The endocrine system is a control system of glands that secrete hormones or chemical messengers, via the blood stream, to cells within the body. It is instrumental in regulating metabolism, mood, growth, development, tissue function and repair and sexual reproduction. Examples of endocrine glands include the:
- adrenal glands which are located on the top of each kidney and maintain salt levels in the blood and blood pressure, help control kidney function and control overall fluid concentrations in the body
- neuroendocrine glands of the pancreas which are located behind the stomach and control blood sugar and overall glucose metabolism
- parathyroid glands which are located behind the thyroid and control calcium levels throughout the body
- pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain and controls the activity of many other endocrine glands such as the thyroid, adrenal and ovaries
- thyroid gland which is located in the front of the neck and regulates the body's overall metabolism, growth, development and nervous system activity levels.
Symptoms and characteristics
There are hundreds of endocrine disorders and diseases with varying characteristics and symptoms. Common examples include diabetes and thyroid problems. For information on a number of different endocrine disorders, including their symptoms and characteristics, please see the links below:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The type of endocrine disorder, symptoms experienced and severity or stage of condition will all potentially impact on a person’s capacity within the workplace. Specific medical advice should be sought regarding specific workplace considerations that should be taken into account for each person, to enable them to work productively and safely.
Some strategies that could be used in the workplace to assist people who have an endocrine disorder include:
- arranging a safe and private area for medication storage and management
- flexibility within the person’s job tasks to allow for any type of medical management such as taking medication
- education for colleagues about the particular disorder and what to do if a complication arises.
References
Better Health Channel 2011, Hormonal (endocrine) system, Victorian Government Department of Health, Melbourne, viewed 15 December 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Hormonal_(endocrine)_system.
Better Medicine 2011, Endocrine Disorders, Better Medicine, online, viewed 15 December 2011, http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/endocrine-disorders.
Norman, J 1997-2011, Introduction to Endocrinology & Endocrine Surgery, Vertical Health, online, viewed 15 December 2011, http://www.endocrineweb.com/whatisendo.html.
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