There are two types of glands in your body: endocrine and exocrine.
The endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones; hormones are chemical messengers, able to spark changes in the cells they travel to (and sometimes the surrounding tissues as well). The endocrine system is designed to help your body manage certain events and stresses, such as menstruation or an external threat. The endocrine system includes the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries and testes. Endocrine glands are \”duct-less\”, secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream rather than sending their products out through ducts.
Exocrine glands produce and then secrete substances through a duct onto an internal or external surface in the body; for example your sweat glands, mammary glands, lacrimal glands (tears), sebaceous glands (oil) and mucus glands. Their role in the body is varied; sweat glands help keep us cool, lacrimal glands stop the eyes from drying out.
There is some crossover between the two; the liver and the pancreas cross both categories.
The major difference between these two types of glands is the duration of the functions they control; exocrine glands control short-term processes, whereas your endocrine glands control long-term functions within the body.
This distinction is useful when it comes to understanding what\’s normal and what isn\’t within the body. For example, if you understand that sweating and crying are supposed to be short-term processes, then you understand that sweating constantly or having perpetually watery eyes is a sign that something\’s wrong. Further, it helps you understand why you might be experiencing problems with stress if you\’re experiencing problems with your reproductive system, and vice-versa (both processes are controlled by the same system).
When it comes to your health, knowledge is power; it\’s important to choose a practitioner who will take the time to really explain things to you, and empower you to make informed choices.