The endocrine system is one of the body’s main systems for communicating, controlling
and coordinating the body’s work. It works with the nervous system, reproductive
system, kidneys, gut, liver, pancreas and fat to help maintain and control the following:
- body energy levels
- reproduction
- growth and development
- internal balance of body systems, called homeostasis
- responses to surroundings, stress and injury
The endocrine system accomplishes these tasks via a network of glands and organs
that produce, store, and secrete certain types of hormones. Hormones are special
chemicals that move into body fluid after they are made by one cell or a group of
cells. Different types of hormones cause different effects on other cells or tissues
of the body.
Endocrine glands make hormones that are used inside the body. Other glands make
substances like saliva, that reach the outside of the body. Endocrine glands and
endocrine-related organs are like factories. They produce and store hormones and
release them as needed. When the body needs these substances, the bloodstream carries
the proper types of hormones to specific targets. These targets may be organs, tissues,
or cells. To function normally, the body needs glands that work correctly, a blood
supply that works well to move hormones through the body to their target points,
receptor places on the target cells for the hormones to do their work, and a system
for controlling how hormones are produced and used.
What could go wrong? Endocrine system diseases and disorders happen when one or
more of the endocrine systems in your body are not working well. Hormones may be
released in amounts that are too great or too small for the body to work normally.
These irregularities are also called a hormone imbalance. There may not be enough
receptors, or binding sites, for the hormones so that they can direct the work that
needs to be done. These hormone imbalances may be the result of a problem with the
system regulating the hormones in the blood stream, or the body may have difficulty
controlling hormone levels because of problems clearing hormones from the blood.
For example, a hormone imbalance may occur if a person's liver or kidneys are not
working well, resulting in a hormone level in the bloodstream that is too high.
Source: THE HORMONE FOUNDATION: www.hormone.org/endo101