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DISORDERS OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Endocrine disorders are classified in two ways: disturbance in the production of

hormones, and the inability of tissues to respond to hormones. The first type called

production disorders are divided into hypofunction (insufficient activity) and

hyperfunction (excess activity). Hypofunction disorders can have a variety if causes

including malformations in the glands itself. Sometimes, one of the enzymes essential

for hormone production is missing, or the hormone produced is abnormal. More

commonly hypofunction is caused by disease injury. Hypofunction can also result when

target tissue is unable to respond to hormones. In many cases the causes of

hypofunction disorder is unknown.

Hyperfunction can be caused by glandular tumors that secrete hormone without

responding to feedback controls. In addition, some autoimmune conditions create

antibodies that have the side effect if stimulating hormone production. Infection of anendocrine gland can have the same result.

DUABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes mellitus is one of the common diseases of the endocrine systems which occur

in two forms. The first called diabetes mellitus TYPE 1 is caused by inadequate

secretion of insulin by the pancreas. Diabetes mellitus TYPE 2 is caused by the bodys

inability to respond to insulin. Both types have similar symptoms, including excessive

thirst , hunger, and urination as well as weight loss. Laboratory tests that detectglucose in the urine and elevated levels of glucose in the blood usually confirm the

diagnosis. Treatment of diabetes mellitus type 1 requires regular injections of insulin;

some patients with type 2 can be treated with diet, exercise, or oral medication.

Diabetes can cause a variety of complications, including kidneys problems, pain due to

nerve damage, blindness, and coronory heart disease. Recent studies have shown that

controlling blood sugar levels reduces the risk of developing diabetes complications

considerably.

DIABETES INSIPIDUS

Diabetes insipidus is caused by deficiency of vasopressin, one of the antidiuretic

hormones (ADH) secreted by the posterior love of the pituitary gkand. Patients often

experience increased thirst and urination. Treatment is with drugs, such as synthetic

vasopressin, that help the body maintain water and electrolyte balance.

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GIGANTISM

Gigantism results from the overproduction of growth hormone during childhood or

adolescence. The arms and legs grow especially long. And height can surpass 2.4 m (8

ft.). The disorder is caused by a pituitary tumor that, if untreated, usually kills the

patient by early childhood. If the tumor develop after growth of the long bones iscomplete, the result is a condition called acromegaly, characterized by a long face,

jutting jaw, and large feet and hands. Photo take NYC/Martin Rotker.

ACROMEGALY

Acromegaly and gigantism both are caused by a pituitary tumor that stimulates

production of excessive hormone, causing abnormal growth in particular parts of the

body. Acromegaly is rare and usually develops over many years in adult subjects.

Gigantism occurs when the excess of growth hormone begins in childhood.

ADDISONS DISEASE

Addisons disease is caused by decreased function of the adrenal cortex. Weakness,

fatigue, abdominal pains, nausea, dehydration, fever, and hyperpigmentation (tanning

without sun exposure) are among the many possible symptoms. Treatment involves

providing the body with replacement corticosteroid hormones as well as dietary salt.

CUSHINGS SYNDROME

Cushings syndrome is caused by excessive secretion of glucocorticoids, the subgroup

of corticosteroid hormones that includes hydrocortisone, by the adrenal glands.

Symptoms may develop over many years prior to diagnosis and may include obesity,

physical weakness, easily bruised skin, acne, hypertension, and psychological changes.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation, therapy, chemotherapy, or blockage of

hormone production with drugs.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid gland, which results in deficiency

of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism disorders cause myxedema and cretinism, more

properly known as congenital hypothyroidism. Myxedema develops in older adults,

usually after age 40 and causes lethargy, fatigue, and mental sluggishness. Congenital

hypothyroidism, which is present at birth, can cause more serious complications

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including mental retardation if left untreated. Screening programs exist in most

coubtries to test newborns for this disorder. By providing the body with replacement

thyroid hormones, almost all of the complications are completely avoidable.