Hormones play an essential role in the health and function of the human body. They’re produced and released by the endocrine system, which consists of glands that control and regulate a number of body functions. There are eight glands and over 50 hormones in the human body. 

The primary glands involved in hormone secretion are the pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, thymus gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles. The hypothalamus and parathyroid glands are also involved in the endocrine system. Without glands, life wouldn’t work.

Some of the most prominent hormones in the human body include growth hormone, estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, luteinizing hormone, oxytocin, prolactin, insulin, corticosteroid, aldosterone, progesterone, melatonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, and much more. 

In a perfect world, the human body would have the necessary supply of hormones at all times. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world and hormone deficiencies are a real and common thing. If you want to live a happy and healthy life, you’ll need to regulate those hormone levels. 

Human anatomy. Endocrine system (pituitary gland, pineal gland, testicle, ovary, pancreas, thyroid, thymus, adrenal gland). Set icons. Vector

What is a Hormone Specialist? 

A hormone specialist, more formally known as an endocrinologist, is a physician that specializes in the endocrine system and the hormones they produce. They’re responsible for detecting, diagnosing, preventing, treating, and monitoring hormonal imbalances in the body. 

When you meet with a specialist, they’ll ask you a series of questions to get a better feel for your current health status and the symptoms you’re experiencing. They’ll then request a number of tests and exams to get a further analysis and measurement of the hormone levels in your body.

Once a hormone imbalance is detected, their main responsibility is finding a proven and reliable treatment plan – which usually consists of medication and certain lifestyle changes. They’ll not only work to reduce or eliminate symptoms, but prevent the imbalance from happening again.

Caucasian woman visiting female geriatrician for thyroid checkup

Different Types of Hormone & Endocrine Diseases

Hormone imbalances are far too common in the world today. Some of them are a result of genetic factors, while others develop due to environmental factors. Either way, you and your doctor will have to find an effective way to normalize any abnormal hormone levels in the body.

There are three primary problems that could arise with hormone levels:

  1. Endocrine Gland Hyposecretion – the glands responsible for hormone secretion aren’t producing enough of a certain hormone. 
  2. Endocrine Gland Hypersecretion – the glands responsible for hormone secretion are producing too much of a certain hormone. 
  3. Endocrine Gland Tumors – a tumor (either cancerous or non-cancerous) develops in the endocrine gland, impeding its ability to produce and release hormones. 

Since there are so many different endocrine glands and each one is responsible for a variety of different hormones, your hormone specialist will be tasked with figuring out which gland and hormone is too high or too low. Let’s take a look at each gland and what could go wrong:

Pineal gland anatomical cross section vector illustration diagram with human brains. Medical information poster.

Pineal Gland

The pineal gland is located inside the brain, more specifically behind the corpus callosum. It secretes melatonin, also known as the sleep hormone. An overactive or underactive pineal gland can have a negative impact on your sleeping patterns, which affects the body as a whole.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is also located in the brain, more specifically the base of the brain (also known as the hypothalamus). It secretes sex hormones, oxytocin, and controls most other endocrine glands. An overactive or underactive pituitary can lead to gigantism or short stature.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It secretes thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) and calcitonin. Too much or too little of these hormones can result in weight changes, issues with metabolism, fatigue, and depression.

Thymus Gland

The thymus gland is located underneath the sternum, also known as the breastbone. It’s responsible for producing T lymphocytes, which are a type of immune cell. An overactive or underactive thymus gland can lead to a weakened or overactive immune system. 

3d rendered medically accurate illustration of adrenal gland cancer

Adrenal Gland

The adrenal glands are found above the kidneys. They secrete corticosteroids, catecholamines, aldosterone, and androgens. Too much or too little of these hormones can lead to high blood pressure, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, weight loss, and Mineralocorticoid deficiency. 

Pancreas

The pancreas, which also acts as a digestive organ, is located in the abdominal area. It secretes insulin, somatostatin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide. Too much or too little of these hormones results in low blood glucose or high blood glucose levels (also known as diabetes). 

Ovaries

The ovaries, which are exclusively found in females, are located to the right and left of the uterus. They secrete estrogen and progesterone. Too much or too little of these hormones can disrupt the reproductive system and result in a wide range of unwanted symptoms in females.

Testicles

The testicles, which are exclusively found in males, are located in the scrotum. They secrete androgen hormones, more specifically testosterone. Too much or too little testosterone can lead to changes in behavior, acne, increase or decrease in muscle mass, and sexual problems.

Laboratory medical diagnostics, tests and hormones for thyroid gland concept photo. Doctor or laboratory technician holds in one hand laboratory test tube with blood, in other hand – figure of thyroid

Signs You Should Speak With a Hormone Specialist

Most people that meet with a hormone specialist are referred to them by their doctor. That’s why it’s always important to discuss any and all of your symptoms with your primary doctor. If they feel you’re experiencing a hormonal imbalance, they’ll send you to a hormone specialist. 

Some of the most common reasons why someone might see a hormone specialist is excessive hair growth, menopause symptoms, infertility, thyroid disorder, diabetes (if treatments aren’t producing desirable results), and sleep problems. Make sure you listen to your doctor’s advice. 

Are You In Need of a Hormone Specialist?

We all need hormones to function properly and we all have the glands to do it. With that said, some people produce too much or not enough of certain hormones, which often results in unwanted and undesirable symptoms. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place.

At Hormone Clinic, we specialize in detecting, diagnosing, and treating hormone imbalances in both males and females. If you’d like to learn more about our services or would like to schedule a consultation with a hormone specialist, feel free to contact us today – we’re ready and willing!

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