The Endocrine System

Anatomy and Physiology

The endocrine system is made of 7 glands; the thyroid, pituitary, pineal, thymus, adrenal, pancreas and gonads (testes and ovaries). The hypothalamus is a part of the brain which connects the endocrine system to the nervous system and produces hormones which trigger the anterior piruitary gland to produce its hormones. The pineal gland produces melatonin and is sometimes referred to as the ‘third eye’. It responds to sun light through the eyes and governs our mood and sleep patterns. The pituitary releases ADH which helps control growth, blood pressure, some parts of pregnancy, childbirth, breast milk production, sex organ functions, thyroid function, metabolism of food, osmosis rates and temperature. The thyroid produces thyrotoxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It regulates the rate of metabolism and growth. The thymus releases t-lympocytes which are critical to the adaptive immune system which protects us so much in life.The adrenals release adrenalie, cortisole, aldosterone, noradrenalise and androgens. These give us our fight or flight response. The pancreas creates insulin, glucagon and somatostatin which help control our blood-glucose levels. This is the primary endocrine gland involved in diabetes. The female gonads produce oestrogen and progesterone. The male gonads produce testosterone.

Endocrine Pathologies
Hyperthyroidism is caused by over-production of hormones from the thyroid. This results in high growth rates, diarrhoea, weight loss, anxiety, hyperactivity, apathy, depression, polyuria (having to wee frequently), polydipsia (excessive thirst), delirium, tremor, palpitations, arrhythmias, shortness of breath, loss of libido, nausea and vomiting.
Hypothyroidism is essentially the opposite of hyperthyroidism. It can result in hypotonia (low muscle tone), depression, muscle cramps, goitre, carpal tunnel syndrome, paleness, dry and itchy skin, osteoporosis, weight gain (as metabolism slows), constipation, bradycardia, thin brittle hair and an intolerance to the cold.
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by an over production of corticosterois from the adrenals (or sometimes from over-use of topical steroids) and results in abdominal striae, weight gain, ‘moon face’, fatigue, weakness, loss of libido and high blood pressure.
Addison’s disease is essentially the opposite of Cushing’s syndrome as it is due to an under-production of adrenal hormones resulting in muscle weakness, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, weight loss, dizzy spells, vomiting, dehydration and tiredness.
Diabetes can either result from an inability of the pancreas to create enough insulin or a resistance of the body to the insulin that is being produced. This results in an inability to balance sugar levels in the body. It usually produces symptoms of polydipsia (frequent thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), high blood pressure, weight loss in severe cases, weight gain more commonly, pitting oedema in the ankles and dry skin.

Endocrine Herbs
Borago officinalis can be used to replenish the adrenals.
Glycyhhriza glabra is an adaptogens which means it helps to regulate our response to stress and replenishes the adrenals. It can be used to treat Addison’s disease.