Endocrinology

Endocrinology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of

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the endocrine system and its specific secretions called hormones. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating such disorders.

Related Topics:
Endocrine system - Hormone - Doctor

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Hormones are molecules that act as signals from one type of cells to another. Those secreted by the endocrine glands travel primarily through the blood.

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Although every organ system secretes and responds to hormones (including the brain, lungs, heart, intestine, skin, and the kidney), the clinical specialty of endocrinology focuses on the endocrine organs, i.e. the organs whose primary function is hormone secretion.

Related Topics:
Brain - Lungs - Heart - Intestine - Skin - Kidney

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Endocrinologists treat disorders of the pituitary, including growth disorders; diseases of the thyroid; diseases of the adrenal glands; diseases of the ovary and testes; and diabetes (although more commonly it is a diabetologist), a disorder of insulin secretion or sensitivity.

Related Topics:
Pituitary - Thyroid - Adrenal - Ovary - Testes - Diabetes - Diabetologist

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