Endocrinology is a medical specialty that focuses on the endocrine system,
the network of glands that produces hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers
that travel through the blood stream, monitoring the body’s internal
environment and serving as a communication system between glands, organs,
and cells. Hormones work together to regulate a wide variety of body functions,
including respiration, metabolism, sensory perception, movement, growth,
puberty, and reproduction.
Endocrine Conditions
The endocrine system maintains homeostasis, or balance, in the body. This
is achieved through complex feedback loops in which the secretion of a
hormone is turned on or off, depending on its concentration.
Our bodies make more than 50 different hormones, some of which affect the
production of other hormones. If the production of a particular hormone
is consistently high or low, it can impact growth and puberty in children
and result in serious metabolic issues for people of all ages. Hormonal
imbalances can be caused by:
Issues with the endocrine’s feedback system which maintains hormone balance
A genetic disorder
Infection or disease
Injury to an endocrine gland
Growths or cancers
Conditions Treated
Community Memorial Healthcare endocrinologists see patients at our
Health Centers across west Ventura County. They treat all endocrine conditions, such as:
Acromegaly
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
Cushing’s disease
Diabetes
Endocrine cancers
Hashimoto thyroiditis
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Hypopituitarism
Low testosterone
Menopausal symptoms
Multiple endocrine neoplasia I and II
Osteoporosis
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Precocious puberty
Prolactinoma
The Endocrine Glands
Hypothalamus: Located in the brain, right above the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus
serves as the link between the endocrine and nervous system. Its job is
to maintain the body’s internal chemical balance, or homeostasis,
by producing a variety of hormones that stop or start hormone production
in other glands.
Pituitary: Known as the master control gland, the pituitary works with the hypothalamus
to regulate the function of other glands and makes hormones involved in
growth, the function of the ovaries and testes, breast milk production,
and water absorption in the blood.
Parathyroid Glands: These four tiny glands surrounding the thyroid gland in the neck control
the body’s calcium levels.
Pancreas: Located deep inside your abdomen between your stomach and spine, the pancreas
is connected to a part of the small intestine called the duodenum. The
pancreas is part of both the endocrine and digestive systems. Its endocrine
function is to produce the hormones insulin and glucagon, which work together
to regulate sugar levels. Its digestive function is to secrete enzymes
that help break down the sugars, fats, and starches in your food.
Thyroid: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that consists of two lobes on either
side of your trachea. The thyroid produces play a role in regulating your
metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development,
bone maintenance, and even your mood.
Adrenal Glands: The two adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys. The adrenals produce
hormones that help regulate your metabolism, control your blood pressure,
and help your body react to stress.
Pineal Gland: Located deep inside the brain, the pineal gland produces melatonin. This
hormone controls the sleep/wake cycle (circadian rhythm), and is involved
in regulating certain reproductive hormones.
Ovaries: The ovaries have two functions. During a woman’s fertile years,
they produce an egg cell, roughly every month, to enable reproduction.
The ovaries also secrete estrogen, progesterone, and small amounts of
testosterone. These hormones work together to control reproductive development
and fertility, trigger the menstrual cycle, and help prepare the body
for pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Testes: These two grape-sized organs are located outside the body, in a pouch
behind the penis. They secrete the hormone testosterone, which triggers
puberty in boys and maintains libido, muscle strength, and bone density
in adult men.
