Disorders of endocrine system

1. Means that affect the function of the
endocrine system. Hormonal drugs.
The basic principles of their
application.

2. What are endocrine disorders?
Endocrine disorders are diseases related to the endocrine
glands of the body. The endocrine system produces
hormones, which are chemical signals sent out, or
secreted, through the bloodstream. Hormones help the
body regulate processes, such as appetite, breathing,
growth, fluid balance, feminization and virilization, and
weight control.

3. The endocrine system consists of several glands,
including the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in
the brain, adrenal glands in the kidneys, and
thyroid in the neck, as well as the pancreas, ovaries
and testes. The stomach, liver and intestines also
secrete hormones related to digestion. Most
common endocrine disorders are related to
improper functioning of the pancreas and the
pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands.

4.  Common endocrine disorders include diabetes mellitus, acromegaly
(overproduction of growth hormone), Addison’s disease (decreased
production of hormones by the adrenal glands), Cushing’s syndrome (high
cortisol levels for extended periods of time), Graves’ disease (type of
hyperthyroidism resulting in excessive thyroid hormone production),
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune disease resulting in hypothyroidism
and low production of thyroid hormone), hyperthyroidism (overactive
thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and prolactinoma
(overproduction of prolactin by the pituitary gland). These disorders often
have widespread symptoms, affect multiple parts of the body, and can range
in severity from mild to very severe. Treatments depend on the specific
disorder but often focus on adjusting hormone balance using synthetic
hormones.

5. Modern treatment is generally quite effective
for endocrine disorders, and severe
consequences of endocrine dysfunction are
rare. However, untreated endocrine disorders
can have widespread complications
throughout the body.

6. Symptoms

7. What are the symptoms of endocrine disorders?
The symptoms of endocrine disorders can range from
mild or even nonexistent to serious and affecting your
entire body and overall feeling of well-being. Specific
symptoms depend on the specific part of the
endocrine system affected.

8. Common symptoms of diabetes
 Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder and occurs when the
pancreas either does not produce sufficient insulin or the body cannot use the available
insulin. Symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:
 Excessive thirst or hunger
 Fatigue
 Frequent urination
 Nausea and vomiting
 Unexplained weight loss or gain
 Vision changes

9. Common symptoms of acromegaly
 Acromegaly is a disorder in which the pituitary gland overproduces growth hormone. This leads
to symptoms of overgrowth, especially of the hands and feet. Symptoms of acromegaly include:
 Abnormally large lips, nose or tongue
 Abnormally large or swollen hands or feet
 Altered facial bone structure
 Body and joint aches
 Deep voice
 Fatigue and weakness
 Headaches
 Overgrowth of bone and cartilage and thickening of the skin
 Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido
 Sleep apnea
 Vision impairment

10. Common symptoms of Addison’s disease
 Addison’s disease is characterized by decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone due to adrenal gland damage. Common symptoms of
Addison’s disease include:
 Depression
 Diarrhea
 Fatigue
 Headache
 Hyperpigmentation of the skin (bronze appearance)
 Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
 Loss of appetite
 Low blood pressure (hypotension)
 Missed menstrual periods
 Nausea, with or without vomiting
 Salt cravings
 Unexplained weight loss
 Weakness (loss of strength)

11. Common symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
 Cushing’s syndrome arises from excess cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands. Symptoms of Cushing’s
syndrome include:
 Buffalo hump (fat between the shoulder blades)
 Skin discoloration such as bruising
 Fatigue
 Feeling very thirsty
 Thinning and weakening of the bones (osteoporosis)
 Frequent urination
 High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
 High blood pressure (hypertension)
 Irritability and mood changes
 Obesity of the upper body
 Rounded “moon“ face
 Weakness (loss of strength)

12. Common symptoms of Graves’ disease
 Graves’ disease is a type of hyperthyroidism resulting in excessive thyroid hormone production.
Common symptoms of Graves’ disease include:
 Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
 Diarrhea
 Difficulty sleeping
 Fatigue and weakness
 Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
 Heat intolerance
 Irregular heart rate
 Irritability and mood changes
 Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
 Thick or red skin on the shins
 Tremors
 Unexplained weight loss

13. Common symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or autoimmune thyroiditis, is a condition in which the thyroid is targeted by
the immune system, leading to hypothyroidism and low production of thyroid hormone. Often,
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is symptomless, but symptoms can include:
 Cold intolerance
 Constipation
 Dry hair and loss of hair
 Fatigue
 Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
 Joint and muscle pain
 Missed menstrual periods
 Slowed heart rate
 Weight gain

14. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism
 Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. Common symptoms of
hyperthyroidism include:
 Diarrhea
 Difficulty sleeping
 Fatigue
 Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
 Heat intolerance
 Irritability and mood changes
 Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
 Tremors
 Unexplained weight loss
 Weakness (loss of strength)

15. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism
 Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is underactive and produces too little thyroid hormone. Often,
hypothyroidism can be symptomless or very mild. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
 Cold intolerance
 Constipation
 Decreased sweat production
 Dry hair
 Fatigue
 Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
 Joint and muscle pain
 Missed menstrual periods
 Slowed heart rate
 Swollen face
 Unexplained weight gain

16. Common symptoms of prolactinoma
 Prolactinoma arises when a dysfunctional pituitary gland makes excess
prolactin hormone, which functions in the production of breast milk.
Excess prolactin can lead to symptoms such as:
 Erectile dysfunction
 Infertility
 Loss of libido
 Missed menstrual periods
 Unexplained milk production

17. Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-
threatening condition
 In some cases, endocrine disorders can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care if you, or
someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition
including:
 Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
 Dangerously low blood pressure (extreme hypotension)
 Dangerously slow heart rate
 Dehydration
 Depression or anxiety
 Difficulty breathing
 Eye problems, including dryness, irritation, pressure, pain or bulging
 Severe fatigue or weakness
 Severe, unexplained headache
 Severe vomiting and diarrhea
 Sleep disturbances

18. Causes

19. What causes endocrine disorders?
Endocrine disorders arise because of
problems with the glands of the endocrine
system. Of the many potential endocrine
disorders, some of the most common relate to
problems with the pancreas or with the
pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands.

20. Causes of endocrine disorders
 A number of factors are believed to cause endocrine disorders. Types and causes of endocrine disorders
include:
 Acromegaly, an overproduction of growth hormone, and prolactinoma, an overproduction of prolactin
hormone, resulting from damage to the pituitary gland
 Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome, disorders relating to changes in levels of hormones
produced by the adrenal glands
 Diabetes mellitus, which arises when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or when the
body cannot respond to the insulin that is present
 Environmental or nutritional factors, such as a lack of iodine in hypothyroidism, which can affect
hormone production
 Genetic factors, which may play a role in endocrine disorders, especially with diabetes and other
disorders, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

21. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism
(underactive thyroid), Graves’ disease (a type of
hyperthyroidism resulting in excessive thyroid hormone
production), and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune
disease resulting in hypothyroidism), all resulting from
problems with the thyroid gland
Tumors, since the underlying cause of the endocrine
disorder can be linked to a growth or tumor of the gland

22. In many cases, the exact cause of a particular endocrine
disorder is not known. Often, hormones interact with each
other, so symptoms of a particular endocrine disorder may
be nonspecific. It is important to seek medical evaluation
if you believe you may have an endocrine disorder, as
direct assessment of hormone levels may help find and fix
the underlying cause of hormone imbalance.

23. What are the risk factors for endocrine disorders?
 A number of factors increase the risk of developing endocrine disorders. Not all people
with risk factors will develop endocrine disorders. Risk factors for endocrine disorders
include:
 Elevated cholesterol levels
 Family history of endocrine disorder
 Inactivity
 Personal history of autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes
 Poor diet
 Pregnancy (in cases such as hyperthyroidism)
 Recent surgery, trauma, infection, or serious injury

24. Reducing your risk of endocrine disorders
While many endocrine disorders are inherited or arise for
unknown reasons, some may be related to modifiable lifestyle
factors. You may be able to lower your risk of certain
endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, by:
Eating a balanced, healthy diet
Living a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity

25. Treatments

26. How are endocrine disorders treated?
 In many cases, endocrine disorders may be symptomless or mild enough to
not require treatment. Symptoms can arise from excess hormone production
or a hormone deficiency. When symptoms of endocrine disorders are
bothersome, they can generally be treated by correcting the hormone
imbalance. This is often done by means of synthetic hormone administration.
In cases such as prolactinoma, where a noncancerous tumor is responsible
for symptoms, surgery or radiation therapy may be used. Often, diagnosis
and treatment of the underlying cause of the endocrine disorder will resolve
the symptoms.

27. What are the potential complications of endocrine
disorders?
While most endocrine disorders are mild and slow to
progress, certain endocrine disorders can lead to
complications over time as unbalanced hormonal signaling
affects normal body processes. In cases of Addison’s
disease and hypothyroidism in particular, acute attacks or
crises can have serious complications. Diabetes can also
have potentially life-threatening complications.
Complications of untreated or poorly controlled endocrine
disorders can be serious, even life threatening in some
cases.

28. Complications of certain endocrine disorders include:
 Anxiety or insomnia (in many thyroid conditions)
 Coma (in hypothyroidism)
 Depression (in many thyroid conditions)
 Heart disease
 Nerve damage
 Organ damage or failure
 Poor quality of life