1. DISORDERS OF ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Bhuvana Parasuraman
Assistant Professor
PG Department of Food and Nutrition
BHC
2. ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Endocrine glands are also known as ductless
glands that constitute the endocrine system.
The endocrine system forms network in the
body and produce hormones directly into the
blood stream.
Endocrine glands perform various functions in
the body.
They influence the metabolism, reproduction,
growth and so on.
If endocrine gland does not work properly, it
may cause various problems in your body.
3. CUSHING’S DISEASE
Overproduction of a pituitary gland hormone
leads to an overactive adrenal gland.
A similar condition called Cushing's
syndrome may occur in people, particularly
children, who take high doses of
corticosteroid medications.
This disease occurs if endocrine gland
produces high level of hormone, cortisol.
CAUSES:
4. SYMPTOMS
It shows the following symptoms:
Increasing body weight
Fatty deposits occur in the face, shoulders
Weakening of muscles and bones
Irregular of periods in females
Purple stretch marks on the arms, thighs,
and abdomen
Skin becomes thin that bruises easily
5. High blood pressure
Red cheeks
Growth of excess hair on the face, neck, chest,
thighs and abdomen
Healing occurs slowly if cuts, scrapes, insect
bites and infection
Decreasing sex drive and fertility in males.
Disorders of mood and behavior
Severe fatigue
Headache
6. NUTRITION GUIDELINES:
Nutrition
Eat a healthy, nutritious diet.
Include sources of calcium and vitamin D in
your diet.
Limit the intake of sodium (salty foods) and
fat.
7. HYPERTHYROIDISM
CAUSES:
Hyperthyroidism occurs if thyroid gland secretes more
hormones than necessary
The thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone,
leading to weight loss, fast heart rate, sweating, and
nervousness.
The most common cause for an overactive thyroid is
an autoimmune disorder called Grave's disease.
The thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid
hormone, leading to fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and
depression.
Some types of hypothyroidism are present at birth.
The underactive gland can cause slowed development in
children.
8. SYMPTOMS
Some general symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
Loss of weight;
Rapid heartbeat;
Nervousness, anxiety and irritability;
It makes sleeping problem;
Increasing appetite;
Changing menstrual cycles;
Fatigue;
Weakness of muscles;
Increasing sensitivity to heat;
Thinning of skin;
Sweating;
Diarrhea, etc.
9. NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES:
FOODS TO INCLUDE:
Foods with antioxidants: e.g. berries such as strawberries, blueberries
Cruciferous vegetables: e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage
Vitamin D rich foods: e.g. fish, egg, mushroom
Omega-3 fatty acid containing foods: e.g. walnut, olive oil, flaxseed
Calcium-rich foods: e.g. milk, cheese
FOODS TO AVOID:
Suspected food allergens such as dairy products, wheat gluten, soy,
corn and artificial food additives
High-glycemic carbs such as white flour, sugary sweets, juices, low-
fiber cereals, rice cakes and instant potatoes
Unhealthy fats such as red, fried and processed meats, crackers,
cookies, cakes, pastries and french fries
Alcohol and caffeine
10. HYPOTHYROIDISM
CAUSES:
Hypothyroidism results from decreased
production of hormones from the thyroid gland.
This could be the result of Increasing age,
Gender, women are at increased risk
Autoimmune diseases, where the immune
system attacks the body’s own cells
Treatment for hyperthyroidism
Family history.
11. SYMPTOMS
Constipation;
Increasing the body weight;
Fatigue;
Dry and rough pale skin;
Weakness;
Loss of memory;
Dry and coarse hair;
Loss of hair;
Slow heart rate;
Irregular menstrual cycle;
Depression;
Much sensitivity to cold;
Swelling of thyroid gland;
12. NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES
FOODS TO INCLUDE:
People with hypothyroidism have plenty of healthy food
options, including eggs, meat, fish, most fruits and
vegetables, all dairy products, and non-caffeinated
beverages
FOODS TO AVOID:
millet: all varieties
highly processed foods: hot dogs, cakes, cookies, etc.
supplements: Adequate intakes of selenium and iodine
are essential for thyroid health, but getting too much of
either may cause harm. Only supplement with selenium
and iodine if your healthcare provider has instructed you to
do so.
13. ADDISON’S DISEASE
CAUSES:
It is also known as adrenal insufficiency.
It occurs if adrenal gland produce insufficient cortisol
and aldosterone.
All age groups and both sexes suffer from addison`s
diseases ant it can be life-threatening.
RISK FACTORS:
Tuberculosis affecting the adrenal gland
Medications such as long term corticosteroid
administration
14. SYMPTOMS
Low blood sugar level;
Diarrhea or vomiting;
Decreasing heart rate;
Hair loss;
Lesion in the mouth;
Irritability;
Irregular menstrual
cycle;
Sleep disturbances,
etc;
Weakness of muscle;
Severe fatigue;
Loss of weight;
Decreasing appetite;
Low blood pressure;
Abdominal pain;
Skin darkness
Depression;
Energy loss
15. NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES
FOODS TO EAT:
Food rich in calcium milk
and yogurt
Food rich in vitamin D
like fish, beef liver and
cheese
Food rich in
corticosteroids like
spinach and eggs
Increase the intake of
sodium after consulting
the doctor
FOODS TO AVOID:
Food rich in refined sugar
and carbohydrates like
candies, cookies, soda
and white bread
Processed and fermented
food like tofu and soy
sauce
Avoid alcohol and
caffeine intake
Food with the risk of
being contaminated by
parasites like chicken and
pork
16. ACROMEGALY DISEASE
CAUSES:
It happens if pituitary gland produces too much
growth hormone (GH).
Generally, a middle-aged person suffers from
acromegaly disease.
As a result, bones of hand feet and face increase in
size.
Acromegaly is also known as gigantism.
It is also a growth hormone-related disorder.
In contrast to dwarfism, gigantism is the outcome of
the excess secretion of growth hormone by the
pituitary.
17. SYMPTOMS
Enlargement of feet
and hands;
Enlargement of facial
features;
Weakness of muscles;
Tiredness;
Irregular menstrual
cycle;
Sexual dysfunction;
etc.;
Enlargement of vocal
cords and sinuses;
Thickened oily skin;
Headache;
Enlargement of tongue;
Too much sweating;
Weakening of vision;
18. GUIDELINES & DIAGNOSIS:
FOOD TO EAT:
Food rich in
magnesium e.g. leafy
vegetables
Food rich in protein
like pulses (beans,
lentils and peas), eggs,
fish, and white meat
poultry
Anti-inflammatory
spice mixed with garlic
DIAGNOSIS:
Drugs that reduce
growth hormone
production
(somatostatin
analogues).
Drugs to lower hormone
levels (dopamine
agonists).
Drug to block the action
of GH (growth hormone
antagonist)
19. DIABETES MELLITUS
CAUSES:
Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar and released
into your bloodstream.
When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release
insulin.
Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells
for use as energy.
If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin
or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should.
When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin,
too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream.
Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart
disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
It happens due to high blood sugar level. It occurs if pancreas does
not produce necessary amount of insulin.
It happens due to high blood sugar level. It occurs if pancreas does
not produce necessary amount of insulin
20. SYMPTOMS:
Weight loss;
Tiredness;
Increasing thirst or hunger;
Frequent urge to urinate;
Irritability, etc.
Are very hungry
Have blurry vision
Have numb or tingling hands or feet
Feel very tired
Have very dry skin
Have sores that heal slowly
Have more infections than usual
21. NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES:
FOODS TO EAT:
Healthy carbohydrate foods
Vegetables
Fruits
Legumes, such as beans
Whole grains
Omega- 3 fatty acid rich
foods
Tuna
Sardines
Salmon
Mackerel
Halibut
Cod
FOODS TO AVOID:
Foods heavy in saturated fats
Foods heavy in trans fats
Beef
Processed meats
Sugary drinks
High-fat dairy products
Salty foods
Fried foods
22. MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA I AND II
CAUSES:
These rare, genetic conditions are passed down through families.
These conditions are genetic.
That means you have to have a parent with one of the conditions
in order to get it yourself.
In your body, there are different proteins.
One is called menin. It works to suppress the growth of tumors.
When you have MEN I, a gene in your body keeps the menin
from working properly.
That can cause tumors to start growing because the protein can't
suppress them as well.
MEN II happens when you have a defect on a gene called RET.
This defect makes tumors grow on your adrenal, parathyroid and
thyroid glands.
23. SYMPTOMS
Developing tumors on your lips, tongue or eyelids (usually
before the age of 10)
Stools that are black and look like tar
Lack of menstrual periods in women
Decreased sexual interest
Loss of body hair in men
Weakness and fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
High blood pressure
Vision problems
Abdominal pain
Kidney stones
24. TREATMENT & PREVENTION
Surgery to remove the diseased gland is often the treatment of choice. A
medicine called bromocriptine may be used instead of surgery for
pituitary tumors that release the hormone prolactin.
The parathyroid glands, which control calcium production, can be
removed. However, it is difficult for the body to regulate calcium levels
without these glands, so a total parathyroid removal is not done first in
most cases.
Medicine is available to decrease the excess stomach acid production
caused by some tumors (gastrinomas), and to reduce the risk of ulcers.
Hormone replacement therapy is given when entire glands are removed
or do not produce enough hormones.
Prevention
Screening close relatives of people affected with this disorder is
recommended.
25. HYPOPITUITARISM
The pituitary gland releases little or no
hormones.
It may be caused by a number of different
diseases.
Women with this condition may stop getting
their periods.
27. TREATMENT
The first step in treating hypopituitarism is often
medication to help your hormone levels return to
normal
Hormone replacement medications may include:
Corticosteroids. These drugs, such as
hydrocortisone (Cortef) or prednisone (Rayos),
replace the adrenal hormones that aren't being
produced because of an adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH) deficiency. You take them by mouth.
Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, others). This
medication treats the low thyroid hormone levels
(hypothyroidism) that a thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH) deficiency can cause.
28. GOITRE
When the level of thyroid hormone is too high
in blood, it shows symptoms like excess
sweating, weight loss, etc.
It also leads to the amplification (swelling) of
the thyroid gland.
This condition is known as goiter. It is either
due to iodine deficiency or hyperthyroidismor
hypothyroidism.
29. SYMPTOMS
isible swelling or enlargement at the base of neck
A tight or suffocating feeling in throat
Coughing
Hoarseness
Difficulty while swallowing
Difficulty in breathing (in severe cases)
If the cause is hyperthyroidism, the following symptoms are seen
Nervousness
Palpitations
Hyperactivity
Increased sweating
Heat hypersensitivity
30. NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES:
FOODS TO EAT:
Fresh fruits and
vegetables.
Iodine and selenium
foods such as iodized
salt, seafood, milk,
mushroom, shrimps, and
tuna.
Seaweed
Dairy products
Bananas which helps to
stimulate the thyroid
gland.
FOODS TO AVOID:
Avoid spicy and high
sugar processed foods.
Caffeine
Gluten
31. GRAVES DISEASE
Also known as exophthalmic goiter- a type of
hyperthyroidism.
It is an autoimmune disorder which is
commonly found in kids.
In this condition, thyroid gland becomes
overactive and secretes too much thyroid
hormones.
32. SYMPTOMS
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
33. NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES;
FOODS TO EAT:
Include dairy products in
the diet to get enough
calcium
Vitamin D rich foods such
as salmon, eggs and
mushrooms
Protein sources such as
chicken, turkey, beans,
and nuts
Foods rich in omega-3
fatty acids such as salmon
and other fish, olive oil
FOODS TO AVOID:
Avoid caffeine containing
foods like coffee, soda, tea
Identify if you are allergic to
any particular food and
eliminate that from your diet
34. DWARFISM
Growth hormone secreted by the pituitary
gland is responsible for dwarfism or
shortness.
When pituitary produces an insufficient
amount of growth hormone, it retards the
height of an individual.
35. SYMPTOMS:
Short stature
Slow growth
Delayed development
Delayed puberty
Enlarged head
Bowed legs
Hunched back
Dental problems
Physical deformity
Scoliosis
36. TREATMENT
Corrective surgery: Corrects abnormalities of
the spinal cord, bone, cleft palate and club
foot.
Tracheotomy: Placement of a tube that
assists in relieving upper airway obstructions.
Therapy
Hormone therapy: Treatment with
exogenous growth hormone.
37. POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME(PCOS)
Overproduction of androgens interfere with
the development of eggs and their release
from the female ovaries.
PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.
38. SYMPTOMS
Amenorrhoea (missed periods) or irregular periods
Weight gain
Fatigue
Unwanted hair growth (excessive facial hair)
Thinning hair on the head
Acne
Mood changes
Sleep problems
Infertility
Depression
39. NUTROTIONAL GUIDELINES
FOODS TO EAT;
Eat a healthy diet,
balanced and low –
sugar diet
Eat a diet high in fiber
Eat essential fatty
acids daily
FOODS TO AVOID:
Industrial transfat
Processed food
Go for gluten free
Avoid alcohol
