Endocrinology

Found in most species of the animal kingdom, the endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones, and receptors that detect and react to the hormones. In response to environmental stimuli, the endocrine system secretes hormones and uses them as chemical messengers to orchestrate physiological, developmental and reproductive changes that affect the entire body for a long period of time. In order to maintain the proper functioning of the body through its entire life cycle, the endocrine system utilizes a complex feedback mechanism to fine-tune the balance of hormones in the bloodstream. Even a slight disruption to endocrine system’s function can throw off the delicate balance of hormones in the human body and lead to an endocrine disorder, or endocrine disease, such as diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, hyper- or hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).