Endocrine Diseases

Endocrine diseases are disorders of the endocrine system. The branch of medicine associated with endocrine disorders is known as endocrinology.

Types of endocrine disease

Broadly speaking, endocrine disorders may be subdivided into three groups:

1. Endocrine gland hyposecretion (leading to hormone deficiency)
2. Endocrine gland hypersecretion (leading to hormone excess)
3. Tumours (benign or malignant) of endocrine glands

Endocrine disorders are often quite complex, involving a mixed picture of hyposecretion and hypersecretion because of the feedback mechanisms involved in the endocrine system. For example, most forms of hyperthyroidism are associated with an excess of thyroid hormone and a low level of thyroid stimulating hormone.