Endocrine glands and their hormones

The hormone system is the way in which one part of the body tells another part of the body to do something important. Find out more about different parts of the hormonal system.

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Hormonal system

The hormonal system influences your metabolism, growth and many other functions. Learn more about what it is and conditions related to the hormonal system.

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Pineal gland

The pineal gland is a very small gland in your brain and it is part of the body's endocrine system.

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Endocrine diseases

Follow the links on this page to find trusted information about endocrine diseases.

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Thyroid gland

The thyroid is a soft bow-shaped gland which sits in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Learn more about what they do and medical conditions related to them.

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Causes of thyroid problems

The common causes of thyroid problems include autoimmune disease, certain medical treatments and inflammation of the thyroid. Learn more here.

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Pancreatic diseases

Links to articles about pancreatic diseases.

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Parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands are four small glands, each about the size of a grain of rice. Learn more about what they do and medical conditions related to them.

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Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland makes different hormones, some that have direct effects on the body and others that control other endocrine glands.

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Complications of thyroid problems

Thyroid problems can lead to many complications – like heart failure, nerve damage or infertility. Learn about the consequences of not treating these problems.

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Male menopause

Information about male menopause from leading Australian health organisations, including links to content on testosterone deficiency.

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Cushing's syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder with a wide range of symptoms. Learn about its causes here, as well as why Cushing’s syndrome is difficult to diagnose.

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Graves' disease

This condition causes the thyroid gland in the neck to produce too much thyroid hormone, and can eventually lead to goitre and bulging eyes.

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Hashimoto's disease

Hashimoto's disease can cause your body to produce too little thyroid hormone. Find out more about its causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Learn about the symptoms, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.

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Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (sometimes called thyrotoxicosis) occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive. Learn more about hyperthyroidism, including the common signs and symptoms, and treatment options.

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Follicle stimulating hormone

Trusted information about follicle stimulating hormone from leading Australian health organisations, including links to androgen (or testosterone) deficiency.

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Risk Checker

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes in just a few minutes using the healthdirect Risk Checker.

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Digestive system cancers

Information about digestive system cancers from leading Australian health organisations.

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Goitre

A goitre is an enlarged or swollen thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck.

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Iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid disease and can even cause brain damage in babies. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women should take iodine supplements. Learn more here.

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Addison's disease

Addison's disease is a condition that makes people feel very weak and tired. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.

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Acromegaly

Acromegaly causes parts of the body to grow larger and mostly affects people in middle age. It can be effectively treated, especially if diagnosed early.

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Blood glucose test

Blood glucose tests, also sometimes called blood sugar tests, are usually used to check for or monitor diabetes.

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Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are two endocrine glands sitting on top of each kidney. They form part of the body's hormonal system. They produce several hormones that are involved in controlling your blood pressure, metabolism and your body's response to stress.

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Pancreatic cancer symptoms

Pancreatic cancer can be present without causing any symptoms at all. Symptoms might not appear until the cancer affects other organs.

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Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis appears as sudden, severe upper abdominal pain, often spreading through to the back. Learn more about this condition and its symptoms here.

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Pancreatitis diagnosis

The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is often reasonably straightforward. The doctor will talk to you, examine you and take some blood tests. Learn more about a pancreatitis diagnosis here.

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Diabetes mellitus, type 2 – a personal story

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be both emotionally and practically challenging. Listening to others who have experienced similar situations is often reassuring and can be helpful. This video interview has been sourced from healthtalkonline.org, award-winning research into patient experiences in conjunction with the Health Experience Research Group at Oxford University, UK.

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Diabetic ketoacidosis

Information about diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition caused when you have a high blood sugar level, and not enough insulin in your body to break it down to use for energy .

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