Endocrinology is the study of hormones and their normal & abnormal functions.

The endocrine system consists of 7 major endocrine glands namely – Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroids, Pancreas, Adrenals, Ovary & Testis. Also included in the Endocrine system are Vitamin D, Bone, Fat tissue, Muscle tissue, GI tract, Pineal gland. The major hormones produced by 7 major endocrine glands are as follows:

Diabetes mellitus is a disse that is brought about by either insufficient production of insulin (insulin secretory failure) or the inability of teahe body to respond to the insulin formed within the system (insulin resistance). Insulin helps the body to properly use the food that we eat for energy. Most of the food that you eat is broken down into glucose and other simple sugars.

When glucose enters the bloodstream, our body releases insulin from the pancreas which facilitates the glucose into your cells to use as energy. In diabetes, you lack insulin, or your insulin is unable to function properly, hence glucose cannot be used by cells for energy and will remain in your bloodstream causing your blood glucose levels to be increased.

The incidence of obesity is exploding today thanks to our easy and unhealthy lifestyle.

Rapid urbanization seems to be at the root of the problem (encouraging a fast-food culture which is usually energy-dense and also a sedentary lifestyle). The estimates show that the incidence could be upwards of 50 % in our society.

What causes thyroid disorders?
It is mainly due to a disorder of the immune system (which serves to protect our body) resulting in the destruction of the thyroid gland. The destruction leads to permanent hypothyroidism and requires lifelong treatment. The immune system can also stimulate the gland to produce hyperthyroidism. In 30- 40 % of these people, remission of the disease is possible with medical treatment.

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease of progressive bone loss and skeletal deterioration in which bones become fragile and more likely to break, or fracture.

The disease often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort, until a fracture occurs.

Fractures at the hip, spine, and wrist are most common, although any bone can be affected. Many of these fractures are due to a fall, however, even simple household tasks can produce a fracture of the spine if the bones have been weakened by the disease. These fractures often lead to chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life.

What are common signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Infertility—PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility
• Obesity—Up to 80% of women with PCOS are obese
• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs
• Severe acne or acne that occurs after adolescence and does not respond to usual treatments
• Oily skin
• Patches of thickened, velvety, darkened skin
• Multiple small cysts on the ovaries