Endocrine system diseases symptoms. Hormonal imbalance in women: causes, signs, symptoms and treatment. Thyroid diseases

Endocrine system implies a set that is responsible for the formation of hormones in the human body. In turn, hormones affect the state of cells and internal organs, thereby regulating them normal functioning. The endocrine system can be divided into 2 types, these are the glandular and diffuse systems. It is these 2 types of endocrine system that form the gland internal secretion. In turn, after entering the blood, hormones penetrate into all organs.

There are also 2 types of endocrine glands - endocrine and mixed glands.

Endocrine glands include:

The pineal gland is part of the endocrine system. The pineal gland is located in the brain. Malfunction of the pineal gland leads to diabetes, depression and tumor formation;
nuclei of the brain - participate in the general control of the entire endocrine system. Malfunctions in the functioning of the brain nuclei can lead to disruptions in the integral functioning of the entire organism;
The pituitary gland is a brain appendage, its main function is to secrete a hormone that is responsible for human growth, as well as ensuring proper functioning nervous system. Disturbances in the functioning of the pituitary gland lead to obesity, exhaustion of the body, a slowdown in the growth process, and cessation of the development of the gonads;
thyroid gland. This gland is located in the neck. Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are responsible for creating the body's immunity and affecting the nervous system. A small amount of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland leads to dysfunction digestive tract, dystrophy, excessive sweating, nervous and mental disorders;
adrenal gland - responsible for norepinephrine. An increased concentration of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands leads to the formation of malignant tumors and early puberty. Insufficient functioning of the adrenal gland leads to darkening and severe pigmentation of the skin, negatively affects the body's immune system and increases the amount of sugar in the blood.

Mixed glands include:

ovaries (cells of the female genital organs) and testes (cells of the male genital organs) - secrete hormones called estrogen, progesterone, testosterone;
pancreas - considered an organ digestive system and secretes a hormone that ensures the production of sugar and insulin;
paraganglia are remnants of the adrenaline system. Malfunctions of the paraganglia lead to the formation of tumors;
parathyroid gland. Hormone steam thyroid gland is directly related to the concentration of calcium in the body, which ensures normal work motor function;
thymus gland. , responsible for the formation of new cells in the immune system. The lack of hormones produced by the thymus gland leads to a strong decrease in immunity and, accordingly, does not perform protective function the body from viruses and bacteria.

Functions of the endocrine system

The endocrine system plays a huge role in the human body. Its functions include:

ensuring the full functioning of all organs;
participation in all changes in the body;
regulation of body development;
security reproductive function body;
metabolic control;
is responsible for the emotional and psychological state of a person.

Therefore, any disease of the endocrine system leads to disruption of the integral functioning of the body. The main function of the glands located in the endocrine system is the release of hormones into the blood.

Disruption of work processes in the endocrine system

It is not uncommon for doctors to find it difficult to diagnose an endocrine system disorder, since the signs of this disease are easily confused with the symptoms of another disease. In fact, violations immediately affect the functioning of the entire body. Diseases of the endocrine system can be identified by numerous symptoms.

Endocrine system disorders are divided into 2 types - an excess of a function performed or an insufficiency of a function performed. That is, disturbances occur in the human body, such as when increased quantity hormones, and when low.

Symptoms of endocrine system dysfunction

Disruptions to the endocrine system immediately cause certain disruptions in the body. Symptoms of endocrine system disruption include:

increase or decrease in body weight. This disorder can be noticed when a person adheres to a properly balanced diet, but does not lose excess weight. It is possible to carry out the opposite process. Body weight decreases with a high-calorie diet;
increased sweating– a person begins to sweat heavily even when performing minor physical activity;
disruption of the heart - often the patient experiences rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath;
an unrelated increase in body temperature - a sharp increase in body temperature for no apparent reason may indicate a hormonal imbalance in the body;
changes in the condition of the skin - increased body hair growth, excessive oily or dry skin, acne;
pressure surges - a sharp increase and decrease in pressure during the day, accompanied by a headache;
unbearable fatigue – even after a long rest a person does not feel in good shape;
disorders in women menstrual cycle– delay, scanty discharge, excessive discharge, painful sensations during menstruation - all this is the cause of hormonal imbalance in the body;
excessive growth different parts body – disproportionately large limbs or other parts of the body indicate disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system;
deterioration of vision - a sudden loss of vision occurs, in the absence of visible reasons;
a constant feeling of thirst - this symptom often accompanies all people with diseases of the endocrine system.
memory impairment - forgetfulness or the development of sclerosis indicates an imbalance in the human body;
digestive system disorders - occur even with a balanced diet.

Causes of endocrine system disorders and their classification

The exact causes of disruption of the endocrine system are not known, but presumably it can be concluded that malfunctions occur due to:

hereditary predisposition to diseases of the endocrine system;
drinking alcohol and smoking;
bad environment;
poor nutrition;
stress;
various injuries;
viruses and infections that have entered the body;
the presence of tumors in the body;
age-related changes;
big physical exercise.

Classification of diseases of the endocrine system

Endocrinological diseases are directly related to the production of hormones, the deficiency or increased concentration of which causes diseases. The main diseases of the endocrine system are:

– this disease is caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland, which is not able to produce the required amount of insulin. A malfunction occurs in the human body, and it becomes unable to fully absorb fats, carbohydrates and glucose, thereby causing hyperglycemia;
- another thyroid disease, the symptoms of this disease are more often observed in women than in men. A lack of hormone produced by the thyroid gland causes a feeling of fatigue and weakness;
Goiter is a disease that involves an enlargement of the thyroid gland, several times larger than normal. The main reason for the development of goiter is the small amount of iodine entering the human body;
– the disease manifests itself when there is excessive production of a hormone that controls the growth process of the body. In an adult, this disease manifests itself in the form of a disproportionate increase in different parts of the body;
- during illness the immune system releases antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland.
– the symptoms of this disease are convulsions that occur for no reason;
– the disease occurs when there is insufficient amount of the hormone – vasopressin, which regulates the amount of water in the human body. The symptom of this disease is a feeling extreme thirst;
– occurs in the process of increased work of the adrenal glands. Increased secretion of ardenocorticotropic hormone leads to obesity, changes in the skin, and excessive hair growth.

This is not the entire list of diseases associated with the endocrine system. The detection of even minor symptoms should be a reason to consult a doctor for advice.

Disruption of the endocrine system in children

They occur no less frequently than in adults. Diagnosing and treating children with endocrine pathologies is not easy. The main reasons for the development of diseases in a child are heredity and external factors. Detecting a disease of the endocrine system in a child in the later stages can cause serious health problems in the future. Endocrine pathology causes disturbances in the physical, psychological and sexual development of a child. Incorrect treatment or him complete absence leads to changes in the functioning of the nervous system and the occurrence of incurable diseases.

To prevent endocrine diseases in children, it is worth implementing a number of preventive measures, such as:

proper nutrition;
limit the child from all kinds of stress;
get your child used to physical exercise.

Endocrine diseases that manifest themselves in children due to genetic prerequisites require constant monitoring by an endocrinologist, monthly examination and compliance, preventive measures. In difficult cases, prevention of diseases of the endocrine system in children facilitates the development of the disease and prevents its complications.

Children are considered the main group at risk for endocrine system disorders, because even artificial feeding may later cause diabetes mellitus.

Symptoms that appear in children with pathologies

While watching your child, you can as soon as possible notice disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system, this may be indicated by the following facts:

use large quantity liquids, more than 5 liters per day;
weight loss;
vomit;
lethargy and nervousness;
dry skin;
swelling;
by three months the child is not able to hold his head up on his own;
delayed puberty or premature puberty.

When you first notice the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diseases of the endocrine system in women

According to statistics, women suffer from endocrine disorders more often than men. No treatment endocrine diseases can cause infertility, such as hormonal imbalances in female body primarily affects the ovaries. Endocrine disorders in women first lead to inflammatory processes occurring in the genital organs, and then lead to infertility. The reason for this may be not only improper production of hormones, but also constant stress that have a detrimental effect on the body.

Diseases in women are much more difficult to treat than in men. The presence of endocrine system disorders and symptoms in women may not appear immediately. Even ordinary menstrual delay, may indicate existing problems with the endocrine system. When the endocrine system in women is disrupted, the pancreas and thyroid gland are also at risk. Problems with the endocrine system may be indicated by: rapid metabolism, tachycardia, poor circulation in the extremities, increased sweating, nervous state and insomnia. Other reasons for contacting an endocrinologist may include: obesity accompanied by rapid weight gain, increased hair growth throughout the body, sharp deterioration vision.

To prevent endocrine diseases, it is enough to adhere to proper nutrition and active lifestyle, avoid nervous breakdowns. Often, during examination, endocrine disease is detected after 50 years. It's connected with age-related changes body and restructuring hormonal levels. In this case, the woman experiences discomfort from hot flashes, insomnia, pressure surges, and a nervous state.

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes strong hormonal changes which can lead to the threat of miscarriage, complications during childbirth, low lactation and depression. A completely uncompleted course of treatment is quite dangerous; it can lead to the development of asthma, infertility, diabetes mellitus and the formation of malignant tumors. Treatment of abnormalities in the endocrine system in women is mainly carried out hormonal drugs, which can be of natural origin or artificially created.

Diseases of the endocrine system in men

Hormonal disorders in men often manifest themselves either in adolescence or in old age. Reason hormonal imbalance There is an insufficient amount of testosterone in the body. An insufficient amount of the hormone in the blood may be due to congenital pathology, harmful effects on the body of alcohol, nicotine or drugs, development in the body infectious diseases. The symptoms that appear in men during disruption of the endocrine system are similar general symptoms in women and children.

Diagnosis of disorders in the endocrine system

Only an endocrinologist can make a diagnosis. To identify pathologies of the endocrine system, the patient is prescribed tests to determine the amount of sugar in the body and the level of hormones in the blood, and a urine test. An ultrasound scan can also indicate the presence of an endocrine system disease. As an additional type of examination, computed tomography and x-rays may be prescribed. Taking a test for the concentration of the hormone in the blood can show:

gland dysfunction;
causes of menstrual irregularities;
presence or absence of diabetes mellitus;
reason various diseases associated with disruptions in the endocrine system.

So that a hormone test shows correct result, before carrying out it, you should adhere to certain rules. A blood test for hormones is taken in the morning and on an empty stomach. A couple of days before the procedure, you should avoid physical activity, alcohol consumption and any medications.

Treatment of endocrine diseases

Treatment of endocrine diseases directly depends on the classification of the disease, its stage of development and the age of the patient. There are several known methods of treating diseases associated with disruption of the endocrine system:

drug treatment – implies taking: hormones, vitamins;
magnetotherapy – effects on the human body due to a magnetic field;
reception homeopathic medicines. Thanks to magnets, processes occur in human cells that have a positive effect on them;
physiotherapy. The use of physiotherapy as a treatment method is quite effective. It helps normalize metabolism, strengthen the body and speed up recovery;
surgical intervention is carried out only in the presence of malignant tumors;
endocrine and immune therapy– therapy is aimed at generally strengthening the body’s immunity.

Often, pathology of the endocrine system is detected at later stages of development, which complicates the treatment process . The main goal of treating diseases associated with the endocrine system is to normalize hormonal levels, completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent remission. Drug treatment illnesses can only be prescribed by a doctor. It directly depends on the form of the disease and its development.

Prevention of endocrine diseases

Diseases of the endocrine system can be prevented if preventive measures are taken. Prevention of endocrine diseases includes:

maintaining proper nutrition - eating cereals, fruits and vegetables. Eating should be frequent and in small quantities. You should avoid eating fatty and fried foods. Positive influence will provide exclusion of products with increased content Sahara;
active lifestyle – exercise lungs physical exercise. Increased fatigue should be avoided;
getting rid of bad habits– giving up alcohol and smoking;
avoid harmful factors environment– long-term exposure to sunlight has a detrimental effect on the body;
visiting an endocrinologist - taking tests to determine hormonal levels;
prevention stressful situations– often a stressful state causes serious hormonal disruptions;
the use of herbal medicine - the use of decoctions and tinctures from medicinal herbs and plants. Will useful use tinctures and decoctions of: sage, cinquefoil, oregano;
maintaining adequate sleep.

Medications for the prevention of diseases of the endocrine system must contain iodine, vitamins and beneficial microelements.

Prevention of diseases of the endocrine system should be carried out regardless of hereditary predisposition, since disturbances in the formation of hormones can occur in any person. Early detection of endocrine system disorders will help to avoid long-term treatment and prevent the development of dangerous diseases.

Videos on the topic

All life processes in the human body are directly related to physiological fluctuations in hormonal levels, which ensure development and decline, growth, and, most importantly, reproduction. The endocrine system takes a large part in regulating the activity of all vital organs.

A group of diseases that cause many discomfort, of course, disorders in the endocrine system in women are recognized. These diseases are most often detected in women of childbearing and postmenopausal periods.

Root causes and triggering factors

Healthy hormonal levels are the result the most complex process interaction between the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary complex and the endocrine organs, which in women include the thyroid gland, pancreas, ovaries and others.

Provoking factors and root causes of disruptions in the endocrine system, based on their origin, are divided into:

Disorders of central origin:
Inflammatory phenomena.
Congenital glandular hypoplasia.
Neoplasms.
Infectious diseases.
Post-traumatic conditions.
Hereditary predisposition.
Indirect influence of negative external factors:

Determine the root cause endocrine disorders in women, only a specialist can do this after prescribing a series of diagnostic tests. It is better not to self-medicate.

Symptoms

The complex of symptoms accompanying endocrine disorders in women can have a variety of signs and manifestations:

Menopausal syndrome.
Difficult pregnancy.
Pathological birth.
Inability to get pregnant – infertility.

A symptom of a menstrual cycle malfunction is the irregularity of menstruation, a small or significantly increased number of menstruation, the duration of menstruation itself changes, and uncharacteristic painful sensations may appear.

Signs of endocrine disorders and disruptions associated with hormonal imbalance in the genitals:

Excessive hair growth.
Frequent acne.
Stretch marks on the skin - stretch marks - even in nulliparous women.
Pain in the mammary glands.
Excessive swelling of the mammary glands during menstruation.

Only by donating blood to determine sex hormone levels can one reliably establish the presence of diseases in the endocrine system in women and find the cause of the malfunctions.

Age disorders

Quite often, women experience disorders caused by age-related fluctuations in hormonal levels. After reaching the age of thirty, the ovaries of women slow down their functioning, which leads to the occurrence of the following symptoms, indicating disruptions in the endocrine system.

Malfunctions of the endocrine system are no less dangerous than, for example, disruptions to the cardiovascular or digestive systems, because they can lead to such serious consequences, such as the development of diabetes mellitus, deterioration of vision... The therapist tells readers of the site how to identify the first signs of hormonal disorders.

All diseases have different roles. One disease comes at once, with all its might, posing a daring challenge to the body: who will win?!

The other creeps up unnoticed and systematically torments: it either “bites” or lets go, gradually making our existence unbearable.

And the third walks with us hand in hand all our lives, influencing our character, worldview and quality of life along with genes and external factors.

Hiding under different masks, diseases often become elusive. It is especially difficult to recognize an endocrine disease (when the body's normal production of hormones is disrupted).

Often, people with such disorders are examined by a variety of specialists before getting to the right place, and, having become disillusioned with traditional medicine, self-medicate in vain.

Such patients come to the endocrinologist only when the disease has reached its apogee or has changed its face so much as a result of numerous health experiments that it is extremely difficult to diagnose and treat it.

Hormonal balance

Hormonal disorders do not always have specific symptoms. Often their manifestations are similar to a variety of ailments, and sometimes are perceived only as cosmetic defects.

Therefore you need to know warning signs, when they appear, you must immediately seek qualified help.

It’s better to exclude it in a timely manner dangerous pathology than to pay with your health for your self-confidence and negligence.

What is the endocrine system?

In the body, there are many organs and individual cell clusters that are capable of producing hormones and participating in the endocrine regulation of vital functions.

The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are considered the most important. These glands are located in the brain and, according to their position, control all other organs of the endocrine system: thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, gonads and pancreas.

Lesions of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland rarely manifest as isolated, specific symptoms. Usually the function of the endocrine glands under their control also suffers.

What to do?

Possible signs of hormonal imbalance

Hormonal balance

1. Losing weight due to increased appetite. Under the advertising slogan “If I eat, I lose weight!” there may be a person with increased function thyroid gland.

In addition to weight loss, it is usually a concern causeless and prolonged increase in body temperature to 37-37.5 °C, interruptions in heart function, excessive sweating, tremor (shaking) of the fingers, sudden mood swings, nervousness, sleep disturbance.

As the disease progresses, sexual function is impaired.

Often what attracts attention is a constantly surprised look - goggle-eyed eyes. When the eyes are wide open, they shine and seem to bulge out: between the iris and eyelids, a strip of white sclera remains above and below.

2. Obesity can be not only a problem of poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Obesity accompanies many endocrinological disorders.

If adipose tissue is deposited evenly throughout the body, appetite is either unchanged or slightly reduced, and it’s worrying dry skin, weakness, lethargy, constant drowsiness, hair loss and fragility, then we can assume a decrease in thyroid function.

Such people have chilliness, decreased body temperature and blood pressure, hoarseness, periodic constipation.

Hormonal balance

5. Changes in appearance are an early sign of acromegaly. Facial features become rough: the brow ridges, cheekbones, and lower jaw increase.

The lips “grow”, the tongue becomes so large that the bite is disrupted.

This condition develops in adults with excessive formation of growth hormone - somatotropin, which is produced in the hypothalamus.

Happening fast growth hands and feet. A person is forced to change shoes very often.

Complaints about numbness in the limbs, joint pain, hoarseness, impaired sexual function. The skin becomes thick, oily, and increased hair growth is noted.

6. Visual impairment may also be a consequence of pathology of the endocrine system. Rapid and persistent deterioration of vision, accompanied by persistent headaches, is a reason to suspect a pituitary tumor.

Wherein characteristic feature is loss of the temporal visual fields, and other signs of impairment often develop hormonal regulation mentioned above.

7. Itchy skin should be a reason to determine blood sugar levels and may be early sign diabetes mellitus

In this case, itching more often occurs in the perineum (which forces you to consult a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist).

Appears thirst, dry mouth, the amount of urine increases and urination becomes more frequent.

Furunculosis becomes a common disease, wounds and scratches heal very slowly, weakness and fatigue gradually develop.

Weight can fluctuate both in the direction of obesity and in the direction of weight loss, depending on the form of the disease and the constitution of the person.

Without special therapy, endocrine diseases gradually progress and, without causing much concern in the initial stages, manifest themselves with severe consequences in the future.

For sweating, changes in body weight, excess hair growth, you can for a long time turn a blind eye, but what to do when these disorders develop into infertility or turn into severe heart failure, stroke or heart attack, or an inoperable tumor?

And how many cases of diabetes are diagnosed only when a patient is admitted to hospital in a coma?!

But just a little vigilance, attention to own health to prevent all these consequences.

Modern diagnosis of hormonal disorders includes wide range examinations. Sometimes it is enough for a doctor to look at a patient to make a diagnosis.

In some cases, it is necessary to carry out a lot of laboratory and instrumental studies, including determination of the level of hormones and their metabolites in the blood, functional stress tests, X-ray and ultrasound diagnostics, computed tomography.

Many of the endocrine diseases can be completely cured if treated in a timely manner; others require constant hormone replacement therapy; and others may require surgical treatment.

Be more attentive to the health of yourself and your loved ones. In most cases, when early diagnosis and with the right treatment, many endocrine diseases can be controlled or completely cured.

Be healthy!

Natalya DOLGOPOLOVA,
general practitioner

Causes of diseases of the endocrine system.

Any disease of this system is based on one or more main reasons:

1) deficiency of one or another hormone;
2) excess of any hormone;
3) production of an abnormal (abnormal) hormone by the gland;
4) resistance to the action of the hormone;
5) disturbance of delivery, metabolism or rhythm of its secretion;
6) simultaneous disruption of a number of hormonal systems.

And why this happens in most cases is not always known. In other cases, this may happen for the following reasons.

The causes of hormone deficiency (congenital or acquired) are in most cases known. These include

infectious lesions of the endocrine glands ( low level cortisol in adrenal tuberculosis),
congenital underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of these glands (congenital hypothyroidism),
hemorrhages into the gland or insufficient blood supply (postpartum hypopituitarism),
inflammatory processes ( diabetes due to pancreatitis)
autoimmune lesions (autoimmune thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism), tumors (pituitary adenomas),
insufficient intake of substances into the body necessary for the production of hormones (hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency),
the influence of various toxic substances and radiation on the endocrine glands,
iatrogenic causes (removal parathyroid glands in the treatment of Graves' disease).

The most common causes of excess hormone production are

excessive stimulation of the endocrine gland by factors of a physiological or pathological nature, resulting in increased hormone production (hypercortisolism in Itsenko-Cushing disease),
hormone production by tissues that normally do not produce them (Itsenko-Cushing syndrome),
increased formation of the hormone in peripheral tissues from precursors present in the blood (in case of liver damage, where androstenedione is destroyed, its excess amount enters adipose tissue and there it turns into estrogen),
Iatrogenic causes (in the treatment of any diseases with hormones).

The causes of disturbances in the transport and metabolism of hormones are most often the presence of liver pathology, but can also occur in certain physiological conditions, for example, during pregnancy.

The production of abnormal hormones is quite rare and may be caused by a single gene mutation (altered insulin molecule).

Resistance to hormones is often hereditary in origin, but most often occurs due to pathology of hormonal receptors, as a result of which the hormone does not enter the necessary tissues and cells and does not perform the corresponding function (hypothyroidism due to the formation of autoantibodies that block the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor).

Multiple violations endocrine functions, it is known that in the regulation physiological processes hormones of many endocrine glands are involved, and also that endocrine glands themselves are subject to hormonal influences, therefore, for any endocrine pathology The activity of a number of other glands may change, and, accordingly, the level of other hormones changes. For example, panhypopituitarism (pathology of the pituitary gland), the function of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and a number of other glands is disrupted.

Symptoms of endocrine diseases.

Complaints of patients suffering from endocrine diseases can be very diverse. These include, for example, weight loss or, conversely, weight gain, complaints of rapid heartbeat and interruptions in heart function, fever, feeling hot, increased sweating, increased excitability, diarrhea (with diffuse toxic goiter), headaches associated with increased blood pressure (with hypercortisolism, pheochromocytoma), severe weakness and muscle adynamia (with chronic adrenal insufficiency), decreased attention, drowsiness, memory impairment (with hypothyroidism), increased thirst (with diabetes), persistent increase in urination (with diabetes insipidus) and a lot others.

In a word, it is difficult to name organs and systems whose dysfunctions would not occur in diseases of the endocrine system. It is also very important to identify past illnesses, which can subsequently lead to diseases of the endocrine glands. For example, chronic adrenal insufficiency is often a consequence of tuberculosis. Hypothyroidism can develop after subtotal resection of the thyroid gland for diffuse toxic goiter. Acute inflammation thyroiditis (thyroiditis) can develop due to pneumonia, acute tonsillitis or sinusitis.

Finding out your family history is of great importance. Hereditary predisposition plays an important role in the occurrence of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, diffuse toxic goiter, obesity, diabetes insipidus, autoimmune diseases of the glands.

In some cases, the patient's place of residence may affect health. So, to development endemic goiter leads low content iodine in the environment.

When examining a patient, various symptoms are revealed that make it possible to immediately suspect a particular disease. When the thyroid gland is damaged, changes in facial expression are detected: a frightened or angry look in combination with a number of eye symptoms(increased eye shine, widening of the palpebral fissure, rare blinking, weakened convergence, hyperpigmentation of the skin of the eyelids) are typical for patients with diffuse toxic goiter, and a mask-like and amicable face occurs in patients with hypothyroidism. An increase in the size of the nose, lips, and ears occurs with acromegaly. When examining the neck, you can identify changes in its configuration, which is characteristic of a pronounced enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Also, with some diseases there are some features of the physique of patients. Thus, with pituitary dwarfism, very low growth is noted (men below 130 cm, women below 120 cm) with preservation of the body proportions characteristic of childhood. With gigantism, on the contrary, there is very high growth - men are above 200 cm, women are above 190 cm.

Often, with endocrine pathology, the skin suffers. For example, hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes with increased deposition of melanin in the area of the palmar lines and nipple circumference is observed in chronic adrenal insufficiency. Wide red-violet striae on the abdomen and thighs are found in patients with Itsenko-Cushing syndrome. Pale and cold skin is characteristic of patients with hypothyroidism, hot and with high elasticity in diffuse toxic goiter. A tendency to pustular and fungal skin lesions occurs with diabetes mellitus. Dry skin, brittleness and hair loss occur with hypothyroidism.

In a number of diseases, changes in normal hair growth are also observed, such as female type occurs in men with eunuchoidism, on the contrary male type in women it manifests itself in Itsenko-Cushing syndrome.

In some diseases, changes in the distribution of the subcutaneous fat layer are often detected. For example, with Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, there is excessive deposition of fat in the neck, torso, abdomen and face. Weight loss in patients is observed with hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, and diabetes mellitus. Weight gain occurs quickly with hypothyroidism.

It also changes skeletal system, there may be bone pain and pathological fractures with hyperparathyroidism.

Palpation is a valuable method to help diagnose thyroid diseases. Normally, it is usually not palpable. Percussion can reveal a substernal goiter. And upon auscultation of the thyroid gland - diffuse toxic goiter.

Laboratory and instrumental research methods for endocrine diseases.

Methods for determining hormones make it possible to determine the amount of a particular hormone, and based on this, draw appropriate conclusions, these include the radioimmunological method using radioactive material (tritium and iodine 125), non-isotopic methods enzyme immunoassay method, fluorescent immunoassay, enhanced luminescence method, electrochemical method immunoassay, immunoassay by particle counting method, determination of iodine content bound to serum proteins, determination of basal metabolic parameters.

A blood sugar test is used to determine diabetes mellitus.

Radioisotope research methods use iodine 131, and by the absorption of this iodine one or another pathology is determined. Scanning allows not only to determine the presence of nodes in the thyroid gland, but also to evaluate their activity. If a malignant lesion of the thyroid gland is suspected, scanning can be combined with thermography.

X-ray examination can detect changes in the shape of the sella turcica (with pituitary tumors), thickening of the bones of the cranial vault, hands and feet (with acromegaly), osteoporosis tubular bones and vertebrae (with hyperparathyroidism, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome).

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are also widely studied in the diagnosis of diseases of the endocrine glands.

Ultrasound examination is successfully used to identify nodular forms of goiter and thyroid cysts, and to diagnose diseases of the adrenal glands. Under the control of ultrasound examination, a puncture biopsy of the thyroid gland (its nodes) is also performed, followed by a histological examination of the obtained material.

Prevention of diseases of the endocrine glands.

Timely treatment of infectious and other diseases that may subsequently have a negative impact on the endocrine system, reducing the impact of harmful environmental factors (various chemical compounds, radiation), balanced diet to prevent excess or deficiency of any substances that are necessary for the production of certain hormones.

Here it is also necessary to say about timely contacting a doctor (endocrinologist) when symptoms characteristic of diseases of the endocrine system appear, so as not to start the disease and “wait” for complications. If a disease occurs, strictly adhere to the doctor’s instructions in treatment for a speedy recovery or, if the disease is lifelong (diabetes mellitus), to improve the quality of life and prevent complications that may arise with this disease.

Diseases of the endocrine system, nutritional disorders and metabolic disorders:

Thyroid diseases
Diabetes
Other disorders of glucose regulation and pancreatic endocrine disorders Disorders of other endocrine glands
Malnutrition
Other types of malnutrition
Obesity and other types of overnutrition
Metabolic disorders

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The field of study of endocrinology is the medical aspects of the structure and functioning of the endocrine glands (or endocrine glands), the study of the biologically highly active substances– hormones and their effects on the body, as well as diseases that arise due to disruption of the activity of these glands or the production of hormones. Endocrinology is closely related to almost all areas of clinical medicine, since hormones control the most important processes occurring in the body: growth , maturation, reproduction, metabolism, proper functioning of organs and systems.

Modern directions in endocrinology are neuroendocrinology, which studies the relationship between the nervous and endocrine regulation of the body, and gynecological endocrinology, which deals with the correction of hormonal disorders in the female body.

The endocrine system combines anatomically unrelated endocrine glands: pineal gland, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, thymus gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, gonads. Most diseases of the endocrine glands cause severe disturbances vital functions, not excluding death, if you do not consult an endocrinologist in time.

The most pressing problems of modern endocrinology are the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland (diffuse toxic goiter, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, thyroid cysts), diabetes mellitus, diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary system (

Contacting an endocrinologist is necessary if:

Close relatives have any endocrine pathology: diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, etc.
you are overweight
you have symptoms: increased heart rate, sweating or dry skin, fatigue or irritability, thirst and increased urination, discoloration skin etc.
the child has delayed mental, physical, or sexual development
menstrual function is impaired
you are planning a pregnancy or have problems with its occurrence
you already have an endocrine disease and require observation and treatment.

Used to diagnose endocrine pathology comprehensive examination, which includes studying the patient’s medical history, testing for various hormones, Ultrasound of the glands, magnetic resonance imaging. Based on the data obtained, the issue of further conservative or surgical treatment is decided.

Treatment of endocrine diseases is aimed at correcting hormonal disorders and achieving stable remission pathological process and restoration of the patient’s normal quality of life.