Endocrinology is the study of hormones. Endocrinologists deal predominantly with the endocrine glands of the human body. These glands secrete the hormones they produce directly into the blood; therefore, they are also called “glands of internal secretion.” Endocrine glands thus do not secrete their secretions out of the body like exocrine glands (e.g., sweat glands). Disorders in hormonal circulation often have a strong impact on the well-being of the patient. The goal of endocrinology is to locate and cure hormonally related diseases.
What are endocrine glands?
Endocrine glands include the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and pituitary glands, as well as the two sex hormone-producing glands, the ovary and testis. As glands of the endocrine system, they are responsible for hormonal regulation and thus also for controlling important bodily functions such as digestion, growth and reproduction.
Field of study of endocrinology
Diseases of the thyroid gland (such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism), as well as pituitary and adrenal dysfunction, affect hormone balance and are thus major areas of investigation in endocrinology. Consequential diseases such as short stature, osteoporosis or hair loss are also included. Endocrinology also places a special emphasis on diseases of the pancreas and thus also on diabetes.
Hormonal changes in old age, such as those that occur during menopause, also fall within the scope of endocrinology. At the same time, it contributes to the identification of an imbalance in the sex hormone balance and thus assumes essential tasks in reproductive medicine. Thus, childlessness is often due to a disturbance in the hormone balance. With appropriate hormone therapy, endocrinology can be helpful in supporting a desire to have children.
Examination methods of endocrinology
For most examinations, blood samples or urine samples are usually required. These are examined in the laboratory for their hormone balance. Other diagnostic procedures such as sonography (ultrasound), scintigraphy, or computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can detect changes in the endocrine glands so that appropriate hormone therapy can be initiated.
