The term “endocrine disorder” is probably not new to you. Many people, especially women, are naturally labeled as “endocrine disorders” when their bodies are in a state of flux, such as acne and pigmentation, insomnia and anxiety, or weight changes and menstrual disorders.
So, what is “endocrine disorder” all about?
”Endocrine disorders” and “hormones
Before understanding endocrine disorders, we need to learn another word: “hormones”.
Hormones are chemical substances produced by endocrine glands, which regulate various physiological activities.
The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes are the classic endocrine glands that can secrete hormones, while the broad endocrine tissues include liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, fat and so on.
Hormones give people the impression that they are powerful and mysterious, and seem to be in charge of everything from growth and development, to happiness and sadness, to eating and drinking. In fact, hormones themselves do not have these functions; their role is only to transmit instructions, like a key to open the lock that matches it. If there are too many keys, too few keys, or mismatched keys, it will cause the so-called “endocrine disorder”.
This “hormone” is not the other “hormone”
Hormone is a general term, and the familiar androgens, estrogens, insulin, thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, etc. are all important members of the hormone family.
In different contexts, people use the term “hormone” to refer to different objects. For example
1. The “hormones” that promote adolescent puberty refer to androgens and estrogens secreted by testes and ovaries, respectively.
2.The “hormone” disorder in abnormal menstruation in women refers to the abnormal function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary endocrine axis.
3.The “hormone” replacement therapy used for the treatment of menopausal syndrome in middle-aged and elderly women, mostly refers to estrogen and progestin.
4.The “hormones” commonly used in the treatment of asthma, allergies, and various immune diseases, especially glucocorticoids.
5. There are also “insulin” for diabetic patients, “thyroxine” for hypothyroid patients, “growth hormone” for children with dwarfism, and “gonadotropin-releasing hormone” for patients with abnormal sexual development ……
These are all hormones, but their sources, effects and functions are completely different.
Confusion about various hormones is the source of many misconceptions and prejudices in life, so that many people are afraid of talking about “hormone therapy” and even blindly resist it.
Correct understanding of “endocrine disorders
In a broad sense, any disorder in the endocrine system that causes changes in hormone secretion and abnormal hormone effects can be called endocrine disorders.
As for the various symptoms of endocrine disorders in women mentioned above, they have their own causes, some of which are hormone-related and some of which are not related to endocrine secretion. For example, the rapid development of sebaceous glands and the secretion of large amounts of lipids under the influence of androgens is certainly an important physiological basis for the occurrence of acne, but there is no clinical need to routinely check the hormone levels of acne patients, and very few acne cases actually require anti-androgen treatment. Another example is that the same “menstrual disorder” may be caused by endocrine disorders, anatomical abnormalities, hematological disorders, inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system, or even tumors.
Therefore, we should consult a specialist when we encounter related problems, not to make a hasty self-diagnosis of “endocrine disorder”, and not to be influenced by certain health care advertisements and blindly choose those health care drugs, essential oil recipes or massage and massage that claim to “regulate endocrine”.
Conclusion
”Endocrine disorders” is a vague and broad concept that should not be used to explain various symptoms and diagnose various diseases.
For each kind of endocrine disorder, doctors will weigh the pros and cons and use hormones or other treatments appropriately, so we should not hold stereotypes and blindly reject hormones.
Lastly, and most importantly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to endocrine regulation, so please remain suspicious and vigilant of any health products or treatments containing such words.