Endocrine Glands Disorders: Parts, Causes and Symptoms

Endocrine disorders are related to the endocrine glands of the body. The endocrine system is a network of numerous glands. They impact the functioning of different organs in the human body. The endocrine system secretes a chemical known as hormones. Hormones have the ability to change or manipulate cell activities. They can make cells as tall and short as trees and shrubs respectively. A perfect hormone level is required to maintain the equilibrium. The endocrine system regulates metabolism, reproduction, etc. Endocrine disorders happen when one or more parts of the endocrine system do not work properly. 

Also read: Symptoms of thyroid

Key Takeaways: Endocrine Systems, Endocrine Disorders, Hormones, Endocrine Glands. 

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Parts of Endocrine Systems

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Endocrine disorder is mainly due to high or low levels of hormones in the body. They are the reasons for different problems in the body.

Different parts of endocrine systems are mentioned below:

• Hypothalamus
• Pineal body
• Pituitary gland
• Thyroid and Parathyroid
• Thymus
• Adrenal Gland
• Pancreas
• Ovaries
• Testicles

Endocrine system

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Causes of Endocrine Disorders

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There are different reasons for endocrine disorders. Many endocrine disorders occur due to hormonal disbalance. In a number of cases, autoimmune conditions cause endocrine disorders. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are directly related to thyroid hormones. Another example is type 1 diabetes. It is caused because of the immune system shattering insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

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Common Endocrine Disorders

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Hormonal balance is required for the proper functioning of the body. Excess or lack of hormones can lead to hormonal disbalance which leads to endocrine disorders. Some of the common endocrine disorders are as follows:

• Dwarfism

It is caused by growth hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. When an insufficient amount of growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland it restricts the height of a person. Dwarfism is considered when an adult's height is less than 4 feet 10 inches. 

Dwarfism​

• Acromegaly

It is also known as gigantism. Acromegaly is a growth hormone disorder. It is caused when pituitary glands secrete an excess amount of growth hormones. The most common cause of acromegaly is a pituitary gland tumour called a pituitary adenoma. Swollen hands and feet, deepening voice, etc. are some of the common symptoms of acromegaly. 

• Cretinism

Cretinism is caused because of deficiency of thyroid hormones. It is a type of hypothyroidism usually found in kids. Cretinism results in physical and mental growth impairment. The major cause of cretinism is the deficiency of iodine in the diet. This is very common among pregnant women. Another common cause of cretinism is the lack of a thyroid gland or failure of the thyroid gland. 

Cretinism

• Goitre

Goitre is a condition of swelling of the thyroid gland. It is caused when thyroid hormones are in excess amounts in the blood. Common symptoms of goitre are weight loss, excess sweating, and swelling in front of the neck (just below the adam’s apple). The treatment of goitre depends on its stage. During the initial stage, one can cure goitre with medication. 

• Diabetes Mellitus

Glucagon and insulin are the two hormones produced by the endocrine part of the pancreas.They balance the blood glucose level. Diabetes mellitus is a condition of high blood pressure because of insufficient insulin secretion. Frequent urination, excessive thirst etc. are some of the common symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Two most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2.

Diabetes Mellitus

Some of the common symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst and urination, increased hunger etc. People who have diabetes are required to have insulin at regular intervals to maintain the glucose level in the body.

• Addison’s Disease

It is a condition which leads to extreme weakness, tiredness, dehydration etc. Addison’s disease is a hormonal disorder caused due to inefficiency of the adrenal cortex to produce corticosteroids. It can be caused by damage to adrenal glands, usage of antifungal medication etc. Diarrhoea is one of the common symptoms of Addison's disease.

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Things to Remember

• Endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that takes care of the body using hormones. Hormones travel through the bloodstream to help in the functioning of the body.
• Some of the primary parts of the endocrine system are: Hypothalamus, Pineal body, Pituitary gland, Thymus etc.
• Endocrine disorders are caused either by excess hormones or deficiency of hormones in the body. 

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