Endocrinology Overview

Common Environmental Chemicals Increase Your Risk of Diabetes

Mounting evidence is building a strong case linking the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to a signficant increase in the risk of devleoping type 2 diabetes.

How Do Clinical Trials Work?

Clinical Trial Regulation and Phases

Are You a Candidate for a Clinical Trial?

Find out if you should participate in a clinical trial investigating endocrine disorders and treatments. Includes list of good questions to ask your endocrinologist about participating in a clinical trial.

Addison’s Disease Diagnosis

Exams and Tests to Figure Out If You Have Addison’s Disease

To diagnose Addison’s disease, your doctor will run exams and tests that may include blood tests and CT scans of the brain and abdomen.

An Overview of the Testes

Testes secrete the male hormone testosterone

The testes are twin endocrine glands that release testosterone, a hormone necessary for the normal development of male physical characteristics, such as muscle mass and hair growth. This article overviews testes function in the endocrine system.

An Overview of the Pineal Gland

Maintaining Circadian Rhythym

The pineal gland is the most mysterious organ in the endocrine system. It is influenced by light and produces the hormone melatonin, which affects your circadian rhythm and sleep cycles.

An Overview of the Pituitary Gland

The Endocrine System’s Master Gland

The pituitary gland is called the “master gland” because it controls functions of other endocrine glands. But it is largely regulated by the hypothalamus. It has two lobes that have different functions and secrete separate hormones.

An Overview of the Thymus

The Gland that Protects You Long after It’s Gone

The thymus gland is largest during childhood and shrinks after puberty, but its effect on your body’s defenses last your whole life. Learn more about this important gland.

An Overview of the Pancreas

Understanding Insulin and Diabetes

The pancreas produces insulin and other hormones to help regulate blood sugar and salt. Learn more about the pancreas in this overview article.

An Overview of the Parathyroid

The Calcium-regulating Gland that Helps Keep Bones Healthy

The parathyroid gland has a single responsibility in the endocrine system—to regulate calcium levels. To do this, it secretes parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid is located near your thyroid; however, their functions are not connected.

An Overview of the Ovaries

Estrogen, Progesterone, and Reproduction

The ovaries play a vital role in not only the reproductive system but also the endocrine system. Their main hormones—estrogen and progesterone—ensure proper female development and fertility. This article also summarizes ovarian diseases.

An Overview of the Hypothalamus

The Endocrine System’s Link to the Nervous System

The hypothalamus helps maintain your internal balance by regulating many of the body’s key processes, such as heart rate and body temperature. It also controls some hormones of the pituitary gland to ensure that the body functions properly.

An Overview of the Adrenal Glands

Beyond Fight or Flight

The adrenal glands secrete adrenaline to help your body respond to stress, but they also regulate many vital processes in your body, such as metabolism.

About the Endocrine System

Endocrine Glands and Hormones

The endocrine system helps your body properly function by communicating and coordinating vital processes via hormones. Hormones are produced and released by specific glands and are delivered through the bloodstream. Article is an endocrine overview.

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