About Us

Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the treatment of hormone based diseases. Metabolism is the study of chemical processes in the body involving carbohydrates, cholesterol and other biochemical substances.

2013 Endocrine Fellow Retreat, including current and past fellows. Photo: Mark Anderson and Jen Park — Endocrine Fellow Retreat, including current and past fellows. Photo: Mark Anderson and Jen Park

The endocrine glands in the body produce chemicals called hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood stream and help control other organs or processes in the body.

These include growth, metabolism, blood pressure, reproduction, mood, and many other important functions.

The major endocrine glands are the thyroid, pancreas, parathyroid/bone, adrenal, gonads, and pituitary. You may have a hormone disorder if your hormone levels are too high or too low. The UCSF Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism program uses a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating hormone-related diseases and metabolic disorders. Members of our department are world renowned and distinguished in their research and clinical care.