Endocrine Diagnostics

Endocrinology describes the science of endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and pancreas. Together with the glands producing the sexual hormones and other hormone-producing cells, e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract and in fatty tissue, they control the hormonal regulation of all organ functions of the body. Hormones are vital messenger substances and contribute significantly to the state of well-being. Many common diseases, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, goitre or enlarged thyroid gland, and hormonal changes in old age are mainly due to a shift in hormonal balance. In addition, hormone disorders also play a role in a variety of diseases, such as rheumatism, growth disorders, infertility, high blood pressure, or disorders of the bone metabolism. Nearly every body function is controlled through the interaction of hormones. Endocrinology therefore forms a type of network that affects many other medical areas. In addition to the determination of hormones from serum, saliva or urine, the analysis of enzymes involved in hormone production is the focus of laboratory diagnostics. In addition, the detection of hormone metabolism with the important individual metabolites is also available.