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HopeHealth: The Importance of Hormones for your Happiness & Health
from October 2022
by VIP Magazine
THE IMPORTANCE OF HORMONES FOR YOUR HAPPINESS & HEALTH
Hormones maintain a critical balance in the complex systems of the body
story by Francisco X. Barrera, MD
Our endocrine system is the unsung hero of the human body. When it works as intended, little thought is given to our endocrine glands and the hormones they produce. They operate much like stagehands, supporting our heart, brain, and other major organs as they take center stage. But without sufficient hormones to communicate with our organ systems, the show can’t go on. Too much or too little of any hormone from the endocrine glands can upset the delicate balance that enables organ systems to operate as one, causing disruptions to everyday functions or the onset of chronic disease. But what exactly is the endocrine system, and how does it interact with other systems of our body? The endocrine system comprises multiple glands such as the thyroid, adrenal, testicles, ovaries, pituitary, parathyroid, and pancreas. These glands secrete hormones which act as chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream, targeting organs and triggering chemical signals inside target cells to change their operation and functionality. These changes, influenced by your endocrine system, direct multiple critical body functions, ranging from body temperature, sexual development, and sleep, to mood and stress. Chronic conditions of the endocrine system like diabetes and hyperthyroidism result from failure of endocrine glands to produce the necessary amount of hormones to help the body maintain equilibrium. For example, type 2 diabetes results from the pancreas becoming less sensitive to blood sugar (blood glucose) levels, preventing adequate release of the hormone insulin to stabilize blood sugar by storing glucose. Glucose is absorbed from the foods we eat and acts as the main fuel source for our body’s cells. Too much or too little glucose (hyper/hypoglycemia) can be devastating, resulting in the complications common with diabetes, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, amputation of limbs, and death. Unfortunately, there has been a substantial increase in the prevalence of endocrine disorders as of late. Obesity, an aging population, and modern dietary habits and lifestyle are some of the multiple underlying factors that are contributing to the development of diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Endocrine disorders have a considerable impact on public health; they can cause long-term disability, diminish the quality of life for affected patients, and are the fifth leading cause of death. Endocrinologists, doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders, work with patients to address symptoms with treatments that improve hormone imbalances and restore quality of life. Over the last 20 years, the endocrinology specialty has continuously evolved, producing multiple advances in therapies, devices, and diagnostic tools that have changed the lives of millions of patients dealing with endocrine disorders. These interventions, however, can be very costly, preventing access to care for many. The best treatment for endocrine disorders is prevention. Eat balanced meals, get active, and see your primary care provider regularly for routine check-ups to ensure early detection. If you develop a metabolic disorder, seek out an endocrinologist for specialized care tailored to your needs. HopeHealth offers specialized endocrinology care for people living with a variety of metabolic conditions. HopeHealth also offers comprehensive services through the Diabetes and Nutrition Institute for education, medical nutrition therapy and counseling, and other support. If you are living with conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, hyperparathyroidism, Addison’s disease, osteoporosis, Cushing’s disease, or gender dysphoria, or are seeking help to diagnose a possible endocrine disorder, please reach out to schedule an appointment by calling (843) 667-9414 or visiting hope-health.org.
360 N IRBY STREET, FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG
Francisco X. Barrera, MD
Dr. Francisco X. Barrera is an endocrinologist providing care for patients at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence. He completed his fellowship in Diabetes and Metabolism at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System in Miami Florida. He earned his doctorate from the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua in Managua, Nicaragua. Dr. Barrera is fluent in English and Spanish, and the recipient of the Harry Kurz, MD Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching by an Internal Medicine Resident. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology and a member of the Obesity Medicine Association and the American Board of Obesity.
