Literally, endocrinology means the study of the internal glands and metabolism. ‘Endo’ means “internal”, “crinology” means “teaching”. An endocrinologist is therefore first and foremost a hormone specialist. They specialise in the treatment of hormone-related diseases and metabolic disorders.
The glands include, for example, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid gland, the adrenal glands, the pituitary gland and the pancreas. There are also other hormone-producing cells, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and fatty tissue. Hormones are vital messenger substances in our organism. They control organs and the functions of our body. This is why endocrinology cannot reduce an ailment to a diseased organ. Endocrinologists see the human being as a whole.
Endocrinology as a branch of internal medicine
For this reason alone, endocrinology is difficult to narrow down. Endocrinologists know and recognise the interactions and connections in our body. Many well-known ‘common diseases’ fall within the field of endocrinology. For example, osteoporosis, diabetes and hormonal changes, especially in old age.
Hormonal disorders are often the cause of a wide variety of diseases and complaints. Rheumatic diseases, for example, or high blood pressure, infertility and growth disorders can be caused by hormonal imbalances. ‘These interactions and correlations are often not recognisable at first glance. But they must be recognised in order to really cure the patient,’ says Prof. Dr Christian Wüster, endocrinologist in Main/Rhine-Main.
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