7.4 Endocrine Disorders

Disorders in endocrine gland function can result in alterations to metabolism, growth, stress response, moods, blood sugar regulation, fluid balance, immune system response, bone health, and reproductive function. Three major endocrine glands are the pancreas, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Endocrine alterations discussed in this chapter include diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease and syndrome, and Addison’s disease.