The endocrine system consists of internal secretory glands. The science of endocrinology studies the endocrine system. To elaborate, endocrinology is the branch of science that deals with internal secretory glands, the functions of internal secretory glands and the hormones they secrete, as well as metabolic diseases.

What is the function of hormones?
Internal secretory glands are responsible for hormone synthesis and secretion in the body. Different types of hormones that control different activities in the body control reproduction, metabolism, growth and development. In addition to the specified functions of hormones, they also have the task of controlling the body’s response to the environment. They help provide the energy and nutrients the body needs for its functions.

What diseases does it deal with?
Deficiency or excess of secreted hormones and tumors of internal secretory glands are cases that need to be examined, and the science of endocrinology investigates all these topics. Additionally,

• Diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
• Obesity
• Nutrition and diet
• High cholesterol and blood lipids
• High uric acid
• Metabolic syndrome
• Metabolism of all vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D
• Osteoporosis (bone loss)

metabolic diseases such as these also fall within the scope of endocrinology.

Which secretory glands make up the endocrine system?

• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary
• Thyroid
• Parathyroid
• Pancreas
• Ovaries
• Adrenal gland
• Adipose tissue
• Endothelium (cells lining the inner wall of blood vessels)

can be listed as follows.

Who is an endocrinologist?
Doctors who deal with the endocrine system are called endocrinologists. In our country, physicians who want to become endocrinologists must complete six years of basic medical education, four years of internal medicine residency training, and then three years of subspecialty training in endocrinology. Endocrinologists receive training on how to diagnose and treat hormonal diseases. They perform the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting secretory glands, hormonal imbalances and problems.

What are endocrine disorders?
Since the endocrine system constitutes a wide area, the diseases and disorders that arise also show diversity.

Main endocrinological diseases according to endocrine organs and systems

• Pituitary gland diseases
• Thyroid gland (goiter) diseases
• Parathyroid gland diseases
• Adrenal gland diseases
• Ovarian diseases
• Testis and hormones
• Diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Insulin resistance syndrome
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• High cholesterol
• High uric acid

Diabetes
The commonly used name for diabetes among the public is diabetes mellitus and it refers to the excess amount of sugar in the patient’s blood. Studies conducted with developing technology have revealed that results can be achieved in controlling blood sugar and preventing various complications that diabetes can cause. Diabetes can lead to problems related to the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Failure to treat diabetes can cause blindness in the eyes, kidney failure, dialysis and gangrene. Endocrinologists treat diabetes with diet and medication supplements. Endocrinologists who examine and monitor patients take precautions against complications that may occur due to diabetes.

Thyroid
In diseases such as neck swelling, hair loss, dry skin, sweating, nervousness and palpitations, goiter or thyroid gland diseases should be considered first. Individuals whose thyroid glands do not function regularly have problems with their energy levels. In addition, hot-cold sensitivity, muscle stiffness, sensory disorders and problems related to weight control may also come to the fore. Too little or too much secretion of thyroid can also cause various problems. Excessive secretion of thyroid is called hyperthyroidism, and low secretion is called hypothyroidism. Endocrinologists treat patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In the treatment of thyroid disease, the aim is to ensure the hormonal balance of patients. In hypothyroid cases, thyroid hormone is given to try to achieve balance, while in hyperthyroid cases, the aim is to block excess hormone. Thyroid nodules, thyroid cancers and enlarged thyroid tissue (goiter) also fall within the working area of endocrinologists.

Bone
Osteoporosis, commonly called bone loss among the public, is a bone disease that softens bones and disrupts calcium balance. Osteoporosis weakens the skeleton due to the damage it causes. While some hormones have bone-protective properties, others have destructive effects. High hormone levels cause bones to weaken by losing calcium. Menopause in women and loss of testicular functions and aging in men make people prone to bone fractures. Osteoporosis is an endocrine and metabolic disease for all these reasons.

Reproduction / Infertility
Approximately 10% of the world’s population cannot have children. Research on endocrinology has helped thousands of couples reproduce. Endocrinologists perform the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders that can cause infertility. Endocrinologists treat reproductive problems related to menopause, menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual syndrome and sexual dysfunction.

Obesity
Hormonal disorders can cause individuals to gain excessive weight and become obese. Endocrinologists also include obesity in their research areas in relation to metabolic and hormonal causes. Thyroid, adrenal, ovarian and pituitary disorders can predispose to obesity. They also examine insulin resistance and genetic problems related to obesity.

Pituitary Gland
The pituitary, which controls other secretory glands, is called the main secretory gland of the body. The pituitary, which undertakes the production of many important hormones, prepares the ground for various diseases when pituitary hormones are in excess or deficiency. Irregular functioning of pituitary hormones;

• Infertility
• Menstrual disorders
• Growth disorders
• Cortisol imbalances (obesity or weight loss)
• Prolactin excess

can lead to disorders such as these.

Hypertension
According to research; 1 out of every 100 people is a hypertension patient due to aldosterone excess. Half of these patients can be treated with surgical operation. Apart from aldosterone hormone, metabolic syndrome or pheochromocytoma can also reveal hormonal imbalance and predispose to hypertension.

Epidemic Diseases 4