Metabolic Disorders

The endocrine system is an electrochemical connection between the hypothalamus of the brain and the organs of the body that control metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction. It is made up of organs called glands, which secrete chemicals called hormones. Hormones are messengers that travel throughout the body via the bloodstream, affecting other processes and pathways Typical glands of the endocrine system include the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. The metabolic pathway is influenced by the endocrine system. It involves the building and breaking down many of the molecules that the body consumes and produces. The endocrine system is involved in nearly every internal process, from digestion to growth to the balance of fluids and nutrients in the body.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results from too much growth hormone (GH) in the body. The pituitary, a small gland in the brain, makes GH. In acromegaly, the pituitary produces excessive amounts of GH. Usually the excess GH comes from benign, or noncancerous, tumors on the pituitary. These benign tumors are called adenomas. Acromegaly is most often diagnosed in middle-aged adults, although symptoms can appear at any age. If not treated, acromegaly can result in serious illness and premature death. About three to four out of every million people develop acromegaly each year.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. The disease is also called adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism. Addison's disease affects about 1 in 100,000 people.

Appetite

In order for the body to function, it needs calories and nutrients obtained from the food that people eat. For many, this is not a problem. The body gives signals such as hunger pangs to let one know that it is time to eat. An appetite is regulated closely by the brain, digestive tract and adipose (fat) tissue. Many disorders, both biological and psychological, exist in which appetite regulation is abnormal. This can lead to diseases such as anorexia and bulimia where too little food intake occurs and obesity where too much food is consumed. Many therapies exist to help the body regulate and control food intake.

Cushing's Disease

Normally, cortisol is released from the adrenal gland in response to ACTH being released from the pituitary gland. Both Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's disease are characterized by elevated levels of cortisol in the blood but the cause of elevated cortisol differs between the two. Cushing's disease specifically refers to a tumor in the pituitary gland that stimulates excessive release of cortisol from the adrenal gland by releasing large amounts of ACTH. In Cushing's disease, ACTH levels do not respond to negative feedback from the high levels of cortisol.