Problems of the endocrine hormonal system. Symptoms of endocrine system disorders

The activity of all organs of the human body is regulated by the endocrine system. It controls all the most important processes: growth, metabolism, reproduction. Diseases of the endocrine system lead to disruption of many vital functions.

A disorder in the normal functioning of one or more glands is called an endocrine disease.

To the endocrine glands include:

thyroid;
parathyroid;
thymus (thymus);
pancreas;
adrenal glands;
pineal gland;
hypothalamic-pituitary system;
testes and ovaries (sex glands).

For hormonal problems indicates that a person has one or more symptoms:

excessive weight gain or loss;
cardiopalmus;
increased excitability, irritability;
impaired concentration;
weakness, drowsiness;
constant thirst.

Thyroid diseases

Modern endocrinologists note a steady increase in the number of hormonal dysfunctions. Among them, the most common are thyroid diseases:

hyperthyroidism;
hypothyroidism;
autoimmune thyroiditis;
diffuse toxic goiter (Graves disease);
endemic and nodular goiter;
thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition caused by hyperfunction of the thyroid gland and expressed by increased production of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Read more about hyperthyroidism.

Manifested by the following symptoms:

weight loss;
temperature increase;
emotional instability;
tachycardia;
an increase in upper pressure with a simultaneous decrease in lower pressure;
ophthalmological problems (swelling of the eyelids, displacement of the eyeballs, doubling of objects);
general weakness;

Experts include genetic predisposition, female gender and immune system disorders as factors that provoke the development of the disease.

Treatment is carried out medically and surgically. The optimal method is selected by the treating endocrinologist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. To reduce the production of hormones, thyreostatic drugs are prescribed: thiamazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil.

If there is no positive result with conservative types of therapy, a decision is made on surgical intervention - removal of part of the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism

This is a pathology expressed in insufficient production of hormones by the thyroid gland. Read more about hypothyroidism.

The disease leads to the following conditions:

weaknesses;
drowsiness;
cold intolerance.

It is often detected late, because the symptoms of hypothyroidism are not pronounced and are mistakenly attributed by doctors to general fatigue or other diseases.

The final diagnosis is made by an endocrinologist based on the collected medical history and laboratory test data (general, biochemical, hormonal blood tests). If necessary, scintigraphy is prescribed. Depending on the causes of the disease, the disease can be successfully treated:

iodine preparations (iodide, betadine);
hormonal medications (euthyrox, levothyroxine).

In some cases, cardioprotectors, glycosides and neuroprotectors are additionally prescribed.

Diffuse toxic goiter

The most striking clinical manifestations of Graves' disease include:

bulging eyes;
temperature increase;
sweating;
weight loss;
heartbeat.

The development of goiter can be provoked by infectious diseases, traumatic brain injuries, and psychological shocks. Genetic predisposition plays a major role in combination with certain environmental factors.

Goiter is treated with drugs Mercazolil and methylthiouacil over a long period - from 6 months to 2 years. The daily dose is 30–40 mg; additionally, potassium supplements, glucocorticoids, and sedatives are prescribed.

Radioiodine therapy shows good results. In some cases, surgery is recommended for the patient.

Autoimmune thyroiditis

As patients progress, they begin to complain of:

constant weakness;
discomfort when swallowing;
labored breathing.

The development of thyroiditis can be triggered by:

the presence of a chronic infection in the body;
environmental factors (increased levels of iodine, fluorine, chlorine in the environment);
radiation exposure;
systematic long-term exposure to the sun.

Treatment is carried out with hormonal drugs (thyroidine, triiodothyronine, thyroxine), and selenium supplementation is also indicated.

Nodular goiter

This is a pathology of the thyroid gland, characterized by the appearance of nodular neoplasms in it. It often reaches significant sizes, turning into a noticeable cosmetic defect, and is accompanied by compression of internal organs. Read more about nodular goiter.

The occurrence of goiter is promoted by:

iodine deficiency;
hereditary factors;
exposure to radioactive and toxic substances;
past inflammatory diseases;
the presence of a focus of chronic infections (for example, tonsillitis)

Currently, endocrinologists are of the opinion that with normal hormonal levels and easy breathing, specific treatment of nodular goiter is not required.

If it grows rapidly, hormones are prescribed, treatment with radioactive iodine is performed, or surgery is recommended.

Endemic goiter

Endemic goiter is a disease characterized by enlargement of the thyroid gland. The cause of development is acute iodine deficiency in the body. Read more about endemic goiter.

In addition to iodine deficiency, the development of the condition is facilitated by:

genetic factors;
water contamination with nitrates and urochrome, which interferes with the normal absorption of iodine;
deficiency of a number of microelements: selenium, zinc, molybdenum, copper and excess calcium;
use of medicines.

At the initial stage, with a slight increase in goiter, it is recommended to take iodine-containing drugs and a special diet. When hormonal levels change, appropriate hormonal therapy is prescribed (eutirox, thyroidome).

Thyroid cancer

In most cases, the initial stage is asymptomatic; later, patients experience:

nodular neoplasm and pain in the thyroid gland;
enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
weight loss;
cough, hoarseness.

The final diagnosis is made based on the results of a biopsy, ultrasound and MRI data, as well as scintigraphy.

Pancreatic diseases

The most common disorder is diabetes mellitus. According to statistics, 10% of the world's population suffers from it, and given its hidden forms, this value can reach 30%.

Diabetes

This pathology is different:

the occurrence of sexual and reproductive dysfunctions;
increase in body weight;
increased appetite;
psycho-emotional disorders (insomnia, anxiety, depression).

Therapy is aimed at restoring the natural level of prolactin and is achieved by regular use of dopamine agonists.

Acromegaly

It develops as a result of dysfunction of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and is expressed by excessive enlargement of the skull, hands, and feet. The disease occurs after the growth of the body has completed, and is characterized by a slow course and long duration. Read more about acromegaly.

Usually accompanied by:

mental disorder;
sexual dysfunction.

Among the treatment methods, the most effective is surgery on the pituitary gland.

Gigantism

A similar dysfunction of the pituitary gland at an early age (9–13 years) leads to abnormal enlargement of bones and organs. May be accompanied by pathology of the development of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and gonads. Read more about gigantism.

Diabetes insipidus

Adrenal diseases

Among endocrine pathologies caused by dysfunction of the adrenal glands, there are:

adrenal insufficiency;
hormonally active adrenal tumors;
hyperaldosteronism.

Adrenal insufficiency

Manifests:

bronze pigmentation of the skin;
weakness;
fainting;

Leads to water-salt imbalance and cardiac dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems, and psycho-neurological disorders.

Hormone-active adrenal tumors

Experts distinguish 5 types of tumors:

corticoestroma;
corticosteroma;
androsteroma;
aldosteroma;
pheochromocytoma.

The disease is diagnosed in the presence of a set of symptoms that manifest themselves in attacks:

high blood pressure;
muscle tremors;
tachycardia;
headache;
excessive urination.

Depending on the type of tumor, experts recommend surgery or chemotherapy to the patient.

Hyperaldosteronism

At the initial stage, the pathology manifests itself:

hypertension;
weakness;
cardiac disorders.

Then the patients are recorded:

swelling;
renal failure;
ophthalmological problems.

Patients are prescribed drug treatment. In addition to taking potassium-sparing diuretics, a low-salt diet and the inclusion of potassium-rich foods in the diet are prescribed.

The endocrine system is represented by endocrine glands. The substances they produce are... They regulate the functioning of individual organs, physiological systems and the body as a whole. With persistent endocrine diseases develop due to deficiency or excess of hormones.

List of hormonal pathologies:

Name of the disease	Short description
Addisonian crisis	Reduction or cessation of secretion of adrenal hormones. There are cramps, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, the smell of acetone on the breath, low blood pressure, and impotence.
Thyroid adenoma	Benign neoplasm in organ tissue. Characterized by weight loss, sweating, tachycardia, and weakness.
Acromegaly	Pathological enlargement of certain parts of the body associated with excessive secretion of growth hormone. The disease provokes a tumor of the anterior pituitary gland.
Itsenko-Cushing's disease	Neuroendocrine disorder resulting from damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary system, excessive secretion of ACHT (adrenocorticotropic hormone), secondary hyperfunction of the adrenal glands. Obesity, sexual dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis are the main symptoms of the pathology.
Gigantism	Pathological tallness caused by an excess amount of growth hormone (somatotropin), which is produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
Hyperinsulinism (hypoglycemia)	(hypoglycemia) The pathology is characterized by a high level of insulin in the blood and a decrease in glucose levels. The condition is caused by dysfunction of the pancreas and manifests itself in the form of dizziness, weakness, tremors, and increased appetite.
Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis)	Increased secretory function of the thyroid (high concentration of thyroid hormones T3 and T4). Causes an acceleration of metabolism (“metabolic fire”).
Hypogonadism	A clinical syndrome that is associated with insufficient secretory activity of the gonads and impaired synthesis of sex hormones. The condition is accompanied by underdevelopment of the genital organs, secondary sexual characteristics, and metabolic disorders.
Hypothalamic syndrome	A complex of endocrine, metabolic, and autonomic disorders associated with dysfunction of the hypothalamus. The pathology is characterized by weight gain, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, increased appetite and thirst.
Hypothyroidism	Pathology associated with insufficient function of the thyroid gland. Metabolism slows down, weakness, drowsiness, slow speech, and weight gain are expressed.
Pituitary dwarfism	Lack of somatotropin associated with dysfunction of the anterior pituitary gland, congenital growth hormone deficiency. The disease is characterized by abnormal short stature (dwarfism) and poor physical development.
Diffuse euthyroid goiter	Proliferation of thyroid tissue without disrupting its functions. With a significant increase in size, there is a cosmetic defect and a feeling of pressure in the neck.
Iodine deficiency diseases of the thyroid gland	Lack of iodine disrupts the synthesis of the hormones T3 and T4. The thyroid gland increases in size, body weight increases, memory deterioration is observed, and chronic fatigue develops.
Diabetes insipidus (“diabetes”)	Develops with a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or kidney resistance to it. Large amounts of urine are produced and an unquenchable thirst develops.
Obesity	The disease develops due to an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Body weight increases by more than 20 kg. The pathological formation of fat deposits is associated with a violation of the hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of eating behavior.
Prolactinoma	Hormonally active pituitary tumor. Produces large amounts of prolactin. Excess of the hormone manifests itself in excessive production of breast milk, disruption of the menstrual cycle in women, and sexual dysfunction in men.
Diabetes	Metabolic disorder associated with insulin deficiency and increased glucose concentration. Characterized by severe thirst, increased appetite, weakness, dizziness, poor tissue regeneration.
Thyroiditis	Inflammation of the thyroid tissue. It manifests itself as pressure, pain in the neck, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.
Pheochromocytoma	A tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes large amounts of catecholamines. Manifested by high blood pressure and hypertensive crises.
Endocrine infertility	A complex of hormonal disorders that lead to a lack of ovulation in women and decreased sperm quality in men. It is caused by dysfunction of the thyroid, gonads, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland.

Causes of pathologies

Hormonal diseases occur for various reasons:

genetic predisposition;
damage to the endocrine glands as a result of infectious diseases;
congenital pathologies of the endocrine glands;
hemorrhage or circulatory disorders in the tissues of organs that secrete hormones;
inflammation causing hormonal imbalance;
autoimmune lesions;
tumors of the endocrine glands.

The development of diseases of the endocrine system is provoked by factors:

aggressive effects of environmental factors (toxic substances, radiation);
lack of foods in the diet that contain substances necessary for the synthesis of hormones;
age after 40 years, when the endocrine system fails;
excess weight;
bad habits;
physical inactivity.

Any endocrine disease occurs due to an excess or deficiency of a certain hormone. Experts call the causes of endocrinological pathologies:

secretion of abnormal hormones (a rare phenomenon that occurs as a result of a gene mutation);
violation of the transport or metabolism of hormones (the violation is associated with pathological changes in the liver during pregnancy);
insensitivity (resistance) of tissues to hormones associated with disruption of receptor activity.

Symptoms

Signs of diseases of the endocrine system are different. Any hormonal pathology has both specific symptoms and signs that are similar to other diseases. For this reason, diagnosing dysfunction of the endocrine glands is difficult. Only an endocrinologist can identify a pathological condition. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance:

changes in body weight, volume (obesity, exhaustion);
disorders of the circulatory system (arrhythmia, increased blood pressure);
digestive system dysfunction;
neurological reactions: fatigue, drowsiness, disorder of memory processes;
metabolic failures (thirst, frequent urge to urinate);
deterioration of the somatic condition: sweating, fever, nervous excitability, general weakness.

Treatment

Endocrine diseases in children and adults differ in their individual course, and therefore require the same approach to treatment. The choice of therapeutic regimen depends on the following factors:

localization of the pathological process;
stage of the disease;
flow features;
state of the immune system.

Hormone replacement therapy is the leading method of treating diseases in women and men. With the development of neoplasms (tumors, cysts, nodes) and severe disease, surgical intervention is resorted to. Main therapeutic goals:

stabilization of hormonal levels;
restoration of the functioning of organs and systems;
normalization of metabolism.

Prevention of endocrine diseases is important. It is recommended to follow simple rules:

lead a healthy lifestyle;
adhere to a balanced diet;
stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages;
promptly treat diseases that provoke disruption of the endocrine glands;
minimize the impact of aggressive environmental factors.

If symptoms of endocrine diseases occur, it is necessary consult an endocrinologist. Timely diagnosis of pathological conditions associated with deficiency and excess of hormones will help avoid the development of dangerous illnesses and malfunctions in the body.

The endocrine system consists of several glands that are located in different parts of the body. These glands produce secretions that go directly into the blood, thereby affecting very important body functions.

Endocrine glands produce hormones that can be considered the body's chemical messengers. Their balance is essential for health, but it can be disrupted by infection, stress, and other factors. Enrich your knowledge with information about diseases of the endocrine system: pituitary gland, thyroid and pancreas. This knowledge can be useful to everyone.

The endocrine system consists of the following glands: pituitary gland, hypothalamus, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, pineal gland, adrenal glands and gonads. They play a very important role in performing particularly important functions of the body, such as digestion of food, homeostasis (maintaining the normal state of the body) and reproduction.

Endocrine secretion helps the nervous and immune systems function normally in most situations.

Endocrine glands produce hormones that go directly into the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body.

The hypothalamus is the center of the nervous and endocrine systems, which regulates the functioning of the pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland, in turn, regulates the secretion of other glands in the endocrine system. With the help of the pituitary gland, hormones are produced: corticotropin, growth hormone, endorphin, prolactin and thyrotropin.

Thyroid hormones are needed for the proper development of the brain and nervous system in children.

Causes and symptoms of endocrine system diseases

Diseases of the endocrine system can occur due to too many hormones produced. The disease is caused by dysfunction of the endocrine glands. There are times when one gland of the endocrine system produces too many hormones, while others do not produce enough.

Hypofunction is the uneven secretion of endocrine glands. It can occur due to neoplasms, injury or illness.

Hyperfunction - excessive activity of the gland - can be caused by autoimmune reactions of the body or tumors of the glands.

Diseases of the endocrine system can manifest themselves through:

fatigue;
weight change;
sudden mood changes;
constant thirst;
decreased sexual desire;
urge to urinate.

Types of diseases of the endocrine system

Acromegaly. This disease occurs due to excess secretion of growth hormone. In middle-aged people, this disease progresses very slowly, making it difficult to diagnose and recognize. Its symptoms include abnormal growth of the feet and hands, and there may also be some pathology in the growth of facial features, such as the nose, chin and forehead. Those who suffer from acromegaly may be susceptible to enlargement of the spleen, liver and kidneys. Complications acromegaly: hypertension, diabetes, heart disease.

Addison's disease. This disease occurs because the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol. Its symptoms: loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, fatigue. A lack of cortisol can also cause irritability and salt cravings. Complications Addison's disease: darkening of the skin color of some parts of the body, hyperpigmentation.

Hypercalcemia. This is a disease of the endocrine system that is caused by an increase in calcium levels in the blood. Calcium levels depend on parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Its symptoms are: nausea, bone pain, hypertension, kidney stones, spinal curvature, irritability, loss of appetite, muscle atrophy.

Hypoparathyroidism. This is a syndrome of inferior function of the parathyroid glands, which occurs due to insufficient levels of calcium in the blood. Sometimes you have to wait years for this disease to manifest itself. Symptoms hypoparathyroidism: muscle spasms, tingling in the hands.

Hypopituitarism(or hypofunction of the pituitary gland). This disease of the endocrine system can sometimes be congenital due to pathology in the formation of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. It can be caused by a brain infection, a brain tumor, or an infection of the tissue around the brain.

Growth hormone deficiency. Man suffering from growth hormone deficiency, has a slight build and a childish face. At the same time, the growth rate is slowed down. Distinguish partial or complete deficit this hormone. This disease is diagnosed using a blood test that measures the concentration of growth hormone. X-rays of the wrists and hands are also examined to help determine bone growth. This disease of the endocrine system is treated by injecting growth hormone. Often the course of treatment continues for a very long time, several years, until an acceptable result is achieved.

Hashimoto's goiter(differently - chronic lymphomatous thyroiditis). One of the varieties chronic thyroiditis, which appears as a result of the immune system’s reaction to the functioning of the thyroid gland. This disease of the endocrine system is inherited. Its symptoms: immunity to cold, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin. Women experience irregular and heavy menstruation.

Itsenko-Cushing syndrome. This endocrine system disorder occurs due to excessive production of cortisol. This disease is the complete opposite Addison's disease. Symptoms of the syndrome Itsenko-Cushing: fatigue, upper body obesity, increased bone fragility, muscle weakness.

Diseases of the endocrine system can lead to:

to growth disturbance;
To diabetes;
to disruption of the proper functioning of the thyroid gland;
to the development of osteoporosis;
to increase the level of triglycerol and cholesterol in the blood.

Triggers of endocrine system diseases: autoimmune disorders, taking steroid drugs, tumors.

Treatment of diseases of the endocrine system

If diseases of the endocrine system are caused by insufficient activity of the glands, then hormone replacement therapy is prescribed. If the glands, on the contrary, are too active, then the removal of pathological tissues is carried out.

The main function of the endocrine system is the regulation of all vital processes in the body, and any hormonal imbalance can lead to serious and difficult to predict consequences.

The endocrine glands produce over 50 different hormones.

Due to the functional diversity of hormones that the endocrine system produces, symptoms of diseases of different glands include disorders of organs and systems indirectly associated with them.

Normal hormonal levels are formed as a result of the complex interaction of the hypothalamic-pituitary system and the endocrine glands themselves. The causes and pathogenetic mechanisms of endocrine diseases are still little studied and have not been fully elucidated.

Among the root causes of functional disorders of the endocrine system are:

hereditary predisposition;
neoplasms;
inflammatory processes;
congenital anomalies of the structure of the glands;
infectious lesions;
consequences of injuries;
disorders of general origin.

Pathological changes in the functioning of the endocrine system can be provoked by external influences, such as chronic lack of sleep, poor nutrition, physical or psycho-emotional exhaustion, long-term treatment with certain drugs, and in women - hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.

Clinical manifestations of the disease can be caused either by dysfunction of one of the endocrine glands, or by impaired sensitivity of the organ to the effects of a particular hormone.

Much less common are pathologies associated with the production of defective or false hormones, characterized by abnormal activity, disruption of the connection between the gland and the internal environment of the body, and multiple lesions of the endocrine system.

Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands occur as hyperfunction or hypofunction And. In the first case, an excess amount of hormones enters the body, in the second, a shortage of the active substance occurs. Disorders of the hypersecretion type develop with excessive stimulation of the gland or the formation of zones of secondary secretion in tissues or organs with similar functional characteristics.

Human endocrine system

Insufficiency of any hormone can be caused by a deficiency of certain microelements or vitamins, inflammatory processes in the tissues of the gland, due to radiation or toxic damage to the gland. Hyposecretion may be hereditary in nature or develop against the background of immunodeficiency conditions.

Disturbances in the sensitivity of tissues and organs to certain hormones are hereditary in nature. Such disorders are rare, and their mechanisms have been studied very little. There is a hypothesis about the absence of hormone-specific receptors on cell membranes, without which the hormone cannot penetrate the tissue and perform the corresponding functions.

The secretion of defective hormones is an extremely rare phenomenon. The production of false hormones is often the result of spontaneous mutations. With some liver diseases, in women - and during pregnancy, metabolic disorders are possible, accompanied by a breakdown in connections between the glands that produce certain types of hormones and the organs on which they act. When the hormone transport pathways are disrupted, secondary metabolic changes develop.

Dysfunction of the endocrine glands can also be caused by autoimmune processes, in which the gland tissue is destroyed by its own immune defense mechanisms.

The secretion activity of various hormones is subject to natural age-related changes and signs of early wilting are often of an endocrine nature.

Symptoms of the problem

The most typical symptoms of hormonal imbalance are abnormalities in weight and height, mental imbalance and unstable emotional state.

Endocrine disorders are reflected in the functioning of target organs, that is, the symptoms of a particular disease may resemble organic damage to the corresponding organ.

Several groups of symptoms may indicate problems with the endocrine system. Some diseases are characterized by changes in the patient's behavior. A person is subject to sudden changes in mood for no apparent reason; previously unusual emotional reactions to everyday situations appear: too violent or, on the contrary, inhibited.

With endocrine disorders, general weakness, drowsiness, weakness may occur, the person suffers from frequent headaches, and notices memory and attention disorders. Long-term uncritical changes in body temperature without visible prerequisites, chills and fever, too frequent urge to urinate, painful thirst, and disturbances in sexual desire are possible.

Patients' body weight changes dramatically, either increasing or decreasing. Heart rhythm disturbances or arterial hypertension are possible, not associated with the effects of typical provoking factors and in the absence of signs of damage to the heart or blood vessels. Early symptoms of endocrine diseases are mostly nonspecific, do not cause any particular concern and are not always a sufficient reason for a visit to an endocrinologist.

As the pathology progresses, characteristic features of disorders of a particular gland appear.

Exophthalmos is a fairly rare symptom of endocrine disorders. must be diagnosed in time, otherwise severe visual impairment may occur.

The structure and functions of the human endocrine system are described in detail.

Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system affect the general condition of the human body. Follow the link for useful information about measures to prevent diseases of the endocrine organs.

Symptoms of endocrine diseases in women

Violations of hormonal regulation affect metabolic processes.

A woman gains or rapidly loses weight without changing her diet and the quality of her diet.

Sleep disturbances and a state of chronic fatigue are possible; patients have an increase or decrease in temperature without visible signs of pathology, which can manifest itself in a similar way.

Alarming symptoms are fine motor disorders, heart rhythm disturbances and changes in blood pressure without signs of pathologies of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Patients often become nervous and subject to sudden mood swings.

Hormonal imbalance affects the functioning of the sweat glands; the body is literally drenched in sweat. Excessive secretion of growth hormone leads to distortion and coarsening of facial proportions, primarily the lower jaw, soft tissues around the mouth, and brow ridges.

The first symptoms of diabetes are persistent, irresistible itching and intense thirst. Increased susceptibility to pustular infections.

Disorders of the functioning of the gonads are manifested by excessive male pattern hair growth, complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Such patients experience menstrual cycle disorders, including amenorrhea, and infertility. A very alarming symptom is the appearance of stretch marks (stretch marks) that are not associated with pregnancy or changes in body weight. The purple coloration of the resulting defects indicates the involvement of the adrenal cortex in the pathological process.

Pathologies of the endocrine system in men

Diseases of the endocrine glands, which regulate metabolic processes, manifest similar nonspecific symptoms in men and women.

With dysfunction of the gonads, the patient develops effeminate features in appearance.

In particular, the mammary glands enlarge, the structure of the secondary hairline changes, and female-type obesity develops.

A man may notice disturbances in sexual desire and ability to coitus. Infertility is often detected in patients with endocrine disorders.

Symptoms of endocrine system diseases in children

Diseases of the endocrine system in children can manifest themselves at a very early age.

The difficulty of diagnosing dysfunction of the endocrine glands is complicated by the psychological characteristics of childhood.

Clinical manifestations of certain diseases sometimes resemble the consequences of errors in raising a child.

Endocrine disorders lead to abnormal rates of physical and mental development of the child. Lesions of the thyroid parathyroid glands affect the development of intelligence. Children are irritable, inattentive, have difficulty learning new skills, and are prone to apathy.

Concomitant disorders of calcium metabolism are manifested by bone fragility, delayed formation of the dentition and skeletal growth. Without treatment, various forms of dementia may develop.

A weakened immune system may indicate possible problems with the thymus or pancreas. The early stages of diabetes are indicated by hard-to-heal skin lesions and a tendency to pustular infections.

Dysfunction of the gonads is manifested by acceleration or delay of puberty in girls and boys.

Problems with the gonads are indicated by the formation of secondary sexual characteristics characteristic of the opposite sex: body features, timbre of voice, deviations in the development of the mammary glands.

Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary system can affect the functioning of any of the endocrine glands.

In some endocrine pathologies, dystrophy of the eye muscles occurs. causes a lot of discomfort to the patient and can cause decreased vision.

Symptoms of Basedow's disease are described. As well as brief information about the treatment of the disease.

In addition to the general regulatory function, the hypothalamic-pituitary system produces growth hormone (somatotropin). A deficiency of somatotropin during the period of active growth leads to dwarfism, an excess leads to gigantism.

Note: the most common endocrine pathology is diabetes mellitus, affecting both sexes and all age groups.

Video on the topic

Endocrine diseases are pathological conditions in which the normal functioning of the endocrine glands is disrupted. Despite their diversity, they are all based on hormonal disorders that occur in the body under the influence of various factors.

Each of them requires an individual approach and treatment, since they significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

Types of endocrine pathologies

There are many, about 50 diseases associated with endocrine disorders. They are classified according to the glands that produce them. The glands of the endocrine system include:

pituitary;
pineal gland;
adrenal glands;
thyroid;
parathyroid;
pancreas;
thymus;
sexual

Each of them is responsible for the production of certain hormones. The emergence of hormone-related diseases significantly undermines the body's resources.

The most common diseases associated with hormones, or more precisely, with disruption of their production, are:

diabetes;
Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
hypothyroidism;
thyrotoxicosis;
autoimmune thyroiditis.

In women, the most common diseases are those associated with impaired production of sex hormones. The production function is performed by the ovaries. They produce estrogens, gestagens and androgens, which are responsible for the normal functioning of the female body. If they are violated, women may develop ovarian cysts, mastopathy, fibroids in the uterus, and infertility. Most often, these diseases are consequences of endocrine disorders.

Risk factors

The emergence and development of each endocrine pathology occurs differently. There are categories of people who are prone to such pathologies. In this regard, the following risk factors are identified:

the age of the person, excluding the congenital nature of the pathology. It is believed that after 40 years a person often fails and develops various diseases associated with it;
genetic predisposition. Some diseases, such as diabetes, can be inherited. If parents have this disease, then with a high degree of probability their children will suffer from it;
being overweight. Most people with endocrine diseases are overweight or obese;
unbalanced diet. In the absence of a rational approach to nutrition, a disruption in the endocrine system may occur;
bad habits. It is known that smoking and alcohol do not have the best effect on the functioning of the endocrine glands;
sedentary lifestyle. In people with reduced physical activity, the metabolic rate slows down and excess weight appears, which leads to poor functioning of the endocrine glands.

Reasons for the development of pathologies

All diseases of the endocrine system have a common nature of occurrence, i.e. their causes are related. The main one is a violation of the production of one or another hormone, which is produced by one of the endocrine glands.

This can be either a shortage or an excess. The second most important factor causing endocrine diseases is hormonal resistance. This medical term refers to how the hormone produced is perceived by the human body. In addition, experts identify the following reasons:

production of abnormal hormones. This is a fairly rare phenomenon caused by a mutation in a specific gene;
disruption of the transport of hormones to tissues and organs and their metabolism. This is the result of changes in the liver, but can also occur during pregnancy;
immunity to hormones. This causative factor is associated with disruption of the functioning of hormonal receptors. Often it has a hereditary origin.

Hormones perform an important function in the body, influencing many vital processes. Hormone deficiency can be either congenital or acquired. Experts identify many conditions in which there is a decrease in hormone production. Among them, the most common are:

genetic predisposition;
infectious lesions of the endocrine glands;
inflammatory processes in the organs of the endocrine system;
deficiency of vitamins and minerals, in particular iodine;
immunological failure;
exposure to toxic factors or radiation.

Some diseases can also reduce the production of hormones, for example, diabetes, pancreatitis, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism. Excessive levels of hormones occur when one of the glands that produces them is hyperfunctioning, as well as as a result of synthesis.

Forms of manifestation and signs of violations

Symptoms of endocrine system disorders are very diverse. Each disease has its own signs and symptoms, but often they can overlap and therefore patients can confuse them. And only he is able to identify the disorder and make the correct diagnosis. With endocrine pathologies, disorders can affect both individual organs and the entire body as a whole.

With endocrine system disorders, symptoms may include the following:

changes in the total mass and volume of some parts of the body. Pathologies of the endocrine system can cause both obesity and sudden weight loss. Often this is an individual indicator. For example, women should be wary;
abnormalities in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Patients often experience arrhythmia, headaches and increased blood pressure;
dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Such symptoms of the disease are somewhat less common than others;
neurological disorders. This may include excessive fatigue, memory loss, drowsiness;
metabolic failures. Thirst or frequent urge to urinate;
Violation of the general somatic condition. It manifests itself in increased sweating, fever, hot flashes, general weakness and nervous excitability.

Diagnostic methods

Diseases of the endocrine system are detected using various diagnostic methods, including external examination, laboratory tests, and instrumental examination. Some diseases associated with dysfunction of the endocrine system have their own external signs. Thus, the disease may be indicated by the large size of some parts of the face. If a person has a large nose, lips or ears, this indicates. This is a disease associated with dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

Pathologies of the thyroid gland can be detected by external changes in the neck. Gigantism, like , is characterized by unusual human growth. Excessive skin hyperpigmentation indicates adrenal insufficiency.

Dermatological symptoms, in particular fungal infection and the formation of pustules, are characteristic of diabetes mellitus. Increased hair loss is characterized by a disease such as hypothyroidism. characterized by excessive body hair.

Laboratory tests involve donating blood to determine hormone levels. Changing the indicators will allow the doctor to determine the existing disease. In addition, this method serves as a basis for identifying diabetes mellitus. In this case, a blood or urine test for sugar is taken, as well as a glucose tolerance test.

Instrumental methods include ultrasound, x-rays, as well as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound is an effective method for detecting many thyroid diseases. So, you can determine the presence of a goiter or cyst, as well as pathology of the adrenal glands. The endocrine glands are examined using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and x-rays.

Treatment and prevention

Hormonal diseases of the endocrine glands have an individual course and unique symptoms and therefore require the same approach to treatment. Each of them has its own causes and, therefore, therapeutic measures should be aimed at eliminating them.

Since the causes of their occurrence are associated in most cases with hormonal disorders, the main treatment is medicinal and consists of hormonal therapy. Since any disruption of the endocrine system can affect the functioning of the entire body, the greatest therapeutic effect can be achieved with complex treatment of the resulting diseases. The goal of treatment is to stabilize the hormonal balance and achieve positive dynamics in the patient’s condition. In addition, it is important to establish metabolic processes.

However, the choice of a specific treatment regimen depends on:

from the place where the pathological process is localized;
at what stage the disease is;
how it proceeds;
what is the state of the immune system;
how the individual characteristics of the body manifest themselves in this disease.

When a disease has become more severe and drug treatment does not have the desired effect, surgical methods are used. This applies to those cases where pathologies of the endocrine system have led to the appearance of neoplasms (cysts, nodes, adenomas, fibroids, tumors).

To minimize the risk of developing diseases of the endocrine system, it is recommended to adhere to the following principles:

balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle;
quitting smoking and alcohol;
timely treatment of diseases that can provoke such disorders;
minimizing the harmful effects of external factors.

If suspicious symptoms associated with the functioning of the endocrine organs have been noticed, it is recommended to find out the cause of the changes that have occurred and begin treatment for possible pathologies.