Endocrine system disorders: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What are endocrine system disorders?

Endocrine disorders are diseases associated with the endocrine glands in the body. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce hormones, which are chemical signals that are released through the bloodstream. Hormones help the body regulate various processes, such as appetite, respiration, growth, fluid balance, feminization, and virilization (the formation of secondary sex signs such as enlarged breasts or testicles), as well as weight control.

This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of endocrine system disorders?

The symptoms of an endocrine disorder can range from mild or no symptoms to serious and affect your entire body. Depending on the specific part of the endocrine system that is affected, some of the symptoms can be classified into:

Diabetes

The most common endocrine disorder is diabetes mellitus, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use the available insulin optimally. Diabetes symptoms can include:

Excessive thirst or hunger
Fatigue
Urinating frequently
Nausea and vomiting
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Changes in vision.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a disorder in which the pituitary gland overproduces growth hormone. This causes overgrowth, especially on the hands and feet. The usual symptoms of acromegaly are:

The size of the lips, nose, or tongue that is too large
Hands or feet that are too large or swollen
Changes in facial bone structure
Pain in the body and joints
Deep voice
Fatigue and weakness
Headache
Overgrowth of bone and cartilage and thickening of the skin
Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido
Sleep apnea
Impaired vision.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease is characterized by decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone due to damage to the adrenal glands. Addison's usual symptoms are:

Depression
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Headache
Hyperpigmentation of the skin
Hypoglycemia
Low appetite
Low blood pressure
Missed menstrual periods
Nausea, with or without vomiting
Want to consume salt
Weight loss
Weakness.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is caused by excess cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands. The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome usually are:

Buffalo hump (fat between the shoulders like the hump)
Skin discoloration such as bruises
Fatigue
Feel very thirsty
Thinning and weakening of the bones (osteoporosis)
Urinating frequently
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Irritability and mood swings
Obesity in the upper body
Round face
Weakness.

Graves' disease

Graves' disease is a type of hyperthyroidism that results in the production of thyroid hormones. Typical symptoms of Graves' disease are:

Eyes bulge
Diarrhea
Trouble sleeping
Fatigue and weakness
Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
Heat intolerance
Irregular heartbeat
Irritability and mood swings
Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
Thick or red skin on the calf
Tremor
Weight loss.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition in which the thyroid is attacked by the immune system, causing hypothyroidism and low production of thyroid hormones, such as:

Intolerance to cold
Constipation
Dry hair and loss
Fatigue
Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
Joint and muscle pain
Missed menstrual periods
Slow heart rate
Weight gain.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

Diarrhea
Trouble sleeping
Fatigue
Goiter
Heat intolerance
Irritability and mood swings
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Tremor
Unexplained weight loss
Weakness.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is underactive and produces too little thyroid hormone. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Intolerance to cold
Constipation
Decreased sweat production
Dry hair
Fatigue
Goiter
Pain in joints and muscles
Missed menstrual periods
Slow heart rate
Swollen face
Gaining weight.

Prolactinoma

A prolactinoma occurs when a dysfunctional pituitary gland produces excess prolactin, which is useful in milk production. Excess prolactin can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:

Erectile dysfunction
Infertility
Loss of libido
Missed menstrual periods
Production of breastmilk without cause.

In addition, there are several complications of certain endocrine disorders, such as:

Restlessness or insomnia (in many thyroid conditions)
Coma (in hypothyroidism)
Depression (in many thyroid conditions)
Heart disease
Nerve damage
Damage or failure of organs
Poor quality of life.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes endocrine system disorders?

Endocrine disorders are usually grouped into 2 categories:

The glands produce too much or too little endocrine hormones, which is called a hormonal imbalance
The formation of sores (such as nodules or tumors) of the endocrine system, which may or may not affect hormone levels.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for endocrine system disorders?

There are many risk factors for endocrine disorders, namely:

Increased cholesterol levels
Family history of endocrine disorders
Inactivity
History of autoimmune disorders
Poor diet
Pregnancy (in cases such as hypothyroidism)
Recent surgery, trauma, infection or serious injury.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How are endocrine system disorders diagnosed?

Blood and urine tests to check hormone levels can help your doctor determine if you have an endocrine disorder. Imaging tests may also be done to help pinpoint the location of a nodule or tumor.

What are the treatments for endocrine system disorders?

If the symptoms of an endocrine disorder are bothersome, they can generally be relieved by correcting the hormonal imbalance. This is often done by administering synthetic hormones. In cases of prolactinoma, where a noncancerous tumor is causing symptoms, surgery or radiation therapy may be used. Often times, diagnosing and treating the cause of the endocrine disorder can treat the symptoms.