There are important differences between the two systems as described in the table….Hormones and nerves.

What are the similarities between the nervous system and the endocrine system? Both the nervous system and endocrine system are devoted to maintaining homeostasis by coordinating and regulating the activities of other cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Both systems are regulated by negative feedback mechanisms.

The nervous system can respond quickly to stimuli, through the use of action potentials and neurotransmitters. The endocrine system responds to stimulation by secreting hormones into the circulatory system that travel to the target tissue. Responses to endocrine system stimulation are typically slow but long lasting.

What Does the Endocrine System Do? Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. This lets the hormones travel to cells in other parts of the body. The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our organs work, metabolism , and reproduction.

In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the neural control center for all endocrine systems. In humans, the major endocrine glands are the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands. The study of the endocrine system and its disorders is known as endocrinology.

Secondary endocrine organs include the gonads, kidneys, and thymus.

Common endocrine disorders include diabetes mellitus, acromegaly (overproduction of growth hormone), Addison’s disease (decreased production of hormones by the adrenal glands), Cushing’s syndrome (high cortisol levels for extended periods of time), Graves’ disease (type of hyperthyroidism resulting in excessive thyroid …

Symptoms include fatigue, stomach upset, dehydration, and skin changes. Addison’s disease is a type of adrenal insufficiency.

Endocrine Diseases In the United States, the most common endocrine disease is diabetes. There are many others. They are usually treated by controlling how much hormone your body makes.

If there’s a problem with the endocrine system, a person’s body might not grow like it should or it might not work the way it’s supposed to. Diabetes (say: dye-uh-BEE-tees) is one common problem with the endocrine system. It occurs when a person’s pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin.

Endocrine conditions can be due to three main causes: 1) Underproduction of a certain hormone; 2) Overproduction of a certain hormone; 3) A malfunction in the production line of a hormone or in its ability to function correctly. There are many factors which cause the endocrine system to stop working properly.

During times of stress, the hypothalamus, a collection of nuclei that connects the brain and the endocrine system, signals the pituitary gland to produce a hormone, which in turn signals the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, to increase the production of cortisol.

This system affects growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, and mood. If your hormone levels are too high or too low, you may have an endocrine disease or disorder. Endocrine diseases and disorders also occur if your body does not respond to hormones the way it is supposed to.

Endocrine system diagnostic tests

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
• Sestamibi scan.
• Ultrasound.
• Endoscopic ultrasound.
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• 4D CT scan.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission test (PET)

Basic screening: plasma testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin. Additional tests: LH, FSH, adrenal androgens (e.g. DHEAS), 17-OH progesterone. Tests for Cushing’s and acromegaly if indicated.

An endocrine test can help diagnose a variety of specialities and hormonal diseases, including:

• pituitary thyroid adrenal bone and parathyroid (gland beside thyroid gland)
• neuroendocrine tumours (in cells of endocrine and nervous systems)
• carcinoid tumours (slow-growing neuroendocrine tumours)
• reproductive endocrinology.

Diagnosing Endocrine Disease Your care may include: Urine tests to rule out other problems, such as infections or kidney problems. Imaging studies, including CT and MRI, to evaluate tumors or cancer and plan treatments.

Endocrinologists are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions like diabetes, thyroid diseases, infertility, growth issues, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, some cancers, and disorders in the hormone-producing adrenal glands and pituitary glands.

Urine and blood tests, as well as imaging technology and other tools, may be used to: Measure the levels of various hormones in the patient’s body. Identify a tumor, nodule, or other abnormality on one of the endocrine glands. Determine if certain endocrine glands are working as they should.

When you are facing a diagnosis of a hormonal condition, like diabetes or thyroid disease, your doctor may suggest you see an endocrinologist. You may be wondering why you need to see a specialist instead of simply sticking with your primary doctor.

An endocrinologist can diagnose and treat hormone problems and the complications that arise from them. Hormones regulate metabolism, respiration, growth, reproduction, sensory perception, and movement. Hormone imbalances are the underlying reason for a wide range of medical conditions.

Tests usually asked for by an endocrinologist include:

• Blood sugar level.
• Complete blood count.
• Kidney function test.
• Liver function test.
• Thyroid function tests.
• Thyroid antibodies test including thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.
• Cortisol level.
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level.

Endocrinologists, who are specialists in hormones and metabolism, can help assess the cause of your obesity and the possible complications. They also can direct how you should be treated and prescribe and monitor your medications. Don’t expect overnight results with a weight loss plan. There are no quick fixes.