Diseases of the endocrine system are characterized by a change of the function of the endocrine organs and/or a change of the structure of the endocrine organs.
Impaired function of the endocrine organs can be manifested by the formation of an excessive amounts of hormones, the so-called HYPER-conditions, for example, hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid hormone levels), Cushing’s disease (excess cortisol). Or it may be insufficient hormone production, the so-called HYPO-conditions, for example, hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormone levels), adrenal insufficiency (lack of cortisol and aldosterone).
Disorders of the structure of endocrine organs can be manifested by a decrease in the size of the organ (for example, thyroid hypoplasia), inflammation (for example, thyroiditis), benign neoplasms (for example, adrenal or pituitary adenomas), malignant tumors. Structural disorders do not always lead to impaired function of the endocrine gland. For example, nonfunctioning adrenal or pituitary adenomas often do not require treatment.