Endocrine disorders
An endocrine disorder results from the improper function of the
endocrine system, which includes the glands that secrete hormones, the
receptors that respond to hormones and the organs that are directly
impacted by hormones. At any one of these points, dysfunction can
occur and cause wide-ranging effects on the body.
Types of endocrine disorders
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Diabetes
Addison’s disease
Cushing’s disease
Graves’ disease
Hashimoto thyroiditis
Hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism
Cancers of the endocrine glands
Causes
An endocrine disorder is most often the result of a hormone imbalance, a
condition characterized by a gland producing too much or too little of a
hormone. This imbalance can be caused by:
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Issues with the endocrine’s feedback system
A genetic disorder
Infection or disease
Injury to an endocrine gland
Nodules or tumors developing in the endocrine system.
Symptoms
While each endocrine disorder has its own set of symptoms, some of the
most common symptoms found among many of them include:
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Mood swings
Weakness/Fatigue
Unintended weight fluctuations
Changes in blood glucose levels or cholesterol levels
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Diagnose
Diagnosing an endocrine disorder is a complex process, as the
endocrine system is an interconnected structure that regulates many
different bodily functions, like growth, metabolism and reproduction. If
your physician suspects you may have an endocrine disease, you may
be referred to an endocrinologist. This specialist will likely order specific
testing to confirm a diagnosis, such as:
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Urinalysis
Blood testing
Fine needle aspiration
Ultrasound
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Treatment
Treatment for endocrine disorders varies widely depending on the type
of disorder you have, as each one uniquely disrupts the endocrine
system. Treatment may involve:
● Medication to rebalance hormones and treat symptoms
● Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for patients with cancerous
tumors of the endocrine gland
● Surgery to remove a tumor on a gland that is affecting hormone
production
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