Endocrine Conditions

Overview

Endocrine disorders refer to a collection of conditions that cause an imbalance in hormones. An endocrine disorder develops from the malfunctioning of the endocrine system. The endocrine system consists of glands that make essential hormones. However, an endocrine disorder affects the hormone-producing glands, the receptors that react to the hormones and the organs affected by the hormones.

 

Types of Endocrine Conditions

Common endocrine disorders include the following:

  • Diabetes
    Diabetes develops due to the inability of the pancreas to secrete the hormone insulin. A lack or misuse of insulin causes blood sugar levels to rise significantly.
  • Addison’s disease
    Addison’s disease, more commonly known as adrenal insufficiency, results in the inefficient secretion of cortisol and aldosterone. Unfortunately, any individual is susceptible to Addison’s disease, which leads to tiredness, weight loss and low blood pressure.
  • Graves’ disease
    Graves’ disease leads to excess thyroid hormone secretion, a condition also referred to as hyperthyroidism. The thyroid hormone in excess affects different bodily systems, causing a tremor in the hands, weight loss, anxiety and goitre.
  • Cushing’s disease
    Cushing’s disease arises when too much cortisol is produced. Cushing’s disease is classified as a pituitary gland disorder that affects the adrenal glands responsible for releasing cortisol. This hormone plays a critical role in your body's response to stress.
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
    Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune illness that targets the thyroid gland. The condition affects the cells of the thyroid gland responsible for the release of hormones. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may worsen over the years, leading to tiredness, dry skin, constipation, joint stiffness, and pain.
  • Hyperthyroidism
    Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland secretes the thyroid hormone in excess. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include sudden, unexpected weight loss, an irregular and fast heartbeat, anxiety, tremors and sweating.
  • Hypothyroidism
    Hypothyroidism occurs due to insufficient thyroid hormone in the blood. When there isn't enough thyroid hormone in the bloodstream, the metabolism begins to slow down significantly. As a result, the patient is more inclined to gain weight, become tired more often and develop high cholesterol levels.
  • Pituitary gland disorders
    Pituitary gland disorders primarily occur when the pituitary gland produces excessive amounts or too little of a certain type of hormone. While the condition may affect anyone regardless of sex and age, the presence of a benign pituitary tumour is another cause of a hormonal disorder of this kind.
 

Treatment 

Doctors usually prescribe medications to balance out the hormones to help regulate symptoms. For some with cancerous tumours within the endocrine gland, an oncologist will administer chemotherapy or radiation therapy to rid the gland of residual cancer cells.

Surgery is often suggested to remove tumours in the gland affecting the secretion of hormones. Dr Kapp will recommend the best treatment based on your diagnosis, level of discomfort and preference.

FAQ

  1. How does an endocrine disorder occur?
    An endocrine disorder manifests when a gland produces too much or very little of a specific hormone. As a result, this creates an imbalance of hormones.

  1. What are the most common endocrine problems adults suffer from?
    Prevalent endocrine conditions adults suffer from include the following:
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Graves’ disease

  1. Why do endocrine disorders occur?
    Endocrine disorders occur for a number of reasons related to genetics, infection, and direct injury to the endocrine gland.