Nowadays, we’re facing various types of hormonal diseases & this issue is known as common endocrine disorders. Now it is a very common health issue because of our unhealthy lifestyles. The endocrine system does not work correctly your body parts and organs tissues don’t function properly. These abnormalities cause high or low levels of certain hormones. The dysfunction of the endocrine system causes unusual chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream.
As a result, the body is not responding correctly to certain hormones and can’t provide correct signals. These are called endocrine disorders that need to be diagnosed and treated by an endocrinologist.
What are the common endocrine disorders?
Endocrine disorders are conditions that interfere with the hormone system. Having these common endocrine disorders are the reason for the endocrine system that is made up of glands that make hormones, which are chemicals that control body processes. These include growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Hormones are produced in specific locations called endocrine glands and then released into the bloodstream.
There are two method parts of the whole endocrine system…
- Primary parts
- Secondary parts
The primary parts of the endocrine system are…
- Hypothalamus
- Pineal body
- Pituitary gland
- Thyroid and parathyroid
- Thymus
- Adrenal gland
- Pancreas
- Ovaries
- Testicles
The secondary endocrine systems are…
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Intestines
- Thymus
- Gonads
- Adipose tissue
These and other parts of the endocrine system regulate the whole procedure and maintain the healthy functioning of bodies metabolism, reproduction, and growth.
If there is a problem with this process, it leads to an endocrine disorder…
- ENDOs-ENDOcretory disorders
- Endodontic disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Androgenetic disorders.
Endocrine disorders are a broad category of diseases that involve dysfunction of one or more of the body’s endocrine glands (the organs responsible for producing hormones).
An endocrinologist, as well as another specialist, may be consulted for a diagnosis and treatment plan for various endocrine disorders mentioned below…
- ENDOCRINE DISORDERS –Adrenal gland diseases -Cushing’s syndrome –Diabetes mellitus types 1 & 2 -Hyperthyroidism –Hypothyroidism
- ENDOCRINE TUMORS – Pituitary tumor
- ENDOGENIC DISORDERS -Adrenoleukodystrophy -Cranioceramic syndrome -Familial combined hyperlipidemia -Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia -Familial hypercholesterolemia
- ENDOGENIC METABOLIC DISORDERS -Congenital adrenal hyperplasia -Familial
The most common Endocrine disorders
The endocrine system is a combination of the most important glands which control some major procedures of our body like growth and development, metabolism, mood, sleeping, sexual function, reproduction, etc. When these glands are misbehaving or can’t function properly your whole body can suffer. The most common endocrine disorders that are very common in people nowadays are…
1. Diabetics
Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders of all ages in the United States. More than 10% of Americans have diabetes which is a part of endocrine disorders, mostly Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Quite simply, the pancreas is responsible for creating insulin hormones. A good amount of insulin and glucagon work equally in sending it to the bloodstream to create glucose and maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot respond properly to the pancreas or cannot release the normal levels of i hormones that the body needs to maintain healthy glucose levels. So insulin and glucagon can’t function properly & they may misbehave. When the pancreas can’t provide enough insulin the body then glucose levels increase abnormally. As a result blood sugar levels are increased which can cause serious health issues.
The study of Pubmed.gov was conducted on 74 patients that say, with CeD, 31 (41.9%) had at least one clinical or subclinical endocrinopathy and the most common clinical or subclinical endocrine disorder is type I diabetes, and (12.2%) had multiple endocrinopathies.
There are two most common types of diabetes. They are…
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is called an autoimmune disorder which is one of the common endocrine disorders where the body can’t produce enough insulin because the body attacks its own endocrine system. This time the pancreas has lost its ability to insulin-produce cells totally, and it depends on artificial synthetic insulin to manage its blood glucose.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is a situation where the body doesn’t respond to insulin & becomes resistant to insulin. Here the pancreas produces enough insulin as much as the body needs but doesn’t function properly. As a result, insulin works harder and harder or needs to take drugs to respond to the pancreas to work properly and increase insulin resistance.
Diabetes causes symptoms that include…
- Increase thirst
- Frequent urination
- Felling more hunger
- unexpected weight changes (weight gain or loss)
- persistent sores
- Tingling in the hands or feet
- Increase fatigue and tiredness
- Blurry vision or cataracts in the eyes
Treatment
Most treatments for diabetes include…
- Change of lifestyle.
- Take regular medicine, Metformin Fortamet, Glumetza, and others. I need to do a blood test frequently.
- Some people need to take regular insulin medications to help to keep normal their glucose levels.
- Do some physical activities like yoga, cardio, Walking, jogging, and simple exercises.
- Low carb and high protein diet.
- Sleep properly.
- Eat seafood, vegetables like broccoli, okra, vitamin C-rich foods, nuts, etc.
2. Thyroid
The thyroid is one of your endocrine glands which is
a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated in your neck. Basically, The hormones are produced by the Pituitary gland which creates thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland is also responsible for producing calcitonin, which regulates calcium metabolism and bone cells.
The National Library Of Medicine says, Interestingly, 8 (10.8%) patients have functional hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease. And 7/54 (12.9%) of people are suffering from hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
It has an enormous impact on metabolism, blood pressure, body temperature, fertility, menstruation, heart rate, and your regular physical activities. When this thyroid gland can’t function properly and produces too much or too little TSH hormones then thyroid problems occur. The type of problem includes hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
The two types of thyroid disorders are…
The thyroid is one of your endocrine glands which is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated in your neck. Basically, The hormones are produced by a Pituitary gland which creates thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland is also responsible for producing calcitonin, which regulates calcium metabolism and bone cells.
It has an enormous impact on metabolism, blood pressure, body temperature, fertility, menstruation, heart rate, and regular physical activities. When this thyroid gland can’t function properly and produces too much or too little TSH hormones, then thyroid problems occur. The type of problems includes hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
The two types of thyroid disorders are…
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is called overactive thyroid when the thyroid gland produces too many hormones in your bloodstream. The conditions are seen by over 1% of people in the United States. Hyperthyroidism is the reason for inflammation of the thyroid gland, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis Graves’ disease, and excessive iodine consumption. The National Institute Of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases states that an irregular heartbeat that can be a cause of creating blood clots, stroke and heart failure, and other major heart-related issues which can lead to serious health conditions.
Hyperthyroidism has some specific symptoms, including…
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Sleeping difficulties
- Felling irritability or nervous
- Feeling tired throughout the day
- Heat intolerance
- Frequent bowel movements
- Sudden weight loss
- Suddenly increasing appetite
- An enlarged goiter, on the neck
- Hair-fall
- Menstrual irregularities
The percentage of hyperthyroidism problems is not very apprehensive. The treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on its symptoms, which vary from person to person, and their overall health. This medication includes Hormonal pills, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is also a very common endocrine disorder that are called underactive thyroid where the thyroid gland doesn’t create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. Because of the shortness of TSH levels in your blood, your body’s metabolism slows down. Hypothyroidism occurs if you have Hashimoto’s disease, iodine deficiency, thyroiditis, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, inflammation, radiation treatment of the thyroid gland, etc. The National Institute Of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases says, about 5 out of 100 Americans ages 12 years and older have hypothyroidism.
Symptoms may include…
- Feeling fatigued and tired
- Sensitivity or intolerance to cold
- Slow speech
- Droopy eyelids and facial swelling
- Dry skin
- Slow heartbeat
- Joint and muscle cramps
- Memory loss
- Constipation and gas problems
- Unusual weight gain, obesity
- infertility
- Menstrual irregularities
- Hair loss
- joint pain
- Digestion problems
A doctor may suggest treating the condition with a blood test to see the levels of TSH and T4. The doctor gives additional doses which are very common hormonal pills to treat hypothyroidism levothyroxine to increase the levels of thyroid hormones and manage the symptoms.
3. PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that is now a worldwide problem for a woman of reproductive age. Polycystic ovaries mean an ovary with lots of fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs. The size of these follicles is up to 8 mm (approximately 0.3in) in size.
When ovulation occurs a mature egg is released from the ovary. In PCOS these sacs are often unable to release an egg, & can’t produce enough hormones to ovulate which prevents ovulation. The National Health Service recommends that there are 3 main features of PCOS, and they are irregular periods, excess androgen, polycystic ovaries.
Excess levels of male hormone (androgen) are present in PCOS ovaries that prevent ovulation and releasing eggs.
The symptoms that cause PCOS include…
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Excessive hair
- Hair loss, thinning hair
- Unusual weight gain
- Acne
- Darkening skin
- Infertility
- Sexual dysfunction
If these symptoms have been seen in a woman the doctor might suggest hormonal birth control pills, anti-androgen medications, or metformin.
4. Cushing’s syndrome
If your adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone cortisol in your body, which is also one of the most common endocrine disorders causes the Cushing syndromes to occur. Cortisol plays a variety of roles in your body by regulating your blood pressure, keeping your heart and blood vessels functioning regulating metabolic processes, and reducing inflammation. Cortisol helps to reduce stress. Cortisol is responsible for converting proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in your diet into energy. The National Institute Of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases says, Cushing’s syndrome is a type of syndrome that can affects mostly adults, usually aged 30 to 50, but it also can be affected to children.
Increasing too much cortisol can cause some signs of Cushing syndrome…
- Fatty lump between your legs and shoulders
- Rounded fatty face
- Stretch marks on your skin.
- Weight gain
- Thin arms and legs
- Excessive hair growth
- Joint and muscle weakness
- Blurry vision
- Infertility and sex drive
- Feeling tiredness
Cushing syndrome can cause long high blood pressure, bone loss, and type 2 diabetes.
For example, cortisol helps It also regulates the way your body converts proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in your diet into energy.
Cushing’s syndrome occurs when there is an excess of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress, and maintain blood pressure.
The doctor will recommend some hormone replacement medications like pills, injections, creams, and inhalers or may recommend surgical removal of your adrenal glands if the medicines are not working appropriately.
5. Acromegaly
The National Health Service states that Acromegaly is a rare condition of producing too much growth hormone in the body, as a result the body tissues and bones are growing rapidly. Acromegaly is a medical condition that causes your body to produce more hormones than normal. This causes your body to produce too much growth hormone (GH). GH is a type of protein that is made by your pituitary gland. It helps to regulate how fast you grow and how strong you are.
Acromegaly can also cause too much growth hormone to be made in other parts of your body like the liver, bones, organs, and other tissues. Growth hormone is usually made in your pituitary gland, but sometimes it can be made in other areas of the body if there is an increase in the amount of GH being produced.
In addition, acromegaly can cause other changes to occur in your body. These changes may include…
- Thickened skin (pseudocicatric hypertrophy) over the face and hands (molluscoidism)
- Increased size of the eyelids (ptosis)
- An enlarged tongue (glossodiodia)
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- Enlarged eyeballs (proptosis).
- Causes for these changes may include acromegaly, autoimmunity, or cancer.
- Excessive swollen hands and feet
- Unusual growth of facial features
- Very Thick and dry skin
- A result of a deeper voice
The treatments that could be relieved from this worse situation include surgery, medications, and radiation therapy.
6.. Low testosterone
Low testosterone is a condition that results from a lack of sex hormones – testosterone and estrogen. Testosterone is produced in the testes, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, and it plays an important role in many functions, including metabolism, bone growth, muscle mass, and sex drive. Estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries and plays an important role in bone health and libido. It is estimated that around 1% of men are affected by low testosterone levels at some point in their lives. Research of The American Urology Association (AUA) states that low blood testosterone is referred if it is less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adults.
Low testosterone can be caused by a number of factors, including age, genetics, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. It usually occurs as men start to enter their 30s or 40s, but can also occur at any age due to chronic illness or trauma. Research of Harvard Health Publishing states that testosterone levels are tested in some people in early adulthood that says the levels are drop in—about 1% to 2% a year beginning in the 40s.
It can also occur due to issues with the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism) or hypothalamus (hypogonadism).
Both conditions result in low hormone levels which will result in low testosterone levels.
Symptoms may include loss of libido and erectile dysfunction (ED). If left untreated, it can lead to other conditions such as osteoporosis, depression, and heart disease.
7. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is an endocrine disease process characterized by low bone mass and an increased risk of fracture. It occurs when your bones become porous and lose integrity, making them susceptible to breaking down or even developing fractures. Women are at risk of this disease because of the increasing levels of estrogen. The National Health Service says that the most common types of injuries in people with osteoporosis are broken wrist, broken hip, broken spinal bones. (vertebrae). Osteoporosis can cause due to high levels of thyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone, and cortisol. But the other assortment of factors includes genetics, age, lifestyle, and medical conditions.
There are two main types of osteoporosis…
- Primary (lack of bone mass)
- Secondary (osteopenia or hypogonadism).
Primary osteoporosis is further broken down into end-stage and non-end-stage. End-stage is the most severe form of osteoporosis where bone loss leads to bone fracturing with little chance for recovery. Non-end-stage is usually more common where there is some degree of bone loss, but it’s not enough to cause a fracture.
Endocrine disorders have a range of different causes, depending on which types of problems, issues, & conditions are facing you. Because everyone has their individual hormonal imbalances & conditions doctors can provide treatment to help & restore the normal balance. A doctor who specializes in hormones can prescribe you the treatment to run the proper functioning of the hormones in a person’s body.
Read More: Endocrine Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Best Treatments
