Endocrinology Clinical Trials

There are ongoing endocrinology clinical trials to study the many different hormones in the body that cause problems when they are out of balance. Too much or too little of a certain hormone can cause serious ailments such as diabetes, diabetes neuropathy, hot flashes, obesity, weight loss, and postmenopausal syndrome.

If you have been diagnosed with a disease that stems from a hormonal imbalance you may qualify to participate in an endocrinology clinical trial. Much of the endocrinology research today focuses on studying how hormones work on a molecular level.

What is Endocrinology?

Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system, a system of glands throughout the body that secrete hormones to regulate various functions. These functions include things like metabolism, growth, respiration, reproduction, and sensory perception. Common diseases that endocrinologists deal with include diabetes, diabetes neuropathy, hot flashes, obesity, weight loss, and postmenopausal syndrome.

Hormones are defined as chemicals that are produced by an organ, released into the blood and then travel to a different part of the body to perform a certain function. Different classes of hormones include amines, peptide and protein and steroids. The field of endocrinology focuses on those organs whose main function is to secrete hormones, although all organs do this to a certain extent. These organs include the pituitary glands, thyroid gland, adrenals, ovaries, testes, and the pancreas.