The endocrine system is a complex collection of hormone-producing glands that control basic body functions such as metabolism, growth and sexual development. The amount of hormones produced by each gland is carefully balanced. Too much or too little of a certain hormone can have effects throughout the body and cause various endocrine disorders. Many of the hormones produced by the endocrine glands interact with each other to maintain balance.

The endocrine system consists of:

• pituitary gland - secretes hormones to stimulate the adrenals, thyroid, pigment-producing skin cells and gonads (ovaries and testes). Also secretes a growth hormone, an antidiuretic hormone, prolactin (a hormone which affects milk production after childbirth), and oxytocin (a hormone which plays a role in childbirth).
  
  
• hypothalamus - secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland.
  
  
• pancreas - secretes insulin and glucagon, which affect the body's absorption of glucose, the body's main source of energy.
  
  
• adrenal cortex - secretes hydrocortisone, which affects metabolism. Also secretes androgen hormone and aldosterone, which affect blood pressure and saline balance.
  
  
• thyroid gland - secretes thyroxin, triiodothyronine and calcitonin, which affect metabolism, body heat, and bone growth.
  
  
• parathyroid glands - secretes a parathyroid hormone, which affects calcium levels in the blood.
  
  
• gonads - the male and female reproductive glands (testes and ovaries). The testes secrete testosterone, which stimulate sperm production and other male characteristics. The ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone, which affect many aspects of the female body, including menstrual cycles and pregnancy.

The exocrine glands actually secrete their substances through ducts to particular areas. Examples of exocrine glands include the salivary glands and the sweat glands. The endocrine glands, on the other hand, secrete the hormones they produce directly into the bloodstream. Most endocrine glands are controlled by trophic (stimulating) hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, in turn, is controlled by hormones secreted by the hypothalamus in the brain.

• Endocrinology
  • Anatomy of the Endocrine System
  • Hormones and the Endocrine System
  • Statistics
  • Glossary
• Adrenal System
  • Adrenal Glands: Location and Function
  • Adrenal Gland Disorders
• Diabetes (see Pancreatic System)
• Pancreatic System
  • Pancreas: Location and Function
  • Pancreatic Disorders
  • Diabetes and Other Blood Sugar Disorders
    • Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
    • Overview of Diabetes
    • Diet and Diabetes
    • Type 1 Diabetes
    • Type 2 Diabetes
• Parathyroid
  • Parathyroid Glands: Location and Function
  • Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands
    • Hyperparathyroidism
    • Hypoparathyroidism
    • Tumors
• Pituitary System
  • Pituitary Gland: Location and Function
  • Pituitary Gland Disorders
    • Acromegaly
    • Diabetes Insipidus
    • Empty Sella Syndrome
    • Hypopituitarism
    • Tumors
• Reproductive Glands
  • Reproductive Glands
  • Estrogen’s Effects on the Female Body
• Thyroid
  • Thyroid Gland: Location and Function
  • Thyroid Gland Disorders
    • Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Thyroid Disorders in Women
    • Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
    • Tumors
      

Endocrinology Services at
Rush University Medical Center

Endocrinologists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, participate in multidisciplinary care teams with other Rush specialists managing the complex medical and surgical care of patients with diabetes and other endocrine disorders. Working in state-of-the art facilities, using some of the world’s most sophisticated technology, these experts are on the leading edge of diagnosis, treatment and discovery.

In addition, the Rush University Diabetes Center in Chicago has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for quality self-management education. The center’s team includes a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and nurse practitioner, who educate patients on what they can do to best control their diabetes.

For more information about endocrinology services and diabetes care at Rush visit our Endocrinology home page and the Diabetes Center at Rush home page.

Looking for Other Health Information?

• Visit our Health Information home page.
   
  or
  
 

• Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.