Endocrine disorders descriptions

Acidosis

Excessive acidity of bodily fluids because of the accumulation of acids, as in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Adenoma

A neoplasm or tumor of a gland, as in a pituitary adenoma.

Cretinism

Congenital condition caused by a deficiency in the secretion of thyroid hormones; may result in arrested physical and mental development.

Cushing’s Syndrome

• Condition: Cushing’s syndrome (may be associated with adrenal tumors).

• Cause: Excessive secretion of adrenal cortex hormones, especially cortisol.

• Symptoms: Weakness, edema (swelling), excess hair growth, skin discoloration, and osteoporosis.

Memory trick: Cushing’s = Too much cortisol

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

Disorder caused by the inadequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland; polyuria and polydipsia are symptoms

Diabetic Retinopathy

Secondary complication of diabetes mellitus (DM); affects the blood vessels of the retina, resulting in visual changes and even blindness

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

An autoimmune disease that causes thyroid inflammation and hypothyroidism.

Hirsutism

• Definition: Excessive hair growth in females in an adult male pattern.

• Cause: May result from a hormonal imbalance, especially excess androgens.

Memory trick: Hirsutism = Male-pattern hair growth in females

Hypercalcemia

Condition of having an excessive amount of calcium in the blood.

Hyperglycemia

Having an excessive amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Hyperkalemia

Condition of having an excessive amount of potassium in the blood.

Hyperthyroidism

Condition that results from overactivity of the thyroid gland; Grave’s disease is an example of a hyperactive thyroid with an autoimmune component

Hypoglycemia

Condition of low amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood

Hypothyroidism

• Definition: Undersecretion of thyroid hormones.

• Effect: Decreases basal metabolic rate (BMR).

• Symptoms: Obesity/weight gain, dry skin, slow pulse, low blood pressure, sluggishness, and possible goiter.

• Treatment: Synthetic thyroid hormone replacement.

Memory trick: Hypothyroidism = Low thyroid hormones → Slow metabolism

Ketoacidosis

Acidosis caused by an excess of ketone bodies (waste products); can result in death for the diabetic patient if not reversed

Myasthenia Gravis

• Definition: A condition causing severe muscle weakness and progressive fatigue.

• Symptoms: Difficulty chewing and swallowing, drooping eyelids, and muscle weakness.

• Treatment: If caused by a thymoma (tumor of the thymus), treatment may include surgical removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy).

Memory trick: Myasthenia gravis = Muscle weakness + Fatigue

Myxedema

• Definition: Severe hypothyroidism in adults caused by low thyroid hormone secretion.

• Symptoms: Anemia, slow speech, enlarged tongue and facial features, edematous (swollen) skin, drowsiness, and mental apathy.

Memory trick: Myxedema = Low thyroid hormones + Puffy skin + Sluggishness

Thyrotoxicosis

• Definition: Overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).

• Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, tremors, enlarged thyroid (goiter), exophthalmos (bulging eyes), and weight loss.

Memory trick: Hyperthyroidism = High hormones → Fast metabolism + Weight loss

Von Recklinghausen Disease

Excessive production of parathyroid hormone; results in degeneration of the bones