The human endocrine system consists of a number of glands, which release hormones to control many different functions.

When the hormones leave the glands, they enter the bloodstream and are transported to organs and tissues in every part of the body.

The adrenal, or suprarenal, glands are located on top of the kidneys. They are divided into two regions. The right gland is triangular, and the left is crescent-shaped.

The adrenal glands secrete:

Both men and women have some androgen, but men have higher levels. Androgens control the development of characteristics associated with males, like facial hair and a deeper voice.

The hypothalamus is located just above the brain stem and below the thalamus.

This gland activates and controls involuntary body functions, including respiration, heart rate, appetite, sleep, temperature, and the circadian cycles, or daily rhythms.

The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the attached pituitary gland.

The ovaries are located on either side of the uterus in females. They secrete the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

These hormones promote sexual development, fertility, and menstruation.

The testicles are located in the scrotum, below the penis in males. They secrete androgens, mainly testosterone.

Androgens control sexual development, puberty, facial hair, sexual behavior, libido, erectile function, and the formation of sperm cells.

Located in the abdomen, the pancreas is both an endocrine gland and a digestive organ.

It releases:

Diabetes and digestive issues can result if there are problems with the pancreas.

This is a small endocrine gland located deep in the brain. It secretes melatonin and helps control the bodys sleep patterns and moderate levels of reproductive hormones.

An endocrine gland attached to the hypothalamus at the base of the brain.

It is sometimes called the main endocrine master gland because it secretes hormones that regulate the functions of other glands, as well as growth and several other bodily functions.

The anterior, or front, pituitary secretes hormones that affect sexual development, thyroid function, growth, skin pigmentation, and adrenocortical function.

If the anterior pituitary is underactive, it can lead to stunted growth in childhood and underactivity in other endocrine glands.

The posterior, or rear, pituitary secretes oxytocin, a hormone that increases contractions of the uterus and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which encourages the kidneys to reabsorb water.

The thymus is an endocrine gland located beneath the breastbone, or sternum.

T lymphocytes, a type of immune cell, mature and multiply in the thymus gland early in life. After puberty, the gland shrinks.

The thymus gland plays a role in the immune system, which protects the body against disease and infection.

A butterfly-shaped gland located just below the Adams apple in the neck, the thyroid produces hormones that play a key role in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, and how the body reacts to other hormones.

The thyroid gland uses iodine to create hormones.

The two main hormones it produces are thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

It also produces calcitonin, which helps strengthen bones and regulates the metabolism of calcium.

Below is a 3-D model of the endocrine system, which is fully interactive.

Explore the model using your mouse pad or touchscreen to understand more about the endocrine system.

During the first visit, the doctor will ask the patient a series of questions to help reach a diagnosis.

These might cover:

It can help to list any existing symptoms before the visit.

The endocrinologist might ask about symptoms that do not seem to be related, or that seem unnecessary.

This is because hormone levels affect so many different systems in the body that just small changes in one gland can impact parts of the body far from the site of the glands themselves.

They will check the patients heart rate and blood pressure, and look at the condition of their skin, hair, teeth, and mouth.

Blood and urine samples may be taken.

Following diagnosis, the endocrinologist will suggest a treatment plan. This will depend on which underlying condition is causing the symptoms.

Link:
Endocrinologist: Why would I visit and what can I expect?

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