The body's capacity to convert food into energy that fuels cells and organs are one of several vital bodily processes that are controlled by the endocrine system. Your heart rate, the development of your bones and tissues, and even your capacity to become pregnant are all impacted by the endocrine system. It is crucial to your risk of developing diabetes, thyroid illness, growth problems, sexual dysfunction, and a variety of other hormone-related conditions.

A dysfunctional endocrine system that comprises hormone-secreting glands, receptors that react to hormones, and organs that are directly affected by hormones is the cause of an endocrine disorder. Any one of these places can experience a malfunction that has a broad impact on the body.

Endocrine disorders come in a variety of common forms, including:

· Hyperthyroidism

· Hypothyroidism

· Cushing’s disease

· Diabetes

Endocrine Disorders Are Typically Grouped Into Two Categories:

1) A hormone imbalance which is characterized by a gland generating too much or too little of a hormone is most frequently the cause of an endocrine problem. This imbalance may result from:

- A genetic condition

- Ailment or infection

- Affected endocrine gland

2) Nodules or tumors that grow in the endocrine system might also cause it to happen. Although an endocrine nodule or lump seldom develops into cancer or spreads to another area of the body, it can interfere with the endocrine system's ability to produce hormones.

The Disorders of the Endocrine System

1. Hypothyroidism

Insufficient thyroid hormone production and release from your thyroid cause hypothyroidism. Your body as a whole suffers as a result of your metabolism decreases. Hypothyroidism sometimes called underactive thyroid disease that is a very typical condition.

When your thyroid levels are extremely low, this is called myxedema. It is a highly dangerous illness and can result in major symptoms like:

· Excessive weight gain

· Chronic fatigue

· Dry skin

· Low tolerance to cold

· Anemia

· Coma

· Heart Failure

Hypothyroidism is typically a highly treatable disorder. Regular medication and follow-up visits with your doctor can help you manage it.

Weight gain and hypothyroidism

When you have hypothyroidism, your blood does not contain enough thyroid hormone which causes your metabolism to slow down. Additionally, you are less inclined to use fat for energy which can result in weight gain. You will gain weight if your hypothyroidism is not treated. To lose weight, you must still limit your calorie intake and engage in physical activity. Discuss weight reduction and how to create a diet that is right for you with your doctor.

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be easily mistaken for those of other diseases which makes a diagnosis challenging. If you experience any hypothyroidism symptoms consult your healthcare provider. The most common method for identifying hypothyroidism is a blood test called the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test. Blood tests may also be requested by your doctor to rule out diseases like Hashimoto's disease. During a physical examination at your consultation, your doctor might be able to feel the thyroid if it is enlarged.

2. Hyperthyroidism

Too much thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland can increase the body's metabolic rate. Food is converted into energy by your metabolism which powers the body's systems. You may encounter a number of symptoms when your metabolism is operating too quickly, including:

· Significant weight loss

· Anxiety and nervousness

· Faster heart rate

· Trouble sleeping

· Muscle weakness

· Increased appetite

· Swelling around the eyes

Weight loss and hyperthyroidism

Your metabolism is regulated by thyroid hormones. Your metabolic rate rises when the thyroid gland starts to produce too many hormones. This indicates that your body begins to burn more calories than it requires and weight loss may result from this.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

There are various methods your doctor might identify hyperthyroidism, including:

- A physical examination of your neck to check for an enlarged thyroid.

- Blood testing to check for elevated thyroid hormone levels.

- Imaging tests to examine your thyroid.

3. Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing's syndrome develops when your body consistently produces too much cortisol. Since it aids in your body's response to stress, cortisol is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone". An overactive adrenal gland produces an excessive amount of cortisol in the bloodstream as a result of chemicals produced by the pituitary gland. Similar to adrenal insufficiency the chemical cortisol impacts numerous bodily functions that makes it challenging to spot issues. However, Cushing's illness has a number of recognizable symptoms, such as:

· A fatty hump between the shoulder blades

· A round face

· High blood problems

· Pulmonary and leg blood clots

· Infections

· Fractures and bone loss of bone density

How is Cushing’s syndrome diagnosed?

Many of the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome may be confused with those of other illnesses such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or metabolic syndrome. Initially, your doctor would want to rule out any other conditions.

A physical examination, lab testing, and your medical history all contribute to the diagnosis. Blood, saliva, or urine tests may be used by doctors to identify Cushing's syndrome. In order to determine whether Cushing's syndrome or another factor is to blame for the excess cortisol, doctors will occasionally perform a follow-up test.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes develops when your body either cannot utilize insulin effectively or when your pancreas cannot generate enough of it. Too much glucose in your bloodstream as a result of diabetes can cause a number of severe health issues. In the US, it is the most prevalent endocrine condition.

Insulin is naturally secreted into the bloodstream by the pancreas. The cells in your body can then absorb the sugar or glucose in your blood due to this insulin. The body uses sugar as an energy source which makes you more alert and energetic, but diabetes lowers the amount of insulin produced. Your blood sugar levels sharply increase as a result of this. These signs include:

· Fatigue

· Continual urination

· Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

· Excessive hunger

How is Diabetes diagnosed?

Doctors can identify type 1 and type 2 diabetes using a few tests.

- A1C test: This test measures your average blood glucose level over 3 months.

- The fasting plasma glucose test evaluates the amount of glucose in your blood after an extended period of fasting, often 8 hours.

- Random plasma glucose test: This test measures your blood glucose level right away if doctors don't want to wait till you've fasted.

- Two assessments of how well your body uses glucose may be used by doctors to determine whether you have gestational diabetes.

- Glucose challenge test: For this test, you must consume a beverage containing glucose. A doctor will draw your blood an hour later to

The Importance of Consulting an Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists are experts in the glands and hormones that they secrete which have an impact on vital physiological functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, cholesterol, hunger, thirst, body temperature, and more. The quality of your life might be negatively impacted by hormonal imbalance but an endocrinologist can help you manage the imbalances.

REFERENCES:

www.webmd.com/diabetes/endocrine-system-disorders

www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/endocrine-disorder

www.philiprabitomd.com/benefits-of-preventive-care-for-endocrine-disorders