Endocrine system diseases

Endocrine system diseases are disorders that disrupt hormone-producing glands, hormone production or action, or other components of the endocrine system.

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Endocrine system: A network of glands and tissues that release hormones to regulate bodily functions. Its glands and signaling pathways are the structures these diseases disrupt.
Endocrine testing: Laboratory and clinical methods used to assess hormone levels and endocrine function. Dynamic tests can distinguish gland failure from abnormal central regulation.
Hypothyroidism: A condition in which insufficient thyroid hormone action slows many bodily processes. It exemplifies hormone deficiency caused by thyroid failure or impaired regulation.
Primary endocrine disorder: An endocrine disorder originating in the hormone-producing gland itself. Its hormone pattern differs from disease caused by abnormal pituitary or hypothalamic control.
Osteoporosis: A skeletal disorder marked by reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk. Excess parathyroid hormone or cortisol can weaken bone over time.
Hormone: A signaling molecule that changes the activity of target cells through specific receptors. Hormone excess, deficiency, or altered action underlies many endocrine disorders.
Hormone replacement therapy: Treatment that supplies hormones when the body does not produce enough. It treats deficiencies such as hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency.
Hyperthyroidism: A condition in which excessive thyroid hormone action accelerates bodily processes. It contrasts with deficiency while showing how excess hormone changes multiple organs.
Secondary endocrine disorder: An endocrine disorder caused by dysfunction of a gland’s regulatory source, commonly the pituitary. It separates central causes from disorders that begin in the target gland.
Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to retinal blood vessels caused by chronic diabetes. It is a vision-threatening complication of prolonged hyperglycemia.