Common Disorders of the Endocrine System
The disorders of the endocrine system are commonly associated with the failure of a gland to function or produce enough hormones. Other diseases or abnormalities that occur in the body could be due to such gland malfunctions.
The pituitary gland secretes the hormone that controls the growth of a person. When the pituitary gland does not produce enough of this growth hormone during childhood, the growth of a person is retarded. The person does not attain his or her normal growth. The person who does not grow tall is called a midget. This condition is called dwarfism. When the pituitary gland over secretes the growth hormone, the opposite happens. The person grows very tall. The person’s height could reach 2.5 meters. This person is sometimes called giant. This condition is called gigantism. 
If the over secretion of the growth hormone happens in an adult, the person does not become a giant. This is because the growth of the bones of the person has already stopped. Instead, the person experiences an increase in size of the jaw and the hands and feet. This condition is known as acromegaly. 
The thyroid glands produce the hormone thyroxin that controls metabolism in the body.
*Metabolism is the process by which the body uses the substance we get from digested food in building living body cells.
Thyroxin is also important in the growth and mental development of a child. If the thyroid glands do not secrete enough of thyroxin, the condition is called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism in growing children results in the failure to attain normal physical growth and mental deficiency. This condition is called cretinism.
In adults, hypothyroidism results in low metabolic rate. The person develops dry skin, has low body temperature, and lacks energy, causing him or her to become sluggish and easily tired. The person also gains weight, with the possibility of becoming very fat or obese.
When the thyroid glands become overactive, it produces much thyroxin. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism speeds up cell respiration or metabolism. The results in nervousness, insomnia, irritability, increased heartbeat, high blood pressure, and sweating.
Hyperthyroidism also causes the thyroid glands to become enlarged. This happens when the thyroid glands become overworked. Enlargement of the thyroid glands is mostly caused by the lack f iodine. Iodine is contained in the hormone thyroxin secreted by the thyroid glands. It is also found in the food we eat. If a person’s diet does not contain enough iodine, the thyroid glands swell as it produces more thyroxin. This condition is called goiter. Goiter can be prevented by eating iodine-rich foods such as shellfishes, crabs, shrimps, and other seafoods. Using iodized salt can also prevent goiter.
The Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon that control the level of sugar in the blood. When the Islet of Langerhans are not able to secrete enough insulin, the person becomes sick with diabetes.
A person with diabetes may have either high or low blood sugar level. When there is lack of insulin, the cells cannot use the sugar or glucose. Insulin also makes the liver release glucose into the blood. As a result, the sugar stays in the blood and its amount rises above the normal level. This condition is known as hyperglycemia.
When the pancreas secretes too much insulin and only little glucagons, the opposite happens. Less amount of sugar is transported by the blood into the cells. The liver is stimulated to collect sugar and store it for future use. The level of sugar in the blood decreases below the normal level. This condition is known as hypoglycemia.
Category: Endocrine System
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