5 things you need to know about the endocrine system

There are a lot of them, and they all have a certain basic function: to make us grow, develop, cope with stress, stay fit and have good health, control metabolism, influence sexuality, sleep, hunger, mood, regulate glycemia…

What is the endocrine system?

Organs and glands form the endocrine system, which, through the secretion of hormones, coordinates the activities of the body through the blood circulation.

Glands and the main hormones associated with them:

Ovaries: estrogen, progesterone Testes: testosterone Adipose tissue: leptin Pancreas: insulin Adrenal glands: adrenaline, norepinephrine, cortisol Parathyroid glands: parathyroid hormone Thyroid gland: thyroxine Pineal gland: melatonin Pituitary gland: growth hormone, prolactin Hypothalamus: oxytocin, diuretic hormone tickWhat is endocrine disease?

Endocrine diseases are characterized by too low or too high levels of one or more hormones. A situation that causes pathology or disorder. Diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, precocious puberty, fertility disorders, obesity, hypertension, growth disorders are (or are sometimes associated with) abnormal hormone levels in the body and therefore endocrine gland dysfunction.

Our environment can be a direct cause of endocrine disorder. According to the French Society of Endocrinology, more than 1,500 critical components of plastics contribute to many types of endocrine cancer, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis and infertility. More specifically, with regard to cancer, hormones play a role in the proliferation of cancer cells when the cancer is hormone-dependent or hormone-sensitive. This is especially true for many types of breast and prostate cancer. This also applies to endometrial cancer, thyroid cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.

More than 400 rare diseases are associated with the endocrine system.

What are the 10 recommendations of the French Society of Endocrinology for hormone care?

1 – Physical exercise (1.5 to 2.5 hours per week)

2 – Eat healthy (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, reduce processed foods)

3 – Get enough sleep (at least 7 hours a day without interruption)

4. Ensure vitamin D intake (oily fish, possible supplements in winter).

5 – Eat foods rich in iodine (seafood, seaweed, eggs, dairy products)

6. Eat foods rich in calcium (yogurt, almonds, beans, dark green leafy vegetables).

7. Avoid plastic packaging (glass or stainless steel containers, tap water, etc.).

8 – Improve air quality (vacuum, ventilate, dust against endocrine disorders)

9 – Pay attention to cleaning products and cosmetics (avoid phthalates, parabens and triclosan)

10 – See your doctor if: unexplained weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold, changes in appetite, brittle hair and nails, fatigue, flaking skin, onset of depression, excessive thirst, signs of early puberty, loss of libido, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility .

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