Patient Education
Nambi Endocrine Associates is a Group Practice specializing in endocrinology and metabolism disorders, including diabetes, osteoporosis, disorders of bone and calcium metabolism and disorders of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands.
What is Endocrinology?
ENDOCRINOLOGY (ĕn”dō-krĭn-ŏl’ō-jē) - The science of the endocrine, or ductless glands, and their functions. In common words, an endocrinologist is a medical scientist or physician who researches and treats patients with diseases relating to the endocrine system, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, obesity, and conditions related to numerous glands and hormones in the body, including the reproductive system.
Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones
The thyroid gland
Located in the neck, makes and secretes thyroid hormone which affects nearly all tissues of the body. Its function is to regulate the body’s metabolism. Common thyroid problems include:
Hyperthyroidism – the production of too much thyroid hormone. It can produce symptoms such as palpitations, sweating and weight loss.
Hypothyroidism – the production of too little thyroid hormone. It can produce symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and constipation.
Thyroiditis – inflammation within the thyroid gland
Goiters – enlargements of the thyroid gland
Solitary thyroid nodules – growths within the thyroid gland
Thyroid cancer – a malignant growth within the thyroid gland
The parathyroid glands are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland which secrete parathyroid hormone, controlling the body’s calcium levels
Hyperparathyroidism – a disease of calcium balance is one of the most common disorders of the parathyroid glands.
The pancreas is located behind the stomach and secretes insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and other hormones. It controls blood sugar and glucose metabolism as well as helping control other endocrine cells of the digestive tract.
Diabetes is the most common disorder of the pancreas.
The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and secrete adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol. These hormones maintain salt balance, blood pressure, and help maintain fluid concentrations in the body. Common adrenal disorders include Addisons Disease, Cushings Syndrome, hyperaldosteronism and adrenal tumors.
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and secretes hormones which control the activity of other glands such as the ovaries, testes, adrenals and thyroid. Common pituitary disorders include pituitary tumors, such as prolactinomas and hypopituitarism, a disorder in which pituitary hormone secretion is abnormally low.