Understanding Common Endocrine System Disorders

The endocrine system comprises key glands responsible for hormone production that regulate numerous bodily functions via the circulatory system. Main glands and their related conditions include:

Pineal gland: Located in the brain, it produces melatonin, which influences sleep-wake cycles. Disorders here often involve melatonin deficiency, leading to depression, altered eating habits, stress, ulcers, and sexual dysfunction. Psychotic depression is notably linked to pineal issues.

Pituitary gland: This master gland regulates growth, blood pressure, reproductive organs, thyroid function, and metabolism. Tumors here can cause overproduction or underproduction of hormones, leading to various endocrine imbalances.

Thyroid gland: Responsible for releasing hormones affecting metabolism and protein synthesis. Conditions include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid nodules—small lumps that might need medical evaluation if enlarged or noticeable.

Endocrine issues are also common in adrenal glands, which produce vital hormones like adrenaline, aldosterone, and cortisol. Disorders include Cushing’s syndrome from excess cortisol and Addison’s disease from hormone deficiency. The thymus, critical for immune development, can be affected by genetic conditions like SCID, DiGeorge syndrome, and thymic carcinomas, impacting immune function and causing symptoms such as breathing difficulties and chest pain.