Endocrinology is the study of hormones, endocrine glands and related diseases. Understanding basic hormonal physiology is essential for surgeons to manage patients with endocrine disorders. In this article we present the fundamental physiological mechanisms related to pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal hormonal production, secretion and action. Moreover the methods used in the investigation for hormonal disturbances associated with these glands, resulting in excess or deficient secretion, are introduced.
