Each endocrine disease is based on hyper-, hypo- or dysfunction of a particular gland (or group of glands) of internal secretion due to changes in its structure. Each endocrine disease affects all glands of internal secretion, as they are closely related, primarily through the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Thus, any endocrine disease may be considered pluriglandular.
The causes of endocrine abnormality can be inherited or acquired fermentopathies, protein and trace element deficiency, ionizing radiation, traumatic, toxic or immune effects. Hormonal insufficiency may be absolute or relative. The latter means a discrepancy between the level of synthesis and secretion of hormones, and the heightened demand for them.