Metabo V^®

Endocrine Facts

The endocrine system is made up of a network of organs and glands that influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. By producing, storing, and secreting special chemicals called hormones, the glands and organs of the endocrine system help the body to regulate energy levels, reproduce, stimulate growth and development, balance its internal systems, and respond to stress, injury, and the environment. The major glands and organs that make up the endocrine system include the pancreas, hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pineal body, and the reproductive glands, which include the ovaries and testes. Each gland works like a factory to produce, store, and secrete special hormones, which send instructions through the bloodstream to organs, tissues, or cells. Although there are many different types of hormones circulating through the body, each hormone affects only those cells that are genetically conditioned to receive and respond to its messages. Problems occur when hormones are released in too great or too small amounts for the body to function normally. The body may also have difficulty in clearing excess hormones from the blood, as when a person's liver or kidneys fail to function properly.