Title: The Endocrine and Metabolic Systems
Instructor: Mrs. Giomara McBee, PTA, MS, BS from Keiser University
Describe interconnected nature of the endocrine system
Identify primary and secondary endocrine disorders, hormonal imbalances, and red flags for physical therapists
Understand etiology, treatment, and prognosis of diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2
Recognize role of physical therapy for patients with diabetes mellitus
Explain importance of fluid and electrolyte balance in metabolism
Describe signs and symptoms of common endocrine and metabolic diseases
Acronyms:
Acr/o: Extremities
Aden/o: Gland
Calc/o: Calcium
Cortic/o: Outer layer
Crin/o: To secrete
Gluc/o: Glucose
Glyc/o: Sugar
Kal/I: Potassium
Natr/o: Sodium
Ophthalm/o: Eye
Exophthalmos:
Definition: Condition where the eyes protrude (e.g., in Graves' disease)
Glycosuria: High glucose excreted in urine
Polydipsia: Excessive thirst
Hypercalcemia: High calcium levels in blood
Hyperglycemia: High glucose levels in blood
Hyperkalemia: High levels of potassium in blood
Hypocalcemia: Low calcium levels in blood
Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels in blood
Secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream
Maintains homeostasis, which helps organisms adapt for survival
Coordinates male and female reproductive systems
Regulates optimal internal environment through life span
Initiates adaptive responses to emergencies
Influences reproductive and CNS differentiation in the fetus
Stimulates growth and development during childhood
Organic compounds involved in stress response
Functions include:
Breaking down molecules (glycolysis)
Increasing heart muscle contraction, cardiac output, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels
Enhancing lipid breakdown
Stressors leading to catecholamine release: exercise, thermal changes, emotional stress
Related hormones: Adrenaline, Cortisol, Glucagon
Catabolism:
Breaks down complex molecules, releasing energy
Examples: Glycolysis, digestion of proteins into amino acids
Anabolism:
Builds molecules necessary for bodily function, consuming energy
Examples: Bone development, muscle hypertrophy, lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis
Diet: high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, avoid processed foods
Habits:
Limit alcohol, avoid smoking/substances
Regular sleep (minimum 7 hours), stress relief strategies
Stay hydrated and exercise regularly
Uncontrollable factors: age, gender, genetics
Anabolic (Strength) Workouts:
Examples: Weight lifting, push-ups, squats
Initiates muscle repair and strengthening
Catabolic (Endurance) Workouts:
Examples: Running, swimming, biking
Higher demand for oxygen and energy, burns glucose and fat
Display of stress management and session acknowledgment
Primary visceral control of homeostasis
Controls:
Blood pressure, heart rate, pupillary response
Emotional responses (pleasure, fear, rage, and sex drive)
Body temperature regulation
Food intake and hunger satisfaction
Water balance and thirst through ADH action
Sleep-wake cycle with light/dark stimuli
Anterior Pituitary Gland:
Hormones: Prolactin, Growth Hormone (HGH), TSH, Luteinizing Hormone, FSH, ACTH, MSH
Posterior Pituitary Gland:
Hormones: Oxytocin, ADH (controls kidney tubule permeability to conserve water)
Growth Hormone: Targets bones, muscles, organs
Follicle-stimulating Hormone: Targets ovaries & testes
Luteinizing Hormone: Targets ovaries & testes
TSH: Targets thyroid gland
ACTH: Targets adrenal cortex
Prolactin: Targets mammary glands
Oxytocin: Targets uterus & mammary glands
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Targets kidneys
Thyroid:
Regulates metabolic rate, protein synthesis
Releases T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)
Calcitonin lower calcium levels in blood
Parathyroid:
Raises calcium levels via PTH, absorbs calcium through kidneys and GI tract
Thyroid Hormones:
T4 & T3: Normal development and cellular metabolism
Calcitonin: Regulated by hypercalcemia for calcium storage
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH):
Increases blood calcium in response to hypocalcemia
Location: Above each kidney (outer cortex & inner medulla)
Functions:
Produces corticosteroids for bodily functions, stress response, and electrolyte balance
Medulla produces epinephrine for increased heart rate and blood pressure during stress
Adrenal Cortex:
Androgens: Increases masculinity in ovaries and testes
Aldosterone: Sodium reabsorption in kidneys, potassium excretion
Cortisol: Influences metabolism, suppresses inflammation
Adrenal Medulla:
Epinephrine: Increases heart rate, blood pressure
Norepinephrine: Causes vasoconstriction in various tissues
Secretes insulin and glucagon, as well as digestive enzymes
Contains Islets of Langerhans:
Alpha cells: Produce glucagon to increase blood sugar levels
Beta cells: Produce insulin to decrease blood sugar levels
Glucagon:
Target: Liver
Function: Increases blood glucose via glycogen breakdown
Regulation: By hypoglycemia
Insulin:
Target: All body systems
Function: Decreases blood glucose, aids in fat, protein, carbohydrate storage
Regulation: By hyperglycemia
Hypopituitarism:
Decreased hormone secretion from anterior pituitary
Associated disorders: Dwarfism, delayed growth/puberty
Treatment: Hormonal replacement therapy
Hyperpituitarism:
Excess hormonal secretion
Disorders: Gigantism, hirsutism
Treatment: Surgery, radiation, hormone suppression
Excessive thyroid hormone secretion, mostly due to autoimmune disease
Symptoms:
Tachycardia, increased metabolism leading to weight loss, nervousness
Negative nitrogen balance and nutritional deficiencies
Enlargement of thyroid (goiter), heat intolerance, weight loss despite increased appetite
Additional symptoms: excessive sweating, diarrhea, tremors, palpitations, dyspnea, exophthalmos
Enlargement of thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency or inflammation
Symptoms:
Neck swelling, breathing difficulties, dysphagia
Treatment: Antithyroid medications, surgery, effective in most cases
Deficiency in thyroid hormone causing decreased metabolism
Symptoms: Weight gain, cold intolerance, fatigue
Causes: Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Treatment: Oral thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Hypothyroidism:
Symptoms: Depression, fatigue, weight gain
Neuromuscular issues: Muscle weakness, paresthesia
Hyperthyroidism:
Symptoms: Tremors, tachycardia, increased appetite, weight loss, insomnia
Excessive PTH leading to calcium/phosphate/bone metabolism disruption
Risks: Osteoporosis, fractures, kidney damage
Treatment: Diuretics, medications, surgical removal if necessary
PTA Implications: Minimize injury risk, adjust environments for safety
Decreased PTH leading to low calcium, high phosphate
Symptoms: Muscle spasms, tetany
Treatment: Intravenous calcium for rapid serum elevation
Hypoparathyroidism:
Decreased bone resorption, hypocalcemia
Compromised breathing and potential arrhythmias
Hyperparathyroidism:
Increased bone resorption, risks of fractures and renal damage
Chronic disorder marked by hyperglycemia, affects metabolism of carbs, fats, proteins
Normal Blood Sugar Levels:
Fasting: <100 mg/dL
2 hours after eating: <140 mg/dL
Diabetes Diagnosis:
Fasting: >125 mg/dL
2 hours post-meal: >200 mg/dL
Lack of insulin production by pancreas, often diagnosed in childhood
Causes: Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
Treatment: Exogenous insulin, nutritional management, possible insulin pump use
Common in those over 45; increasing incidence in children due to obesity
Etiology: Insulin resistance and inadequate secretion
Management: Diet, exercise, oral medications
Type 1 DM:
Abrupt onset, generally <25 years old, very little or no insulin
Type 2 DM:
Gradual onset, generally >45 years old, variable insulin production
Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, blurred vision, glucosuria
Atherosclerosis: due to chronic hyperglycemia
Nephropathy: kidney damage from high glucose levels
Charcot’s foot: risk due to peripheral neuropathy
Increased incidence of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren’s contracture among DM patients
Ulceration risks due to sensory loss
Ketoacidosis:
Results from insulin insufficiency; signs include ketone breath, dehydration
Hypoglycemia:
Signs: Sweating, headache, shakiness; treatment with sugary drinks or candy
Primary adrenal insufficiency: decreased cortisol and aldosterone production
Symptoms: Weakness, low blood pressure, weight loss, increased pigmentation
Treatment: Fluids, electrolytes, cortisol
Overactivity of the adrenal gland causing excess cortisol
Symptoms: Hyperglycemia, obesity (“moon face”), mental changes
Treatment: Variances, including radiation and glucocorticoids
Extremely high mortality; can metastasize widely
Risk factors: Tobacco, age
Symptoms: Weight loss, jaundice
Treatment focuses on symptom relief
Goodman's "Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant"
Fremgen's "Medical Terminology: A Living Language"
Giles' "PTA Exam: The Complete Study Guide"