When to check hormones, what tests to take and what to do next

What are hormones?

Hormones are produced by specialized cells that are located in special organs – the endocrine glands. The work of these organs is clearly coordinated and has several levels of endocrine regulation:

• The hypothalamus is the highest control center for hormonal activity. Hypothalamic hormones send a signal to the pituitary gland whether it is necessary to activate the work of a particular peripheral gland (adrenal glands, ovaries, thyroid gland, etc.).

• Pituitary gland – secretes substances that block or, conversely, stimulate peripheral glands.

• Peripheral glands – thyroid and parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries in women and testes in men.

• The pineal gland is a relatively autonomous organ that synthesizes melatonin, and this process occurs only at night in complete darkness (which is why it is so important to sleep without light). Helps to synchronize the rhythms of wakefulness and rest.

Survey options

Conditionally, survey options can be divided into planned and urgent. Routine testing is done even in the absence of complaints. Considering that in many regions of Russia there is an iodine deficiency in water and food, which can extremely negatively affect the functioning of the thyroid gland, all men and women are recommended to determine the content of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) in the blood once a year. If the indicators of this hormone are higher or lower than normal, then the endocrinologist will prescribe an extended examination of the thyroid gland to establish an accurate diagnosis and select targeted treatment.

An urgent examination is recommended if there are complaints. Many of the symptoms of endocrine disorders are not always obvious. It is worth paying attention to any change in well-being. However, the following manifestations are especially alarming:

–