receptors that recognize and react to the
hormone.
Some examples of hormones that are produced by the
endocrine system.
HormoneSecreting glands Functions
Adrenalin - adrenal increases blood pressure, heart rate,
and metabolism in reaction to stress
Aldosterone - adrenal controls the body’s salt and water
balance
Cortisol - adrenal plays a role in stress response
dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA) adrenal aids in
production of body odour and growth of body hair
during puberty
Estrogen - ovary works to regulate menstrual cycle, maintain
pregnancy, and develop female sex characteristics
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - pituitary controls the
production of eggs and sperm
Glucagon - pancreas helps to increase levels of blood glucose
Insulin - pancreas helps to reduce your blood glucose
levels
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - pituitary controls estrogen and
testosterone production as well as ovulation
Melatonin - pituitary controls sleep and wake cycles
Oxytocin - pituitaryhelps with lactation, childbirth, and
mother-child bonding
Parathyroid Hormone – parathyroid controls calcium levels in
bones and blood
Progesterone – ovary helps to prepare the body for
pregnancy when an egg is fertilized
Prolactin - pituitarypromotes breast-milk production
Testosterone and Testes - adrenalcontributes to sex drive
and body density in males as well as
development of male sex characteristics
Thyroid Hormone - thyroid help to control several body
functions, including the rate of metabolism and
energy levels
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 effects on
your health. The signs and symptoms depend on the
hormone that’s out of balance.
Some conditions that can affect the endocrine system and
alter your hormone levels.
1. Hyperthyroidism - happens when your thyroid gland
makes more thyroid hormone than necessary. This can be
caused by a range of things, including autoimmune
conditions.


Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
• fatigue, nervousness, weight loss, diarrhea, issues
tolerating heat, fast heart rate, trouble sleeping
Treatment depends on how severe the condition is, as well as
its underlying cause. Options include medications, radioiodine
therapy, or surgery.
2. Graves Disease - is an autoimmune disorder and common
form of hyperthyroidism. In people with Graves disease,
the immune system attacks the thyroid, which causes it to
produce more thyroid hormone than normal.

3. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t

produce enough thyroid hormone. Like hyperthyroidism, it
has many potential causes.
Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
• fatigue, weight gain, constipation, issues tolerating the cold,
dry skin and hair, slow heart rate, irregular periods, fertility
issues
Treatment of hypothyroidism involves supplementing your
thyroid hormone with medication.
4. Cushing syndrome happens due to high levels of the
hormone cortisol.
Common symptoms of Cushing syndrome include:
• weight gain
• fatty deposits in the face, midsection, or shoulders
• stretch marks, particularly on the arms, thighs, and
abdomen
• slow healing of cuts, scrapes, and insect bites
• thin skin that bruises easily
• irregular periods
• decreased sex drive and fertility in males
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and can
include medications, radiation therapy, or surgery.
5. Addison disease happens when your adrenal glands don’t
produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Some symptoms
of Addison disease include:
 • fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, low blood sugar,
nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, a craving for salt
or salty foods, irregular periods
Treatment of Addison disease involves taking
6. Diabetes refers to a condition in which your blood sugar
levels aren’t regulated properly.
Juvenile Diabetes

Diabetes 1
  People with diabetes have 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
urge to urinate, irritability, frequent infections
Treatment for diabetes can include blood sugar monitoring,
insulin therapy, and medications. Lifestyle changes, such as
getting regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, can also
help.
7. Pituitary dwarfism, or growth hormone deficiency, is a
condition in which the pituitary gland does not make
enough growth hormone. This results in a child's slow
growth pattern and an unusually small stature (below
average height).
What happens when endocrine system fails?

 If there's a problem with the endocrine system, a person's

body might not grow like it should or it might not work the
way it's supposed to. Diabetes is one common problem
with the endocrine system. It occurs when a person's
pancreas doesn't make enough insulin.

How does endocrine dysfunction affect life?

 Some reports have included minor weight gain, fatigue,

moodiness, foggy thinking and headaches. Others have
reported significant symptoms such as extreme fatigue,
significant weight gain, erratic and frequent mood swings,
slowed or accelerated growth, low testosterone, and
delayed or early puberty.

Can you control your endocrine system?

 “Technically, we can't 'control' hormones, but we

can certainly do things to influence them,” he notes.
“Foods we choose to eat or drink can cause our hormone
levels to go up or down. Extra weight can also have a
significant impact on the way hormones work.”

The bottom line

  The endocrine system is a complex collection of glands and
organs that helps to regulate various bodily functions. This
is accomplished through the release of hormones, or
chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system.
Treatment and Management:
 When symptoms of endocrine disorders are bothersome,
they can generally be treated by correcting the hormone
imbalance. This is often done by means of synthetic
hormone administration. In cases such as prolactinoma,
where a noncancerous tumor is responsible for symptoms,
surgery or radiation therapy may be used.
What vitamins are good for the endocrine system?

Vitamin B and B complex are found in chicken, fish, eggs,

whole grains, beans and nuts. Vitamin C -
Adrenal glands have a very high content of ascorbic acid
(vitamin C). This vitamin helps the adrenal glands produce
more of the disease-fighting hormone cortin.

12 Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones

1. Eat Enough Protein at Every Meal. Consuming an adequate
amount of protein is extremely important.
2. Engage in Regular Exercise.
3. Avoid Sugar and Refined Carbs.
4. Learn to Manage Stress.
5. Consume Healthy Fats.
6. Avoid Overeating and Undereating.
7. Drink Green Tea.
8. Eat Fatty Fish Often.