Gland disorders

Endocrine gland disorders are most often the result of a gland producing too much or too little hormone.

Endocrine glands are different from other organs in the body because they release hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones are powerful chemicals controlling and instructing the functions of various organs. Hormones are produced by several glands and organs such as the ovaries, testes, thyroid, pancreas, pituitary, liver and others. They travel through the bloodstream from where they are produced to where they interact with receptors to do the work for which they were intended. Hormones regulate fluid retention, mineral metabolism, sexual function and libido, reproductive functions, growth and development, aging and numerous other functions. They initiate reactions in the body (whereas enzymes usually help to facilitate them).