Endocrinology

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers and are released by Endocrine glands into the bloodstream to affect the function of different organ systems. Endocrinology is a broad field due to the endocrine system being made up of a vast network of glands that secrete hormones to help your body function properly. The glands of the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal, pancreas,  ovaries, and testes.

The endocrine system works to regulate certain internal processes such as growth and development, homeostasis — the internal balance of body systems, metabolism, reproduction, and response to stimuli (stress and/or injury).