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Endocrinology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the endocrine system and its specific secretions called hormones. Hormones are molecules that act as signals from one type of cells to another. Most hormones reach their targets via the blood. 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 primarily on the endocrine organs, meaning the organs whose primary function is hormone secretion. These organs include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testes, and pancreas.
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and many others (see list of diseases below). A disease due to a disorder of the endocrine system is often called a "hormone imbalance," but is technically known as an endocrinopathy or endocrinosis.
Background
All multicellular organisms need “Coordinating systems to regulate and integrate the function of differentiating cells.” Two mechanisms perform this function in higher animals: the nervous system and the endocrine system. The endocrine system acts through the release (generally into the blood) of chemical agents and is vital to the proper development and function of organisms. As Hadley (2000) notes, the integration of developmental events such as proliferation, growth, and differentiation (including histogenesis and organogenesis) and the coordination of metabolism, respiration, excretion, movement, reproduction, and sensory perception depend on “chemical cues, substances synthesised and secreted by the specialised cells within the animal.” More on [ Endocrinology ]
Endocrinology
Endocrine Disorders :: Conditions and Diseases
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British Society For Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes - Registered charity aiming to advance education in paediatric endocrinology. Professional area of site contains guidelines, educational and Internet resources. Member only section includes discussion forums.
Meta Description: [ The British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) aims to advance education in paediatric endocrinology and related subjects by promoting research in such areas and disseminating the useful results of such research. ]
Diabetes Trials Unit - Clinical diabetes research group based at Oxford University. Site contains details of research and downloadable calculators and software.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome UK - Multidisciplinary society for healthcare professionals caring for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Site contains details of events and members of executive council.
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Society for Endocrinology - Professional society for those working in an endocrine-related field. Abstracts and full texts of some Journal articles available online. Details of training events.
Meta Description: [ The Society for Endocrinology aims to promote the advancement of public education in endocrinology ]
West Berkshire Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism - NHS clinic at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading for adults with diabetes, hormonal and endocrinological disorders. Contains details of the clinic, staff. Patient and professional information documents.
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