Endocrinology Diagnostics

Fertility

Fertility hormones are mostly steroid hormones that are responsible for many important physiological processes for example: fertility, pregnancy, sex differentiation, mineral and energy metabolism. Gynaecology looks at health related
issues that covers the female reproductive system counterpart, whereas andrology covers the male counterpart.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which is classified as high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period of time. Some of the most common symptoms of high blood sugar include: increased hunger, increased thirst and frequent urination. If diabetes is not controlled or treated then this could lead to more serious conditions such as: foot ulcers, cardiovascular disease, damage to the eyes, stroke and chronic kidney disease.

Growth Factors

Growth factors are mainly proteins or steroid hormones that are naturally occurring and play important roles in a regulating many different cellular processes. For example the can be involved in stimulating: cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and healing process. On the whole the act as signalling molecules such as cytokines and hormones binding specific cell surface receptors. Many growth factors and their corresponding receptors have also been implicated in tumor formations. Over the last 10 years, GFs are increasily used for treatment of many oncologic, cardiovascular and hematologic diseases.

Nephrology

Nephrology is regarded as a medical field which investigates normal kidney functions as well as its disease state. The kidney's play an important role in filtering the blood of its waste products and in removing excess water via an elaborate complex network of blood vessels and intricate tubes or tubules. Some of the other functions of the kidney include: the regulation of acid-base and electrolyte levels, maintaining the fluid and regulating toxins and drugs.

Majority of the diseases that are associated to nephrology are generally systemic in nature and therefore are not limited to the organ itself. Examples of some typical diseases include: tubulointerstitial diseases, glomerular disorders, nephrotic syndrome, renal failure, renal vascular diseases, polycystic kidneys diseases, kidney and bladder stones, nephritis, kidney infections, autoimmune diseases, hydronephrosis and urine abnormalities.

Bone Mineral Metabolism

Bone provides many bodily functions such as: it helps locomotion, provides shape and rigidity, offers protection and support for many body structures. It is regarded as a highly dynamic tissue since it is constantly being remodelled all the time and is typically characterised by its roles of adsorption and resorption, a process which is continuously undertaken when forming bones. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts cells are predominately responsible for the process of bone metabolism, there are several other hormones which are also essential for example: osteocalcin, vitamin D and parathormone (PTH).

Many of the diseases which are the result of mineral and bone and metabolism deficiencies tend to encompass an array of skeletal and soft tissue disorders. Some of the most common disorders include: osteoporosis, osteomalacia, Paget disease of bone, hyperparathyroidism and developmental disorders of bone.

Thyroid Function

Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) are the two main hormones that are released by the thyroid gland, also in the brain the pituitary gland and hypothalamus are responsible for regulating the levels of T3 and T4. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH) are used by the brain in order to regulate the thyroid gland and it is very important for the body to have the correct levels of T3 and T4, they can not be too low or too high. Within the human body there are many cells that rely of the thyroid hormones in order to regulate cell metabolism, also many important bodily functions are regulated by thyroid hormones for example: breathing, muscle strength, heart rate, nervous system, body temperature, menstrual cycle and cholesterol levels.