The Endocrine

System
What is the Endocrine System?

• The endocrine system is a network of glands that

produce and release hormones that help control
many important body functions, including the
body's ability to change calories into energy that
powers cells and organs. The endocrine system
influences how your heart beats, how your bones
and tissues grow, even your ability to make a baby.
It plays a vital role in whether or not you develop 
diabetes, thyroid disease, growth disorders, sexual
dysfunction, and a host of other hormone-related
disorders.
 Types of Glands

• Adrenal glands: Two glands that sit on top of the kidneys that release the hormone cortisol.
• Hypothalamus: A part of the lower middle brain that tells the pituitary gland when to release
hormones.
• Ovaries: The female reproductive organs that release eggs and produce sex hormones.
• Islet cells in the pancreas: Cells in the pancreas control the release of the hormones insulin
 and glucagon.
• Parathyroid: Four tiny glands in the neck that play a role in bone development.
• Pineal gland: A gland found near the center of the brain that may be linked to sleep patterns.
• Pituitary gland: A gland found at the base of brain behind the sinuses. It is often called the
"master gland" because it influences many other glands, especially the thyroid. Problems with
the pituitary gland can affect bone growth, a woman's menstrual cycles, and the release of 
breast milk.
• Testes: The male reproductive glands that produce sperm and sex hormones.
• Thymus: A gland in the upper chest that helps develop the body's immune system early in life.
• Thyroid: A butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that controls metabolism.
 The Endocrine System
General Functions of Hormones
What are Diseases of the
Endocrine Glands?
What is Hypothyroidism?

• Hypothyroidism, also called underactive

thyroid or low thyroid, is a 
disorder of the endocrine system in which the 
thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid
hormone. It can cause a number of symptoms,
such as poor ability to tolerate cold, a 
feeling of tiredness, constipation, depression,
and weight gain. Occasionally there may be
swelling of the front part of the neck due to 
goiter.
Hypothyroidism
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?

• Cushing's syndrome is all about the stress

hormone cortisol. When your body has too much
of it, the excess hormone can throw off your
body's other systems.
• Most cases of Cushing's syndrome can be cured,
though it may take some time for your symptoms
to ease up.
• The condition, also known as hypercortisolism, is
more common in women than men. It's most
often seen in people ages 25 to 40
Cushing’s Syndrome
What is Metabolic Syndrome?

• Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic

disorders. When a patient presents with these
conditions together, the chances for future
cardiovascular disease is greater than any one
factor presenting alone.
Signs of Metabolic Syndrome
The Metabolic Syndrome
What is Estrogen Deficiency?

• Hypoestrogenism, or estrogen deficiency, refers to a

lower than normal level of estrogen, the primary 
sex hormone in women. In general, lower levels of
estrogen may cause differences in the breasts, genitals, 
urinary tract, and skin.
• Hypoestrogenism is most commonly found in women who
are postmenopausal, have premature ovarian failure, or
are suffering from amenorrhea; however, it is also
associated with hyperprolactinemia and the use of 
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in
treatment of endometriosis. It has also been linked to 
scoliosis and young women with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Estrogen Deficiency
What is Testosterone Deficiency?

• Testosterone deficiency is often part of the

ageing process and therefore common in older
men. It can also occur at any age as a result of
conditions affecting the testicles, or the pituitary
gland in the brain. Testosterone deficiency is
often part of the ageing process and therefore
common in older men. It can also occur at any
age as a result of conditions affecting the
testicles, or the pituitary gland in the brain.
Symptoms of Testosterone

Deficiency
What is Gigantism or Acromegaly?

• Gigantism and acromegaly are syndromes of

excessive secretion of growth hormone
(hypersomatotropism) that are nearly always due
to a pituitary adenoma. Before closure of the
epiphyses, the result is gigantism. Later, the
result is acromegaly, which causes distinctive
facial and other features. Diagnosis is clinical and
by skull and hand x-rays and measurement of
growth hormone levels. Treatment involves
removal or destruction of the responsible
adenoma.
Gigantism or Acromegaly
 How to keep your
Endocrine System healthy.

• 1. Zenify Yourself and

Schedule Stress Out
• 2. Eat for Your Health,
Not Your Feelings
• 3. Pay Attention to
What You Put on Your
Body, Too
• 4. Catch Up on Some
Much-Needed Z’s