The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ and function of the body. It consists of different glands which secrete certain hormones to different cells aiding their function. Endocrine glands release more than 20 major hormones directly into the bloodstream to be relayed to other parts of the body. Each of the glands plays a certain role in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism and sexual function and reproductive processes. When something goes wrong with any part of the endocrine system the effects can be far-reaching and debilitating.
What is the Endocrine System
The major glands of the endocrine system are:
The hypothalamus is located in the lower central part of the brain. It is the main link between the endocrine and nervous systems. This gland controls the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland located at the base of the brain beneath the hypothalamus. It is no larger than a pea. This gland is considered the most important part of the endocrine system. It makes the hormones that control the thyroid, adrenals and reproduction glands. It also controls the growth hormone.
The thyroid and parathyroid glands are in the lower front part of the neck.
The thyroid controls the rate at which cells burn foods to produce energy. These glands play a big role in the development of the brain and nervous system in children and help bones grow and develop. The parathyroid glands regulate the amount of calcium in the blood. In adults, it can be overactive or underactive.
The adrenals glands are located on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands have two parts. The outer part regulates salt and water balance in the body and its response to stress, the immune system and sexual development and function. The inner part of the adrenal glands increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body is under stress.
The reproductive organs: The male glands call testes are located in the scrotum and the female ovaries located on both sides of the uterus. The reproductive glands regulate the onset of puberty for both males and females. They play a part in pregnancy and menstruation.
The pineal gland is located in the middle of the brain. It regulates when you sleep and wake.
The pancreas also has a role in hormone production as well as digestion. It crosses over between the digestive system and the endocrine system. As part of the endocrine system, it maintains a steady level of glucose in the blood and keeps the body supplied with fuel to produce and maintain stores of energy.
How the Endocrine system works
When the hormone levels reach a certain normal amount the endocrine system helps the body to maintain that level by secreting the correct amount of hormone into the blood. The endocrine system generally works on body processes that are slower like cell growth. The nervous system controls faster processes such as breathing and body movement. They do work together to help the body function well.
Endocrine problems
There are many ways the endocrine system can malfunction from too much or too little of any hormone. These malfunctions are caused by:
- Disease
- Failure of a gland to stimulate another to release hormones
- A genetic disorder
- Infection
- Injury to an endocrine gland
- Tumor of a gland
Common disorders are osteoporosis, diabetes, thyroid disease, growth disorders, and reproductive or sexual dysfunction.
The symptoms of endocrine disorders vary widely depending on the specific gland involvement. Most people, however, complain of fatigue and weakness as one of the major symptoms of an endocrine problem.
Treatment can be complicated because of the interaction between the glands affecting other glands adversely.
If you are suffering from fatigue or weakness come to Urban Integrative IV and Detox Clinic and get tested to find out specifically which gland is affected and the best natural treatment for it with minimal disruption to the system. Please call for an appointment at (416)463-2911.