Let me start this article by clarifying that I am not a medical professional. I can’t treat or diagnose anyone’s disease; my opinions are mine. I’m simply writing about what I personally know about the disease and the avenues I’ve researched and tried to heal myself. It’s difficult not to feel alone and misunderstood with this disease, so if this article helps just one person, my heart will be happy.
The endocrine system is a network of tissues and glands that produce hormones in the body. This system produces and releases hormones essential for maintaining proper bodily function. Everyone has an endocrine system, but some people’s function is better than others.
Hashimoto’s impacts the thyroid, a critical gland within the endocrine system. Hormonal imbalance is common for people with Hashimoto’s disease.
When I first discovered I had Hashimoto’s, I wasn’t sure what the endocrine system was or what it did. I probably learned about it in science class at some point in school, but science was never my strongest subject.
So, I’ve researched it and learned as much as I can to help me better manage my disease. Learn more about it below:
What Are Hormones?
In short, hormones are chemicals in your body. These chemicals carry messages throughout the body to organs, tissues, skin, and muscles. Hormones tell your body what to do and when to do it.
The Endocrine System Function
The main function is to release hormones. But what does that mean? What do those hormones do?
The body has 50+ different hormones that send messages throughout the body. Hormones are released into white blood cells and tell the body what to do and when to do it. Hormones impact all aspects of the body, including:
- Mood
- Sleeping
- Metabolism
- Sexual function
- Blood sugar balance
- Blood pressure
- Body temperature
- Reproduction
- Growth
- Overall development
- Fluid/water
The endocrine system is comprised of endocrine tissues, organs, and glands.
What Are Glands?
Glands are tissues that create and release substances in the body. In the endocrine system, these glands make and release hormones into the bloodstream. I’ll outline more about the glands below.
Glands, Tissues, and Organs in the Endocrine System:
The endocrine system is a complex network of interconnected glands, tissues, and organs. They all speak to each other to keep the body functioning and stable. I’ve outlined a few of them below:
Pineal Gland
The pineal gland makes and releases melatonin. This gland is found in your brain.
Adrenal Gland
There are two adrenal glands sitting on top of the kidneys. These glands are triangular-shaped and release several hormones into the body. These include hormones impacting metabolism, blood pressure, and the body’s stress response.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is pea-sized and found at the base of the brain. It releases eight hormones and sometimes signals other parts of the body to release additional hormones.
Parathyroid Glands
The parathyroid glands are four pea-shaped glands located behind the thyroid. They release a hormone that controls the amount of calcium in the blood.
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. The hormones released from the thyroid control metabolism.
Pancreas
The pancreas is an organ and a gland located in the back of the abdomen. The pancreas releases two hormones (insulin and glucagon) that support the digestive system.
Ovaries
The ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system. They are located on the uterus and are oval-shaped. Ovaries make and store eggs and produce sex hormones related to menstruation and pregnancy.
Testes
The testes are the male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. Testes produce sperm and male sex hormones.
Kidneys
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter the blood in the body. They are a part of the urinary system and also produce hormones.
Liver
The liver is a part of the digestive system and it produces some hormones.
Heart
The heart produces hormones to support elevated blood pressure.
Digestive Tract
The digestive tract includes the small intestine and the stomach. The digestive tract makes and releases several hormones related to metabolism.
Endocrine System Diseases:
The endocrine system is expansive, so naturally, there are 100s of diseases related to it. Below is a small list of common endocrine-related diseases:
- Type 1 and 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Tumors in the pancreas, neuroendocrine, pituitary, parathyroid
- Cancer in the pancreas, thyroid, parathyroid
- Thyroid diseases: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, nodules, thyroiditis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Amenorrhea
- Excess growth
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Menopausal disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Vitamin D deficiency
Of course there are several others. It’s important to talk to a medical professional if you suspect you have an endocrine system disease.
Endocrine System and Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s disease is a thyroid condition. As an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid, it directly impacts the endocrine system. Several key areas of the body are controlled by these hormones, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Maintaining hormonal balance with Hashimoto’s is not an easy feat. When the body goes into a flare, it can feel like everything is thrown off. This is because it is. When the body’s hormones aren’t produced or released properly, people can’t function properly.
I have learned over the past several years how important it is to listen to my body. How critical it is to understand how it works and recognize signs of distress. It’s easy to say “I have a thyroid disorder” and accept a lot of symptoms. In fact, most medical professionals encourage you to accept things as they are.
I refuse. I know now that putting in the work, changing my lifestyle, and understanding my body are essential to managing this disease. And I don’t have to accept the symptoms. Symptoms are the body’s way of telling me something is wrong. And there are steps I can take to help manage them so my daily life isn’t so negatively impacted.
Check out my Amazon storefront and Walmart storefront for products I use or consume to help with my Hashimoto’s flares. These are affiliate links, meaning I will make a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.
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