The endocrine system is comprised of the testes, ovaries, the thyroid gland, pancreas, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, hypothalamus and the stomach. These parts of the endocrine system work to produce hormones and transport them through the body wherever they are needed. There are two types of hormones, endocrine hormones and exocrine hormones. Endocrine hormones are secreted directly into the bloodstream while exocrine hormones are secreted into a duct and then sent into the bloodstream or readied for cell to cell travel after being signaled. Cell to cell movement of exocrine hormones is triggered by a process called paracrine signaling, essentially the body sends a signal to the body that a certain hormone is needed in a certain cell and the body receives the message and reacts accordingly. Hormones are a natural chemical produced by the body to control important cell function, so even a small hormonal imbalance can upset the delicate balance of the body.

Hormones are responsible for controlling many important functions in the body including reproduction, sexual arousal, growth, metabolic maintenance, and controlling the fight or flight response. Some natural life phases such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause can result in a hormonal imbalance that may sometimes result in symptoms. Pregnant women are known to experience mood swings and crying jags as a result of their hormonal imbalance. Menopausal women experience a wide range of hormonal imbalance symptoms while their levels of estrogen and progesterone are fluctuating wildly. During the menopause phase, hormones levels slowly begin to decrease; eventually ending in total fertility, but during menopause hormone production may actually surge higher than normal or decline to below normal levels. It’s this hormonal imbalance that leads to a wide range of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, depression, anxiety and mood swings. Hormones also help teenagers achieve a healthy normal height during their accelerated growth years.

If a hormonal imbalance occurs as a result of a natural life transition, then this is usually not a cause for concern. Although some menopausal women may experience extreme menopause symptoms that do need treatment, this is the exception rather than the rule. However, if a hormonal imbalance occurs as a result of a problem with the endocrine system, then this may result in a disease or medical condition that will need medical treatment. There are literally dozens of medical conditions linked to hormonal imbalance including dwarfism, diabetes, infertility, tumors and problems with sexual identity or sexual functioning. An endocrinologist is a doctor that studies diseases and problems associated with hormonal imbalance in the endocrine system.