Endocrinology and Metabolism

What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system  is a system formed by endocrine glands. Internal secretory glands are organs that synthesize and secrete hormones. Hormones control different activities in our body. Different types of hormones control reproduction, metabolism, growth and development. Hormones also control our response to our environment and help provide the proper amount of energy and nutrients required for our body's functions. The glands that make up the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries (ovaries in women, testicles in men), adrenal gland, adipose tissue, and endothelium (cells lining the inner vessel wall).

What is an endocrinologist?
An endocrinologist is a doctor who deals with diseases of the endocrine system. Endocrinologists diagnose diseases that affect the glands. They know how to treat diseases that are often complex and involve many systems in our body.

What Do Endocrinologists Do?
Endocrinologists diagnose, monitor and treat hormone imbalances and problems. Homronal diseases are very diverse, such as: Diabetes, Thyroid diseases, Metabolic disorders, Over or under production of hormones, Menopause, Osteoporosis, Hypertension, Fat metabolism related diseases, Infertility, Growth retardation (Short stature), Tumors of the glands, Obesity…

Endocrinologists may order some tests to evaluate how the glands are working.