Endocrinology and Metabolic syndrome

Environmental Endocrinology

Environmental endocrinology is the study of how the environmental circumstances experienced by an organism affect the endocrine system, as well as how the endocrine system regulates the interactions of organisms (e.g., behavior) with their environments. The endocrine system comprise all of the tissues and glands in the body that synthesize and release chemical-signaling molecules referred to as hormones. Hormones are made by exact glands, including the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, parathyroid glands, ovaries, testes, and pineal gland. Environmental Endocrinology explores how external environmental factors influence the endocrine system and hormonal balance in humans and animals. This field examines the impact of pollutants, pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) found in air, water, food, and consumer products. These substances can mimic, block, or interfere with hormone functions, potentially leading to disruptions in metabolism, growth, reproduction, immune health, and neurodevelopment. A major concern within environmental endocrinology is the long-term effect of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, dioxins, PFAS, and pesticides. Even low-level, chronic exposure can disrupt hormone signaling pathways, affecting fertility, thyroid function, insulin regulation, and developmental processes. Children, pregnant women, and vulnerable populations are especially sensitive to these exposures. Recent studies also suggest possible links between EDC exposure and increased risks of obesity, diabetes, hormone-related cancers, and reproductive disorders.