The endocrine system is a group of glands. The glands produce hormones, chemical substances that send messages that regulate the activities of your cells and organs. Those activities include metabolism, reproduction, growth, and development, as well as reaction to our environment and stress.
The glands that make up the endocrine system include the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamus.
If these glands begin to function improperly, secreting more or less of a hormone, or if your body doesn’t respond to the hormones, you could have an endocrine disorder. Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder in the United States, although there are many other endocrine disorders.
UT Southwestern physicians are among the top in the nation in treating diseases of the endocrine system. Our endocrine specialists will provide you with compassionate health care to diagnose and treat your condition.