Hormonal system

The endocrine (hormonal) system influences your metabolism, growth and other functions. Learn more about what it is and related conditions.

Read more

Endocrine glands and their hormones

Find out more about the endocrine glands and hormones in your body, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland and adrenal glands.

Read more

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that is used to induce labor, strengthen contractions, or to control bleeding after childbirth.

Read more

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.

Read more

Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder with a wide range of symptoms. Learn what causes Cushing’s disease and why it is difficult to diagnose.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Graves' disease

In this autoimmune condition, the thyroid gland in the neck produces too much thyroid hormone that can cause tremor, anxiety, a racing heart, goitre and bulging eyes.

Read more

Adrenal fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a term used to explain tiredness and sleep problems. Find out about the symptoms of adrenal fatigue and how to treat it.

Read more

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (or thyrotoxicosis) occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone.

Read more

Thyroid problems

If your thyroid becomes overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), you may experience a range of health problems — learn more here.

Read more

Pineal gland

Find out about the pineal gland. This is a very small gland in your brain that makes the hormone melatonin, which controls your internal body clock.

Read more

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 .

Read more

Thyroid medicines

Thyroid medicines treat thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Read about how they work and their potential side effects.

Read more

Primary aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism is a condition where you make too much of the hormone aldosterone — find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.

Read more

Goitre

Goitre is a swelling at the base of your neck. It's caused by an enlarged thyroid gland. Find out more about causes, symptoms and treatments here.

Read more

Addison's disease

In Addison's disease the adrenal glands don't make enough cortisol and aldosterone. Read about symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Read more

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is treatable in most cases. Learn about its development, symptoms, when to consult a doctor, and available treatments.

Read more

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. See symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options here.

Read more

Follicle stimulating hormone

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. Find out what it does and when your FSH blood level may be tested.

Read more

Endocrine disorders and diseases

Endocrine diseases and disorders range in severity, and can be very common, like diabetes, or very rare, like gigantism. Learn more about a range of these conditions here.

Read more

Diabetes screening tests

You can have diabetes without any symptoms at all. If you are at a high risk of diabetes, ask your doctor for a diabetes screening test.

Read more

The role of an endocrinologist

Endocrinologists are specialists who treat hormone-related conditions. Learn how to find one and important questions to ask before your appointment.

Read more

Find out your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with this quick test

Healthdirect, with the George Institute, has developed a free online risk calculator to help prevent heart disease, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

Read more

Why a diabetes test might be overdue for you

Diabetes is being diagnosed too late in many Australians, and by delaying a visit to the doctor they put themselves at risk of life-threatening health problems.

Read more

Stay safe while flying with diabetes

If you live with diabetes and travel by plane, forward preparation is crucial. Use these tips on meals, insulin and emergency planning so you arrive safely.

Read more

Thyroid function tests

A thyroid function blood test is used to check your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) blood levels.

Read more

Gigantism

Gigantism is a rare condition that causes children to grow abnormally fast and tall. It can be treated successfully, but there may still be symptoms.

Read more

Pre-diabetes

Having pre-diabetes does not mean you will necessarily develop type 2 diabetes, but you will have a higher risk than if you had normal glucose levels.

Read more

Diabetic retinopathy

Discover how diabetes can slowly damage your retina (the back of your eye). This can lead to diabetic retinopathy and vision problems.

Read more