Endocrinology is a branch of medicine and biology that deals with the endocrine system, which is a system of glands that secrete hormones. Hormones are chemicals that affect the actions of different organ systems in the body, such as thyroid hormone, growth hormone, and insulin. Endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in treating disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and many others. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the endocrine system, including diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, infertility, cholesterol problems, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and more.

The endocrine system involves a number of feedback mechanisms, so that often one hormone will control the action or release of another secondary hormone. Hormones are released in one part of the body, travel in the bloodstream, and have an effect on other parts of the body. Hormones are essential for our everyday survival, as they control our temperature, sleep, mood, stress, growth, and more.

Endocrinology involves caring for the person as well as the disease, as most endocrine disorders are chronic diseases that need lifelong care. Some of the most common endocrine diseases include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and the metabolic syndrome.

To become an endocrinologist in the United States, a person must obtain or complete a bachelor’s degree, approximately four years of medical school, and a two- to three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics.

In summary, endocrinology is the study of hormones and the endocrine system, and endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating health conditions related to problems with the body’s hormones, hormonal glands, and related tissues.