The endocrine system is a control system of glands that secrete hormones which circulate within the body via the blood stream. It is instrumental in regulating metabolism, mood, growth, development, tissue function and repair and sexual reproduction.
There are literally hundreds of different endocrine system disorders and diseases, many of which result from too few hormones being secreted (hyposecretion) or too many being secreted (hypersecretion) from the various different endocrine glands.
Examples of endocrine glands include:
- Thyroid gland—located in the front of the neck and regulates the body's overall metabolism
- Parathyroid glands—four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid control calcium levels throughout the body
- Adrenal glands—two glands located on the top of each kidney maintain salt levels in the blood, maintain blood pressure, help control kidney function and control overall fluid concentrations in the body
- Neuroendocrine glands of the pancreas—located behind the stomach, they control blood sugar and overall glucose metabolism, parathyroid surgery and parathyroid hormone
- Pituitary gland—located at the base of the brain, it controls the activity of many other endocrine glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands.
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
The type of endocrine disorder, symptoms experienced and severity or stage of condition will all potentially impact on an individual’s capacity within the workplace. Specific medical advice should be sought regarding specific workplace considerations that should be taken into account for each individual to enable them to work productively and safely. (Better Health Channel 2008; Endocrineweb (no date specified).
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2008, Hormonal (endocrine) system, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 16 January 2009, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Hormonal_(endocrine)_system?OpenDocument>.
Endocrineweb (no date specified), Introduction to endocrinology & endocrine surgery, Norman Endocrine Surgery Clinic, Florida, viewed 16 January 2009, <http://www.endocrineweb.com/whatisendo.html>.