Endocrine disorders are diseases pertaining to endocrine glands in the body. Endocrine system is made up of several glands. The function of these glands is to produce hormones. Hormones are type of chemicals that are needed to perform various tasks. They circulate in the bloodstream to regulate different processes such as regulation of fluid balance, weight control, appetite, breathing etc. The main glands regulating different activities include pancreas, hypothalamus, adrenal gland, thyroid gland, pituitary gland etc.
Common endocrine disorders related to these glands are diabetes mellitus (pancreas), acromegaly and Addison’s disease (over production of hormones from adrenal glands, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism (related to dysfunction of thyroid gland), prolactinoma (due to dysfunction of pituitary gland) etc.
All the endocrine disorders produce different set of symptoms affecting the many parts of body. The symptoms tend to be mild or serious. Treatment will depend on specific disorder. The main treatment criterion is to balance the hormone by use of supplemental synthetic form of hormones.
Causes And Risk Factors For Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine disorders develop either due to excess or insufficient production of one or more hormones. The main fault lies in the gland itself. The feedback mechanism normally helps the gland to keep control and balance of hormones in the circulating blood.
Most endocrinal disorders occur when any or more than one of these glands are affected. These glands include pancreas, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland etc. Below are given causes of endocrinal disorders:
- Damage to pancreas or dysfunction of pancreas can lead to diabetes mellitus because pancreas is not able to secrete sufficient amount of insulin hormone.
- Damage or growth in pituitary gland can cause overproduction of growth hormone leading to a condition called acromegaly. Overproduction of prolactin hormone can lead to prolactinoma.
- Imbalance of hormones secreted by adrenal glands can cause Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease.
- Thyroid related diseases such as Graves disease develops due to lack of iodine.
- Certain endocrine disorders are caused due to genetic factor. For example diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Risk factors include:
- History of endocrine disease in family.
- Increased cholesterol in body.
- Staying inactive for long time.
- Autoimmune disease.
- Nutritional deficiency caused by poor intake of food.
- Current injury, surgery, infection.
Common Endocrine Disorders And Their Symptoms
Following are common endocrine disorders with their specific symptoms:
Hypothyrodism: A condition in which there is less secretion of thyroid hormone due to reduced activity of thyroid hormone.
- Intolerance to cold and cold air.
- Non pitting edema in legs.
- Slow pulse and heart rate.
- Reduced sweat
- Increased weight
- Dry skin and hair
- Muscle pain
- Menstrual irregularity
- Constipation
Hyperthyrodism:
- Unexplained diarrhea for long duration.
- Intolerance to heat and hot climate.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Increased perspiration
- Tremors of fingers
- Increased tiredness
- Palpitation
- Insomnia
Diabetes mellitus:
- Increased frequency and amount of urination.
- Excessive hunger
- Excessive thirst
- Too much perspiration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of weight
- Difficult healing of wound.
- Vision problems due to damage to the retina.
Addison’s disease:
Damage to adrenal gland causes imbalance in production of cortisol and aldosterone hormone. This leads to development of a condition known as Addison’s disease. Symptoms include:
- Severe headache
- Diarrhea
- Increased skin pigmentation
- Loss of appetite
- Low blood pressure
- Missed periods
- Craving for salt
- Low blood sugar level
- Fatigue