Pharmacology - a systems approach: endocrine system

The fifth article in this series focuses on the endocrine system which comprises of glands and hormones. Because of the enormity of the endocrine system and the disorders associated with it, this article is divided into two parts; part one will focus upon the pancreas and the common disorder of diabetes and its management. Part two (due to be published in the September 2009 issue) will concentrate on the thyroid gland, the ovaries and the common disorders associated with these organs. All the disorders commonly associated with all three of these organs are commonly managed in the community but can result in hospitalization when complications occur in patients.