endocrinology

The study of endocrine organs and their functions.

Endocrinology involves knowledge of:

• how hormones are synthesized, regulated (feedback mechanisms) and released
• hormone-receptor interactions
• the glands in the endocrine system that secrete the various hormones
• diseases that affect normal hormone function
• symptoms, signs, investigations to diagnose an endocrine problem
• how to treat endocrine disorders

See Endocrine system.