Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system, which refers to the body's glands (hormone-producing organs) and the hormones they produce, how they work, and their disorders. Endocrinology is also the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders. Doctors who specialize in endocrinology are called endocrinologists.
Endocrinology is also the name of the journal published by the Endocrine Society. The magazine's articles cover topics such as growth factors, reproduction, neuroendocrinology, steroids, thyroid, and physiology. The magazine is published monthly. The other magazines of the society are Endocrine News, Endocrine Reviews, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Y Molecular Endocrinology .
There are several specialties within the medical field of endocrinology. Reproductive endocrinologists may focus primarily on fertility issues and menstrual function. Pediatric endocrinologists specialize in endocrine disorders as they affect children, while adult endocrinologists focus on those disorders outside of the reproductive area that affect adults.
The glands of the endocrine system are the adrenal gland, the hypothalamus, the ovaries, the pancreas, the parathyroid, the pituitary gland, the testicles, and the thyroid. Hormones produced by the endocrine system are essential in many of the body's activities. These activities include reproduction, metabolism, growth, and development.
When something goes wrong with the endocrine system or hormones are out of balance, a person may need to seek out an endocrine specialist. Examples of conditions for which endocrinologists are often consulted include Addison's disease, amenorrhea, diabetes mellitus, cancers of the endocrine glands, gender dysphoria, goiter, growth disorders, hermaphroditism, hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, infertility, lipid disorders such as high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, and rickets. Some of these conditions may not be directly caused by problems with the endocrine system, but endocrinology may still be involved in treatment.
The diagnosis of endocrine disorders often involves tests. The response and function of a gland can be determined by stimulating or inhibiting it and checking the results with blood tests. Furthermore, normal variations in growth and development must be distinguished from differences that indicate an underlying disorder.
Treatment of endocrine system problems may involve a number of different strategies. In some cases, hormones can be blocked or replaced. These approaches are used when the endocrine gland in question is overactive and underactive, respectively, producing too much or too little hormone. Alterations in diet can be another treatment, as can prescribed medication and exercise.