Altered Endocrine Function

Pituitary gland

A small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, it is often referred to as the "master gland" because it regulates various hormonal functions by controlling other endocrine glands.

Anterior pituitary gland

• Growth hormone

• ADH

• Prolactin

• TSH

• LH and FSH

Posterior pituitary gland

• Antidiuretic Hormone

• Oxytocin

Hypopituitarism

Under secretion of hormones from pituitary gland. Caused by tumors, hemorrhage, or trauma.

Dwarfism

Short stature (height) that results from genetic condition. Adult 4’10” or less.

Disproportionate dwarfism

Dwarfism where some parts are shorter and some are normal.

Proportionate dwarfism

Dwarfism where an individual is overall shorter than others.

Hyperpituitarism

Over secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland (usually anterior)

Benign tumors

Most frequent cause of overactive pituitary gland.

Arthritis
Chest: Barrel
Rough facial features
Odd sensations
Muscle weakness & fatigue
Growth of coarse hair
Amenorrhea
Loss of vision
Impotence
Snoring

What is the meaning of A.C.R.O.M.E.G.A.L.Y.?

Acromegaly

A chronic metabolic disorder with too much growth hormone and body tissues are enlarged.

Hyperprolactinemia

Lower GnRH, Dopamine, FSH, LH but higher Prolactin levels during pregnancy and lactation.

Prolactinoma

Pituitary gland tumor

Gigantism

A rare condition that causes excessive growth, especially in height, during childhood.

Diabetes Insipidus

Disorder due to injury to hypothalamus or pituitary gland with deficiency of ADH (vasopressin) that results in excretion of large volumes of dilute urine and extreme thirst.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)

Too much ADH which causes the body to retain too much water.

thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin

Thyroid gland produces these three hormones necessary for metabolism.

Thyroxine

Relatively weak hormone, maintains body metabolism in a steady state.

Triiodothyronine

About five times as potent as T4 and has a more rapid metabolic action.

Thyrocalcitonin

Hormone is secreted in response to high plasma levels of calcium.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid disorder that happens when the body doesn’t have enough thyroid hormone. There is iodine deficiency and certain medications include lithium.

Hashimoto’s disease

An autoimmune disorder that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Occurs mostly with women aged 30-50 years. Characterized by inflamed thyroid gland and often progresses to hypothyroidism if untreated.

Levothyroxine

Common medication for thyroid disorders. It is a synthetic T4 hormone that works like a natural hormone.

Myxedema

occurs when the body accumulates too much acid and mucopolysaccharides in the skin, causing it to thicken

Postpartum Thyroiditis

Inflammation of thyroid that occurs one year after birth. It can lead to hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism.

• Fatigue and tiredness

• Weight gain

• Cold intolerance

• Constipation

Signs of Hypothyroidism

• Anxiety and irritability

• Rapid heartbeat and palpitations

• Weight loss

Signs of Hyperthyroidism

Blood tests

What do you take to measure levels of TSH, T3, and T4 hormones?

Endocrinologist

Which doctor specializes in treating thyroid disorders?

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

TSH meaning

Grave’s disease

An autoimmune disorder that leads to overproduction of thyroid hormones where immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.

Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test

Measures how much iodine the thyroid absorbs

Thyroid storm

Also known as thyrotoxic crisis. A rare life-threatening complication of untreated hyperthyroidism. Characterized by extreme production of hormones, leading to hypermetabolic state that result in severe cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Thyroid Tumors

Can be benign or malignant and associated with thyrotoxicosis.

Endemic Goiter

Goiter caused by iodine deficiency

Nodular Goiter

Presence of one or more nodules within the gland. Can be solid or fluid-filled and may lead to hyper of hypothyroidism.

Parathyroid hormone (Parathormone)

The protein hormone produced by the parathyroid glands—regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Hyperparathyroidism

Overproduction of parathyroid hormones characterized by bone decalcification and renal calculi (kidney stones) containing calcium.

Parathyroid scan

Also called a sestamibi scan, providers can use a parathyroid scan to help locate which gland or glands are producing too much PTH.

Hypoparathyroidism

Disease where body secretes abnormally low parathyroid hormone.

• Low blood-calcium level

• Low parathyroid hormone level

• High blood-phosphorus level

Blood tests findings for hypoparathyroidism

Chvostek’s sign

Clinical sign of hypocalcemia which consists of twitching of muscle innervated by facial nerve

Trousseau’s Sign

Clinical sign of hypocalcemia which consists of carpopedal spasm induced by occluding the blood flow of arm for 3 mins

Pheochromocytoma

Type of neuroendocrine tumor that grows from cells called chromaffin cells. These cells produce hormones needed for the body and are found in the adrenal glands.

Adrenocortical Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease)

Disease results from dysfunction of hypothalamus pituitary gland-adrenal gland feedback loop which ends with insufficient steroids.

Cushing’s Disease

Syndrome that results from excessive adrenocortical activity. High levels of cortisol in their bodies.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Inflammatory disorder of the pancreas

Diabetes Mellitus

Disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) resulting from defects in insulin secretion.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Secondary Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

Prediabetes

Common types of Diabetes

Type 1

Diabetes onset any age but usually young (<30)

Type 2

Diabetes that usually obesity is present at diagnosis

Secondary

Diabetes associated with other conditions or syndromes

Gestational

Diabetes onset during pregnancy usually second or third trimester

Prediabetes

Diabetes with previous history of hyperglycemia

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Absence or markedly inadequate amount of insulin

Microvascular complications

Diabetic microvascular disease characterized by capillary basement membrane thickening

Diabetic retinopathy

A diabetes-related eye disease that affects the retina, leading to vision impairment and potentially blindness.

Diabetic nephropathy

A diabetes-related kidney disease that results in damage to the kidneys' filtering system, leading to proteinuria and potential kidney failure.

Diabetic neuropathies

A group of nerve disorders caused by diabetes that result in pain, tingling, or loss of sensation, often affecting the extremities.

Peripheral neuropathy

A type of diabetic neuropathy that specifically affects the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.

Autonomic neuropathies

A group of nerve disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system due to diabetes, leading to issues with involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure.