What is Endocrine Assessment?
Endocrine Assessment is an exam conducted for the purpose to determine the level of the hormone and to check the functioning of the glands for treatment of any problem related to the endocrine system.
Endocrine is a system consisting of various glands present in different parts of the body, which perform specific functions. These functions are performed through the secretion of various specific hormones developing in those specific glands that control the various body functions influenced by the endocrine system.
The endocrine system performs a balancing act by continuously assessing the hormone level in the blood. When the hormone level increases, it instructs the particular gland to stop producing and release of the hormone and if it decreases then it instructs the particular gland to produce and release the hormones to maintain the balance.
Hormones are chemicals that carry messages to the organs and tell the body what to do and when to do it. Hormones affect every process of the body –
- Body Metabolism
- Body growth and development
- Human mood and emotions
- Sexual desire, function and fertility
- Sleep function
- Blood pressure
Following are the glands present in the endocrine system, their location in the body and the hormones they make and release –
- Hypothalamus gland – This gland is present in the base of the brain. It secretes hormones Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), Dopamine, and Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GRH) that facilitate or stop the release of hormones in pituitary glands. Apart from it, it regulates sleep, body temperature, appetite and BP.
- Pineal Body gland – It is located in the middle of the brain. It makes the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleeping time.
- Pituitary gland – It is situated below the brain and regulates the function of other glands in the endocrine system.
- Thyroid and parathyroid glands- They are present in the front part of the neck below the voice box. They regulate metabolism and maintain calcium proportion in the body.
- Thymus gland – It is located at the chest’s upper portion and builds white blood cells which fight infections and eliminate abnormal cells.
- Adrenal gland – It is situated at the top of both kidneys. It works in coordination with the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. It manufactures corticosteroid hormone and epinephrine. It regulates BP and metabolism in the body.
- Pancreas gland – It is located behind the stomach in the back of the abdomen. It manufactures and releases hormones like insulin and glucagon. It maintains blood sugar.
- Ovary gland –It is situated on both sides of the uterus. It contains egg cells, an important component in the reproduction process. It also develops and releases hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
- Testis – It is located in the sack that hangs below the male reproductive organ. It develops testosterone and sperm.
Symptoms that require Endocrine Assessment
There are various symptoms for complaint in the endocrine system depending upon the gland it is present. Following are the few symptoms which require endocrine assessment –
- Urge to urinate very frequently
- Feeling thirsty even after drinking water
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight loss or remarkable weight gain
- Stomach pain
- Infertility
- Hair loss
- Irritability
- Stress
- Swinging mood
- Development or growth problems
- The feeling of exhaustion or weakness
- Heart disease
- Difficulty in erection in men
- Unexplainable hair growth on the body
Causes for the Requirement of Endocrine Assessment
Problems in the endocrine system are summed up into the below-mentioned categories or causes –
- Hormone imbalance in the endocrine system
- Lumps or tumours develop in the endocrine system.
When to visit a doctor?
It is to one’s benefit to have medical checks at regular intervals, eat healthy, and exercise but if a patient experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above she should immediately visit the doctor.
Diagnosis for Disorder Found in Endocrine Assessment
For proper and accurate assessment of endocrine, practitioners are advised to conduct the following tests –
- Blood Test
- Urine Test
- Imaging (CT & MRI)
- Genetic Testing
Treatment for a disorder found in Endocrine Assessment
Treatments for problems in the endocrine system are as follows –
- Hormone Therapy – Intake of supplements for the balance of hormones
- Medication – Intake of medicine for slowing or ceasing the development of hormones
Surgery – To be done in case the above two options fail or in case of cancer
Endocrine Assessment is an exam conducted for the purpose to determine the level of the hormone and to check the functioning of the glands.
Hormones are chemicals that carry messages to the organs and tell the body what to do and when to do it.
It secretes hormones Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), Dopamine, and Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GRH).
It is situated on both sides of the uterus. It contains egg cells and produces hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Testosterone, Estrogen, Cortisol and thyroid level are checked in a blood test.
