Clinical Areas of Interest

The endocrine system consists of a group of glands and organs that regulate and control various body functions by producing and secreting hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that affect the activity of another part of the body. In fact, hormones serve as messengers that control and coordinate activities in the body.

Metabolic Syndrome
(Syndrome X; Insulin Resistance Syndrome)

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a large waist circumference (due to excess abdominal fat), high blood pressure, resistance to the effects of insulin (insulin resistance) or diabetes, and abnormal levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood (dyslipidemia).

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to become abnormally high.

Hyperthyroidism is the overactivity of the thyroid gland, leading to high levels of thyroid hormones and acceleration of vital body functions.

In Cushing's syndrome, the level of corticosteroids is excessive, usually due to taking corticosteroid drugs or overproduction by the adrenal glands.

Growth hormone is produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Growth hormone stimulates the growth of bones, muscles and many internal organs. Therefore, excess growth hormone leads to abnormally strong growth of all these tissues. Overproduction of growth hormone is almost always caused by a non-cancerous (benign) pituitary tumor (adenoma). Some rare pancreatic and lung tumors can also produce hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of growth hormone, producing similar results.