Hormones are powerful chemical substances, which are produced in small endocrine glands located in the various parts of the body. Hormones control many of our body functions. When a person is good health each endocrine gland produces just the right amount of hormones at the right time and keeps the body operating in a perfect balance. Any defect in the production or action or hormones can cause a disease. The diseases, which are caused due to defect in production or action of hormones, are called hormonal diseases.
Now let us consider some examples to understand how the imbalance in the production of hormones causes disease.
Growth Gormone
Growth Gormone (somatotropin) is produced by pituitary gland. In case the growth hormone is produced in insufficient quantity due to sluggish activity of pituitary gland, a child may become dwarf and stop growing at an earlier age. This disease is known as dwarfism. In certain cases, the growth hormone may be produced in excess. IN such an individual growth may take place rapidly and the individual may become a giant. This disease is known as gigantism. When the growth hormone is produced in just the right amount it helps to produce a body that is of normal size and shape and is also well balanced.
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Thyroid gland produces hormone thyroxine. Insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone results in cretinism. Because of this, there is delay in growth and development along with some mental retardation and fatigue.
Another hormonal disease is diabetes:
This disease is caused due to deficiency of hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by pancreas. Insulin helps the body in utilising the digestive sugar. Some persons are unable to produce sufficient insulin to meet their needs. Due to insufficient amount of insulin, their blood sugar or glucose rises to high level. The excess glucose then spills over into the urine. This disease is known as diabetes. If this disease continues for a long time, the patient becomes very weak and may even die.