pharm 3/20/25

Understanding Hormonal Disorders

• Importance of recognizing symptoms of endocrine imbalances:

  • High and Low Blood Sugar:

    • Signs and symptoms to monitor for diabetic patients.

  • Hypokalemia:

    • Be aware of potassium levels; hypokalemia can also affect muscles and heart.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

• TSH is produced by the pituitary gland:

  • Regulation of thyroid function is essential.

  • High TSH: Indicates hypothyroidism (thyroid underactive).

  • Low TSH: Suggests hyperthyroidism (thyroid overactive).

  • Visual aids (arrows) can help with memory retention.

Diabetes Mellitus vs. Diabetes Insipidus

• Diabetes Mellitus: Related to blood sugar regulation (Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes).

• Diabetes Insipidus:

  • Unrelated to blood glucose; relates to fluid balance.

  • Often caused by head injury or pituitary tumor that disables ADH production.

  • Characterized by excessive urination & dehydration.

Hormonal Therapies and Steroids

• Pituitary Gland Functions:

  • Secretes hormones impacting various body functions including growth and stress responses.

• Steroids:

  • Functions: Increase blood glucose, reduce inflammation, and have risks like infection and bone loss.

  • Adverse Effects: Importance of monitoring during steroid therapy.

  • Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease): Symptoms include hypoglycemia and GI disturbances.

Vasopressin in Diabetes Insipidus Treatment

• Mechanism of Action: Helps retain fluid, corrects fluid imbalance.

  • Monitor for Fluid Overload: Signs include weight gain, hypertension, and pulmonary edema (crackles in lung auscultation).

  • Risks include heart attack due to increased pressure on the cardiovascular system.

Hyponatremia Considerations

• Low sodium levels can lead to serious neurological issues such as seizures.

Risks with Hormonal Birth Control

• Adverse Effects: Mood changes, risk of thromboembolism (DVTs).

  • Identifying DVT Symptoms: Warmth, pain, swelling.

  • Increased risk of stroke or pulmonary embolism (PE), especially in pregnant or high-risk patients.

Understanding Implicit Bias in Healthcare

• Implications for transgender patients in hormonal therapies and overall healthcare equity.

  • Recognition of biases that affect treatment and access to care.

• Importance of treating all patients with respect to develop awareness of their healthcare needs.

Summary of Key Terms and Concepts

• Adverse Effects: fluid overload, water intoxication, MI risks with vasopressin, hypokalemia complications.

• Comparison of Disorders: Consider the role and function of hormones and the endocrine system in managing health conditions.