Have you ever wondered how the various systems in our body communicate with each other to work in just the right condition to allow you to get through the day happy and healthy? The answer to that question is through Hormones and our Endocrine system.
Our Endocrine System
Our body’s endocrine system is made up of a network of glands. Glands are organs that produce hormones essential for our body to perform its daily functions. You can imagine hormones as tiny little messengers travelling to different organs, informing them on what your body needs at each moment. Each gland therefore produces a specific hormone or two that travels to an organ in your body. A healthy endocrine system is thus vital in ensuring that all the systems in your body operate at optimal condition.
Endocrine Glands: Facts And Functions
There are 8 individual glands within our endocrine system. Let’s take a closer look at each one of them and their functions.
Hypothalamus
This gland can be found just above the brainstem. The hypothalamus regulates involuntary body functions such as one’s heart rate, respiration, appetite, body temperature and sleep.
Pituitary Gland
Located at the base of the brain, the Pituitary gland is often considered the most important gland or the Master gland. This gland secretes hormones that manage and facilitate the function of all the other glands in the endocrine system. The Pituitary gland is a dual function organ. The frontal Pituitary gland facilitates sexual development as well as the thyroid and adrenocortical function while the rear Pituitary gland produces hormones that communicate with the uterus and regulates kidney functions.
Thyroid Gland
This butterfly shaped gland is located in the front of the throat, on the windpipe. The thyroid’s key role is to regulate the body’s metabolism. The thyroid secretes hormones such as calcitonin and T3 which regulate the rate at which nutrients are converted into energy as well as the amount of oxygen consumed by cells. As such, the thyroid gland functions as the metabolic powerhouse of the body, controlling the function of the brain, heart, muscles and kidney as well.
Adrenal Gland
The two adrenal glands in the body can be found above each kidney. These glands respond to stress levels in the body and release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. When the body senses that you are in a stressful situation, the adrenal glands begin to flood your system with adrenaline and cortisol. This reaction increases your heart rate and blood pressure which contributes to your overall energy levels and sharpens your concentration. This is commonly referred to as your fight or flight response.
Pineal Gland
The pineal gland is located in the middle of your brain. This gland secretes the hormone, Melatonin, which helps to regulate your sleep.
Pancreas
This large gland can be found in the abdomen, near the sternum. The pancreas releases two very important hormones namely, Insulin and Glucagon. These hormones are the key players in regulating your blood sugar levels. Glucagon facilitates the release of glucose from the liver into the body while Insulin ensures that the cells in your body absorb the glucose effectively.
Thymus
Located behind the breastbone, this gland serves its function primarily during one’s childhood. The thymus regulates the growth and development of one’s immune system. Once you reach puberty, the thymus tissue slowly begins to convert to fat and becomes dormant.
Ovaries and Testes
Ovaries and Testes are reproductive glands that produce hormones crucial for puberty and sexual development. Ovaries in a woman are located in her pelvis, on both sides of the uterus. They are responsible for producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Testes are located in the male scrotum and produce testosterone as well as sperm. Both organs are vital for not only growth during puberty but also reproduction.
Keep Your Endocrine System Healthy
Have a balanced diet and exercise regularly to keep your endocrine glands working smoothly. If you have a family history of endocrine problems, it is best to have regular checkups with an endocrinologist to make sure you are healthy. We have compiled a list of Singapore’s top Endocrinologists for your perusal. Book your appointments today!
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Abel Soh Diabetes, Thyroid and Endocrine Clinic |
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3 Mount Elizabeth, #07-08 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510 |
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(65) 6262 2008 |
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Saint-Julien Clinic for Diabetes & Endocrinology |
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820 Thomson Road, 05-58, Mount Alvernia Hospital, 574623 |
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(65) 6258 5891 |
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Alex Fok Endocrine Practice |
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http://www.alexfok.com/ |
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3 Mount Elizabeth, #07-07 Medical Center, Singapore 228510 |
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(65) 6734 6116 |
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Arden Endocrinology Specialist Clinic |
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Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre 38 Irrawaddy Road |
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(65) 6334 2301 |
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Specialist Endocrine Clinic for Diabetes, Thyroid and Hormones |
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1 Orchard Boulevard #04-03 Singapore 248649 |
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(65) 6735 4066 |
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Vivien Lim Endocrinology Specialist Centre |
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6 Napier Rd, #03-17/18, Singapore 258499 |
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(65) 6471 1928 |
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Daniel Wai Diabetes Thyroid & Hormone Clinic |
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3 Mount Elizabeth, #03-04, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510 |
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(65) 6535 8833 (24 Hr Answering Service) |
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Marilyn Lee Endocrine & Medical Clinic |
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https://www.drmarilynlee.com.sg/ |
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38 Irrawaddy Road #06-52 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563 |
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(65) 68733711 |
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Soon Diabetes Thyroid And Endocrinology Clinic |
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http://novenamedicalcenter.com/our-clinics/soon-diabetes-thyroid-and-endocrinology-clinic/ |
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10 Sinaran Dr #10-08, Singapore 307506 |
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(65) 6397 7101 |
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Dr Wang Kuo Weng Consultant Endocrinologist And Physician |
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Address |
6 Napier Road #09-16 Gleneagles Medical Centre Singapore 258499 |
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(65) 6473 0000 |
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Visit website to make an appointment. |
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Peter Eng Endocrine Clinic |
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#10-07 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth |
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(65) 6735 1007 |
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Loh Keh Chuan Diabetes Thyroid & Hormone Clinic |
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3 Mount Elizabeth #10-05 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre |
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(65) 6733 3533 |
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Lee Chung Horn Diabetes & Endocrinology |
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6 Napier Road #09-17 Gleneagles Medical Centre Singapore 258499 |
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(65) 6473 6006 |
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Camden Medical |
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https://www.camden.com.sg/specialisations/specialisations-endocrinology |
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1 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248649 |
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(65) 6887 3210 |
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Dr Matthew Tan Diabetes and Endocrine Care |
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https://www.endocrinologistsingapore.co/ |
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1 Farrer Park Station Rd, #11-01 Connexion, Singapore 217562 |
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(65) 6951 5403 |
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Raffles Diabetes & Endocrine Centre |
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https://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/services/specialist-centres/diabetes-endocrine/ |
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585 North Bridge Rd, Level 9 Raffles Specialist Centre, Singapore 188770 |
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(65) 63111111 |
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Dr. Warren Lee’s Paediatrics Growth & Diabetes Centre Pte. Ltd. |
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One Orchard Boulevard #02-06 Singapore 248649 |
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(65) 6235 3678 |
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Lyen Children’s Clinic |
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https://www.memc.com.sg/clinic/lyen-children-s-clinic/ |
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#09-04 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510 |
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(65) 6734 2600 |
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The Endocrine Clinic |
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Address |
38 Irrawaddy Road Suite 08-55/56/57 Singapore 329563 |
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Telephone |
(65) 65702683 |
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Kevin Tan Clinic For Diabetes Thyroid & Hormones Pte Ltd |
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https://www.memc.com.sg/specialist/dr-kevin-tan-eng-kiat/ |
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Address |
#13-07 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510 |
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Telephone |
(65) 6884 9948 |
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When Do You Need An Endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in the study of hormones and the glands that produce them. The endocrine system may be susceptible to a number of diseases. When the glands are malfunctioning and producing too much or too little hormones, it can cause problems such as the following:
Diabetes
Diabetes, medically referred to as Diabetes Mellitus, is the most common type of endocrine disorder. This disorder occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. There are generally two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas, rendering it unable to produce enough insulin the body requires to convert glucose into energy. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body begins to resist the insulin produced by the pancreas. This causes sugar to build up in the bloodstream and contributes to a further disorder known as High Blood Sugar.
Symptoms
Symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may include:
- Weight problems
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Wounds that do not heal
- Extreme fatigue
Treatment
When you visit an Endocrinologist for Diabetes you may receive the following treatment:
For Type 1 Diabetes, the main treatment would be to inject insulin manually into the body to replace the hormone that the pancreas fails to produce naturally. When treating Type 2 Diabetes, the doctor may prescribe changes to your lifestyle, such as encouraging a healthy diet and increasing exercise to reduce the sugar content in your blood. However if lifestyle changes are not enough to reduce the high blood sugar, the doctor may also prescribe medication such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors or Glucagon-like peptides to slow down the way your body breaks down sugar and starch or change the way your pancreas produces insulin.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is another common endocrine disease that occurs when someone has an overactive thyroid that produces an excessive amount of hormones. This can have an adverse effect on one’s metabolism, over stimulating the system. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism may lead to potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart failure.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism may include:
- Increased anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Puffy or bulging eyes
- Swelling of the thyroid gland
- Fatigue
- Feeling over energized
- Increased sweating
- Tremors
- Sudden weight loss
If experiencing such symptoms, one has to consult an endocrinologist immediately to prevent them from developing into more serious conditions.
Treatment
When seeking treatment for Hyperthyroidism, the doctor may start with anti thyroid medication to slow down the production of hormones in your thyroid gland. If the condition persists, the doctor may prescribe a form of treatment known as Radioactive Iodine Therapy. This treatment involves the consumption of radioactive iodine that would cause your thyroid gland to shrink in size.
If neither of these treatments are successful the doctor may recommend a surgery known as Thyroidectomy, which is a procedure that would remove most of your thyroid gland to stop the excessive production of hormones.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the opposite condition wherein the thyroid gland is under active and is not producing the necessary hormones required for the body to function. This impairs the body’s metabolic function, causing problems in the way the body consumes energy.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of Hypothyroidism are:
- Constipation
- Swelling of the thyroid gland
- Swelling of the face
- Sudden weight gain
- Missed menstrual cycles
- Slowed heart rate
Treatment
Hypothyroidism is most commonly treated using a drug known as Levothyroxine. This medication is a synthetic hormone that imitates the functions of the thyroid hormones your body produces naturally. Once the thyroid hormone levels in your body have been stabilized by Levothyroxine, you can stop treatment and check in with your doctor yearly to ensure that your thyroid levels are optimal.
Editor’s Note:
Disclaimer: While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information. If you have a medical condition, it is always better to consult with a certified health care professional directly instead of relying on any material in this website or any other literature.
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