Endocrinology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorder of the endocrine system and its specific secretions called hormones. The endocrine system consists of several glands, in different parts of the body that secrete hormones directly into the blood rather than into a duct system. Hormones have many different functions and modes of action; one hormone may have several effects on different target organs, and, conversely, one target organ may be affected by more than one hormone.

Although every organ system secretes and responds to hormones (including the brain, lungs, heart, intestine, skin and kidneys), the clinical specialty of endocrinology focuses primarily on the endocrine organs, meaning the organs whose primary function is hormone secretion. These organs include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes, and pancreas.

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and many others.

Last Updated: 7/14/2009