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The endocrine system is made up of glands (located throughout the body), hormones (which are made and secreted by the glands into the bloodstream) and receptors in various target organs and tissues (which recognize and respond to the hormones). The endocrine system works to regulate a wide range of biological processes, such as control of blood sugar, growth and function of the reproductive systems, regulation of metabolism and brain and nervous system development. (Read about "Nervous System")
According to the American Medical Association, the endocrine system includes:
Because of the complexity of the endocrine system, a number of diseases and conditions can be traced to problems in this system. Problems with the endocrine system can be referred to an endocrinologist, or physician who specializes in the area. According to the Endocrine Society, endocrinologists can provide treatment for a variety of conditions including menopause, osteoporosis, cholesterol disorders, obesity, and infertility (Read about "Menopause" "Osteoporosis" "Cholesterol" "Obesity" "Infertility") as well as endocrine-related diseases including the following:
Addison's disease - see Addison's Disease Adrenal insufficiency, chronic - see Addison's Disease Cancer, ovarian - see The Ovaries Cancer, pancreatic - see Pancreatic Cancer Cancer, parathyroid - see Parathyroid Glands Cancer, testicular - see Testicular Cancer Cancer, thyroid - see Thyroid Cancer Craniopharyngiomas - see Brain Tumors Cushing's syndrome - see Cushing's Syndrome Diabetes insipidus - see Diabetes Insipidus Diabetes mellitus - see Diabetes Graves' disease - see Thyroid Growth hormone - see Growth Hormone Hashimoto's disease - see Thyroid Hypercalcemia - see Hypercalcemia Hyperparathyroidism - see Parathyroid Glands Hyperthyroidism - see Thyroid Hypoparathyroidism - see Parathyroid Glands Hypothyroidism - see Thyroid Insulin resistance syndrome - see Diabetes Ovarian cancer - see The Ovaries Ovarian cysts - see The Ovaries Pancreatic cancer - see Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatitis - see Pancreatitis Parathyroid cancer - see Parathyroid Glands Pineal region tumors - see Brain Tumors Polycystic ovary syndrome - see Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Polyglandular deficiency - see Polyglandular Deficiency Syndromes Testicular cancer - see Testicular Cancer Thyroid cancer - see Thyroid Cancer Thyroiditis - see Thyroid |
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