Conditions We Treat
What are Endocrine Disorders?
Endocrine disorders impact the endocrine system. The endocrine system is comprised of glands and organs and is responsible for producing, distributing, and regulating hormones throughout the body. Hormones affect a multitude of bodily processes. When hormones are not being produced at a normal level or regulated appropriately, this can lead to endocrine disorders. Simply put, endocrine disorders develop when the endocrine system is not functioning correctly.
There are various causes for endocrine disorders, consisting of hormonal imbalances, tumors, or genetic factors. Because endocrine disorders affect hormones, they demonstrate a wide range of symptoms that impact various bodily processes. People with endocrine disorders may notice issues with growth and development, metabolism, mood, sexual functioning, and other bodily processes.
The endocrine system is made up of many parts that aid in different bodily processes. The main parts include:
- hypothalamus
- pineal body
- pituitary gland
- thyroid and parathyroid
- thymus
- adrenal gland
- pancreas
- ovaries
- testicles
Endocrine disorders develop when one or more part of the system does not function properly. Usually, this causes hormones to be too high or too low, or the body does not respond appropriately to certain hormones. This is what leads to problems in the body.
Signs and Symptoms
Endocrine disorders have a wide range of symptoms because the endocrine system produces, distributes, and regulates hormones throughout the entire body. Sometimes this wide range makes it hard to determine if symptoms are related to an endocrine disorder, or something else. It is important to consult a doctor if you notice any symptoms that may be indicative of an endocrine disorder. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints
- Increased or decreased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Sweating
- Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
- Irregular periods
- Constipation or more frequent bowel movements
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Decreased sex drive
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hump of fat between the shoulders
- Depression
- Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
- Blurred vision
- Infertility
- Thinning hair or fine, brittle hair
- Excessive facial hair growth
- Dry skin
- Acne
- Skin tags
- Puffy face
- Rounded face
- Purple or pink stretch marks
- Bruises easily
- Bone fractures
Causes
Endocrine disorders have several various causes. In Cushing’s syndrome and acromegaly, a tumor on the pituitary or adrenal gland is usually the cause. In other endocrine disorders, hormonal imbalances are the primary cause of the disorder. Additionally, auto-immune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes and Grave’s disease can cause problems with the endocrine system. If you have symptoms of an endocrine disorder, it is important to consult with your doctor so they can rule out other conditions or diseases.
Diagnosis
Endocrine disorders are difficult to diagnose due to their wide range of symptoms and how similar they are to other conditions and disorders. To diagnose an endocrine disorder, doctors typically run tests and order labs to rule out other conditions and determine a diagnosis. Common labs and tests include:
- Imaging scans
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Hormone tests
- Genetic tests
Treatment
Endocrine disorders can be complicated to treat. Often, trying to balance or regulate specific hormones can impact other hormone levels, making it difficult to resolve symptoms. Treatment usually requires meeting with a specialist or endocrinologist. Typically, endocrine disorders require maintenance and routine lab work. Depending on the condition, doctors may recommend medication to alleviate symptoms and treat the condition. Additionally, some endocrine disorders require surgery to remove tumors that are causing the problems. Lifestyle and dietary changes are also treatment recommendations that have proven to be effective. Please consult with your doctor if you have symptoms of an endocrine disorder.
Conditions We Treat
- Acromegaly
- Addison's Disease
- Adrenal Gland Disorders
- Bone Metabolism Disorders
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- Conn's Syndrome
- Cushing's Syndrome
- Diabetes
- Graves' Disease
- Growth Disorders
- Hashimoto's Disease
- Hormonal Disorders
- Hyperpituitarism
- Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypopituitarism
- Hypothyroidism
- Infertility
- Insulin Resistance
- Low Estrogen
- Male Infertility
- Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Pituitary Disorders
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Sheehan Syndrome
- Thyroid Cancer