The endocrine system consists of eight hormone-producing glands. Hormones are chemical transmitters that travel via the bloodstream to the body’s organs and tissues. These hormones are essential for development and growth, sexual function, mood regulation, and metabolism. Therefore, an issue with one or more of your endocrine glands can disrupt your hormonal balance, resulting in an endocrine disorder. Schedule a consultation with endocrinology specialist Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, if you notice signs of endocrinology disorders, such as fatigue or mood swings. Meanwhile, check out this post to learn about some common endocrine disorders.
1) Diabetes
The most prevalent type of endocrine illness is diabetes. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune condition whereby the pancreas ceases to produce insulin. Consequently, your body fails to maintain adequate blood sugar levels. Once the body builds insulin resistance, type II diabetes arises, which means your body cannot adequately utilize insulin. Typical symptoms of diabetes include frequently urinating, constant urge to drink water, and feeling weak.
2) Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Disorder is a hormonal illness affecting women between 18 and 44 years old. This condition inhibits the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries. Additionally, the ovaries could produce many follicles.
PCOS is the major cause of female infertility. While the specific cause of this condition is still unclear, there are several risk factors associated with PCOS, including:
- Genetic factors
- Excessive insulin secretion
- The ovaries’ excessive synthesis of the androgen hormone
3) Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is an endocrine illness caused by insufficient cortisol production by the adrenal glands, resulting in a condition known as adrenal insufficiency. This condition may result from difficulties transmitting information from your brain to the adrenal glands, which instructs the adrenal glands to create cortisol.
In rare circumstances, adrenal insufficiency is accompanied by decreased aldosterone production. Symptoms to watch out for include constantly worsening fatigue, abdominal discomfort, dark skin patches, and more.
4) Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
These endocrine illnesses are the outcome of a malfunctioning thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs whenever this gland generates excessive levels of thyroid hormone. This condition could result in perspiration, weight loss, a rapid heart rate, and anxiety. Hypothyroidism has the opposite effect. The thyroid gland generates inadequate quantities of thyroid hormone, resulting in weariness, dry skin, constipation, and sometimes depression.
5) Gigantism
Gigantism, commonly referred to as acromegaly, is a condition involving growth hormone disorder. This condition develops once the pituitary glands overproduce somatotropin, the growth hormone. This endocrine disease causes your kid’s body parts and bones to develop unnaturally quickly and often affects their girth.
As with many other illnesses, early identification and treatment of endocrine abnormalities could aid illness and symptom management. Therefore, if you suspect you could be experiencing hormonal imbalance or other hormone-related disorders, consult Dr. Sean P. Nikravan. The symptoms of endocrine disorders vary from one individual to another, depending on the gland affected. As a result, Dr. Nikravan takes an individualized care approach to every patient to guarantee an accurate diagnosis and successful treatment. Call the Newport Beach, CA, office or book an appointment online today.
