Hormones in your body control vital system signals, which is why endocrine feedback systems work to keep the hormone levels balanced. It is a network of various glands that work together to enable bodily functions like breaking down calories into energy, manage the consistency of heartbeat, bone and tissue growth and also your reproductive system.

The adrenal glands, hypothalamus, ovaries, Islet cells in the pancreas, parathyroid, pineal gland, pituitary gland, testes, thymus, and thyroid, are the main glands that get affected due to hormonal imbalances and can be caused due to the following reasons.

• Hormonal imbalance is caused due to either excessive release of certain hormones in the system or too little being released. Sometimes, development of nodules or tumors in the endocrine system can also affect the hormone levels.
• Any problem with the endocrine feedback system can cause an imbalance in the levels.
• Diseases can result in an imbalance which can lead to endocrine disorders.
• A malfunction in one gland connected to the other can cause the levels to fluctuate affecting bodily functions. A problem in the hypothalamus can affect the pituitary gland and disrupt production of hormones.
• Certain genetic disorders like congenital hypothyroidism or multiple endocrine neoplasias can cause an imbalance in the levels leading to endocrine disorders.
• Common infections can also have side effects which can cause the system to malfunction.
• An injury to any of the endocrine glands can result in complications.

Understanding the different types of disorders will help you identify the symptoms better. These are the common types of endocrine disorders.

Adrenal insufficiency: The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones known as cortisol and aldosterone. Deficiency in this production might lead to symptoms of dehydration, stomach problems, fatigue, visible changes in your skin. A common endocrine disorder is Addison’s disease caused due to the insufficiency of cortisol.

Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormone. However, high levels of thyroid hormone can lead to unexpected weight loss, elevated heart rate, nervousness, and excessive sweating. Autoimmune disorders are a common cause of an overactive thyroid gland.

Hormonal growth problems: Excessive production of growth hormones will lead to an imbalance which can result in abnormalities in growth. The pituitary gland is responsible for the production of growth hormones which is why a perfect balance is essential for proper growth, especially in children.

Cushings syndrome: This syndrome is another endocrine disorder which is a result of an imbalance in hormonal levels. Noticeable symptoms include high blood pressure, excessive fatigue, sweating and hunger, visible changes in your skin, muscle weakness among others.