Your endocrine system is composed of various glands that secrete hormones, which are chemicals that direct the cells and tissues of your body to behave or act in certain ways. You have several different glands in your body — the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenals, pancreas, testes and ovaries are all glands.

There are instances in which the glands may not function properly, causing them to secrete more, less or no hormones. So many different health-related issues can stem from having a poorly-functioning gland. Each time that a problem concerning the endocrine system strikes, a trip to the endocrinologist is warranted.

An endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems that have something to do with the endocrine system. If there is something wrong with any of your glands and the hormones they produce and secrete, you will surely know about it due to some unusual signs and symptoms.

Keep on reading to know about some indicators that it’s a good idea for you to consider paying an endocrinologist a visit. Below you will come across some of the telltale signs that something may be wrong with your endocrine system. Don’t forget to repost this article afterwards so that everyone you care about may also get to check it out.

You are Always Thirsty and Peeing

Do you always find yourself glugging down water and stepping foot inside the bathroom to pee? You may be suffering from diabetes. Actually, it’s not unlikely for you to also feel hungry all the time. Health authorities say that diabetes comes with three telltale signs — increased hunger, increased thirst and increased urination.

You Have Slow-Healing Wounds

If it seems like your wounds (especially in the feet and legs) are not healing as quickly as they should, you may have high levels of sugar in the blood which is associated with diabetes. Having elevated blood sugar or hyperglycemia can cause delayed wound healing due to a sluggish circulation and poor distribution of immune cells.

You Suffer From Nerve Pain in the Extremities

There is a very common complication of diabetes and it’s referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Simply put, it is damage to the nerves in the extremities. Peripheral neuropathy can cause your hands, arms, feet and legs to feel achy, heavy and numb. Having pins and needles sensation in the extremities is a common complaint.

You are Sweating Excessively

According to endocrinologist, a problem with the thyroid gland can cause profuse sweating. This is especially true in the case of hyperthyroidism in which the thyroid gland is overactive. Other signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, rapid heart rate, anxiety, heat intolerance, and sleep problems.

You are Unintentionally Gaining Weight

In some instances, the thyroid gland can become underactive, which is a condition referred to as hypothyroidism. Such can cause your metabolic rate to slow down, thus leading to weight gain or difficulty losing excess pounds. Other common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, hair loss and cold intolerance.

You Cannot Conceive a Baby

Failure to conceive a baby is oftentimes the result of problems concerning the testes and ovaries, both of which are members of the reproductive system that function as glands. The right person to approach if such is the case is a medical doctor referred to as a reproductive endocrinologist.

You are Experiencing Weird Symptoms

Because the hormones produced and secreted by the glands are responsible for the behaviors or actions of the cells and tissues, there are many different unusual signs and symptoms that you may experience if there’s an endocrine issue around. Talk to your primary health care provider if it seems like you need to see an endocrinologist.