StemCell Therapy

Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream that regulate the function of other cells and organ systems of the body. The endocrine system consists of separate glands such as the adrenals, thyroid, parathyroids, pituitary and pancreas. Common endocrine disorders include osteoporosis, diabetes and hypothyroidism.

An endocrinologist is a physician who studies and treats imbalances of the endocrine system. Endocrinologists play important roles in patient care and academic research. They are experts in their field and should serve as your main physician for endocrine disease-related problems.

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, makes and secretes thyroid hormone which affects nearly all tissues of the body. Its function is to regulate the bodys metabolism. Common thyroid problems include:

Hyperthyroidism the production of too much thyroid hormone. It can produce symptoms such as palpitations, sweating and weight loss.

Hypothyroidism the production of too little thyroid hormone. It can produce symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and constipation.

Thyroiditis inflammation within the thyroid gland.

Goiters enlargements of the thyroid gland.

Solitary thyroid nodules growths within the thyroid gland.

Thyroid cancer a malignant growth within the thyroid gland.

The parathyroid glands are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland which secrete parathyroid hormone, controlling the bodys calcium levels.

Hyperparathyroidism a disease of calcium balance is one of the most common disorders of the parathyroid glands. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and secretes insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and other hormones. It controls blood sugar and glucose metabolism as well as helping control other endocrine cells of the digestive tract.

Diabetes is the most common disorder of the pancreas.

The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and secrete adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol. These hormones maintain salt balance, blood pressure, and help maintain fluid concentrations in the body. Common adrenal disorders include Addisons Disease, Cushings Syndrome, hyperaldosteronism and adrenal tumors.

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and secretes hormones which control the activity of other glands such as the ovaries, testes, adrenals and thyroid. Common pituitary disorders include pituitary tumors, such as prolactinomas and hypopituitarism, a disorder in which pituitary hormone secretion is abnormally low.

The members of our Endocrinology Group Practice specialize in endocrinology and metabolism disorders, including diabetes, osteoporosis, disorders of bone and calcium metabolism and disorders of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. We will work with you to evaluate your condition and prepare an individualized treatment plan to fit your needs.

All of our endocrinologists are board-certified in internal medicine, and endocrinology and metabolism.

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Endocrinology Patients UConn Health

This entry was posted on August 4, 2016 at 9:41 am and is filed under Endocrinology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |