Common endocrine system Hormone Disorders to Ask Your GP About
What is the endocrine system?
Hormones are chemical signals which are secreted through the blood stream and are necessary for our body to function properly. They help to regulate processes in the body, such as our appetite, weight control, growth, fluid balance, feminisation and virilisation.
The endocrine system is the network of glands in our body that are responsible for this hormone production. These endocrine glands consist of the pituitary gland, pineal gland and hypothalamus in the brain; adrenal glands above the kidneys; thyroid and parathyroid glands in the neck; pancreas; ovaries in women, and testes in men. Other organs in the body such as the stomach, liver and intestines also secrete hormones related to digestion and are considered part of the endocrine system.
What is an endocrine disorder?
When any of our endocrine glands do not function properly, it can show up as a variety of symptoms signalling an endocrine disorder. Symptoms will depend on the type of hormones involved and degree of the hormonal imbalance. As our hormones can affect multiple organs across large parts of our body, symptoms can range from minimal to severe. But if left untreated, endocrine disorders can result in serious consequences, including death.
Common endocrine conditions
Common endocrine disorders include diabetes mellitus, Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism (overproduction of the thyroid hormone), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or hypothyroidism (underproduction of the thyroid hormone), Cushing’s syndrome (high cortisol or stress hormones over an extended period of time), acromegaly (overproduction of growth hormone), Addison’s disease (underproduction of hormones by the adrenal glands), and prolactinoma (overproduction of prolactin by the pituitary glands).
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Characterise by high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Diabetes is caused. When the body is unable to produce enough of the hormone insulin in the pancreas (type 1 diabetes), or when the body has reduced organ sensitivity to insulin (type 2 diabetes).
Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, and the majority of patients do not have noticeable symptoms. It is usually diagnose by routine blood tests or during a health screening. In severe cases, tell-tale symptoms of diabetes include excessive urination volume (polyuria), waking up during the night to urinate (nocturia), excessive thirst (polydipsia), blurred vision, and weight loss.
While there is no cure for diabetes, the condition. Can managed to reduce the impact of symptoms and complications. Patients who are able to control their diabetes well with medication or lifestyle changes typically experience fewer complications. In instances of poorly controlled diabetes, patients will be at risk of heart attack(s), stroke, or even death. Other complications include eye problems (diabetic retinopathy); foot issues such as nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and ulcers, as well as diabetic kidney disease.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when an overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. While thyroid hormones are important for the body’s ability to regulate its metabolism (how the body uses and stores energy), overproduction of the hormone can cause problems.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, weakness or fatigue, tremors, heat intolerance, palpitations, weight loss or diarrhoea. For women, hyperthyroidism can lead to irregular or absent menstrual periods.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, where the body’s immune system produces an antibody that stimulates the excessive production of hormones in the thyroid gland. Other causes include thyroid nodules (lumps), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), or taking too much thyroid hormone medication (usually for hypothyroidism).
Treatment of hyperthyroidism involves แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Your GP will determine the most suitable course of treatment based on the underlying cause and severity of hyperthyroidism, and will take into consideration patient preferences.
3. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is cause by insufficient production thyroid hormone thyroid gland. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease. Where the body’s immune system produces an antibody that attacks the thyroid gland. This leads to an underactive thyroid gland with reduced or no production of thyroid hormones. Other causes include medical treatments for hyperthyroidism, such as surgical removal of the thyroid or radioactive iodine treatment.