List of major diseases of the endocrine system: causes, signs, symptoms. What tests are taken for diseases of the endocrine system? Endocrine system - symptoms of the disease and causes of pathologies Endocrine diseases in women symptoms

Regulation of the activity of the endocrine glands is carried out by the autonomic nerve centers of the interstitial brain through autonomic nerve fibers and through the pituitary gland under the control of the cerebral cortex. The nervous and endocrine systems are closely interconnected and constantly interact.

The endocrine glands have a great influence on the growth and development of the body, metabolic processes, excitability and tone of the nervous system. Features of the functioning of individual parts of the endocrine system play a large role in the formation of the body in general and its constitutional characteristics in particular.

The natural course of age-related changes in the body can be dramatically disrupted under the influence of internal secretion disorders from one or more endocrine glands.

Causes of endocrine system disorders: 1. Primary disorders functions of peripheral endocrine glands.

Various pathological processes can develop in the gland itself and lead to disruption of the formation and secretion of the corresponding hormones.

Infections occupy an important place among the causes of damage to peripheral endocrine glands. Some of them (for example, tuberculosis, syphilis) can be localized in various glands, causing their gradual destruction, in other cases there is a certain selectivity of damage (for example, meningococcal sepsis is often accompanied by hemorrhage in the adrenal glands, viral parotitis often causes orchitis and testicular atrophy, and orchitis may also occur with gonorrhea, etc.).

A common cause of gland damage and hormone production disorders are tumors that can develop in any gland. The nature of endocrine disorders depends on the nature of the tumor. If the tumor originates from secretory cells, excess amounts of hormones are usually produced and a picture of hyperfunction of the gland occurs. If the tumor does not secrete the hormone, but only compresses and causes atrophy or destroys the tissue of the gland, its progressive hypofunction develops. Often tumors are metastatic in nature. In some cases, tumors of the endocrine glands produce hormones that are not characteristic of this gland; ectopic foci of hormone production are also possible in tumors of non-endocrine organs.

Endocrine system disorders can be caused by congenital defects in the development of glands or their atrophy. The latter is caused by various reasons: sclerotic process, chronic inflammation, age-related involution, hormonally active tumor of the paired gland, long-term treatment with exogenous hormones, etc. Damage and atrophy of the gland are sometimes based on autoimmune processes (for example, in some forms of diabetes mellitus, adrenal gland diseases, thyroid gland, etc.).

Autoimmune processes can also cause hyperproduction of hormones (for example, by the thyroid gland).

The formation of hormones is disrupted due to hereditary defects in the enzymes necessary for their synthesis, or inactivation (blockade) of these enzymes. In this way, for example, some forms of corticogenital syndrome, endemic cretinism and other endocrine diseases arise. It is also possible that abnormal forms of hormones are formed in the gland. Such hormones have inferior activity or are completely devoid of it. In some cases, the intraglandular conversion of prohormone into hormone is disrupted, and therefore inactive forms are released into the blood.

The cause of disturbances in the biosynthesis of hormones can be a deficiency of specific substrates included in their composition (for example, iodine, necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones).

One of the causes of endocrine disorders is the depletion of hormone biosynthesis as a result of prolonged stimulation of the gland and its hyperfunction. In this way, some forms of pancreatic islet beta cell failure occur, stimulated by prolonged hyperglycemia.

2. Extraglandular(peripheral) forms of endocrine disorders.

Even with completely normal function of the peripheral glands and adequate body demand for hormone secretion, various endocrinopathies can occur.

The causes of such extraglandular “peripheral” endocrine disorders may be disturbances in the binding of hormones to proteins at the stage of their transport to target cells, inactivation or destruction of the circulating hormone, disturbances in the reception of hormones and their metabolism, and disturbances in permissive mechanisms.

Inactivation of circulating hormones, according to modern concepts, is most often associated with the formation of antibodies to them. This possibility has been established in relation to exogenous hormones: insulin, ACTH, growth hormone.

The possibility of forming autoantibodies to one’s own hormones has now been proven. The possibility of other ways of inactivating hormones at the stage of their circulation cannot be excluded.

An important form of extraglandular endocrine disorders is associated with disturbances in hormone reception in target cells - on their surface or inside the cell. Such phenomena may be a consequence of the genetically determined absence or small number of receptors, defects in their structure, various cell damage, competitive blockade of receptors by “antihormones,” gross shifts in the physicochemical properties of the pericellular and intracellular environment.

Great importance is currently attached to antireceptor antibodies. It is believed that the mechanisms of production of antireceptor antibodies may be associated with certain features of the immune system itself.

The formation of antibodies may be caused by a viral infection; it is assumed that in such cases the virus binds to a hormonal receptor on the cell surface and provokes the formation of antireceptor antibodies.

One form of insufficiency of hormonal effects may be associated with a violation of the permissive “mediating” action of hormones.

Thus, the lack of cortisol, which has a powerful and versatile permissive effect on catecholamines, sharply weakens the glycogenolytic, lipolytic effects of adrenaline, the pressor effect and some other effects of catecholamines.

In the absence of the required quantities of thyroid hormones, the action of somatotropic hormone cannot be realized normally in the early stages of development of the body.

Violation of the “mutual assistance” of hormones can lead to other endocrine disorders.

Endocrinopathies can occur as a result of disturbances in hormone metabolism. A significant part of hormones is destroyed in the liver, and with its lesions (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.), signs of endocrine disorders are often observed. Excessive activity of enzymes involved in hormone metabolism is also possible.

Thus, the causes and mechanisms of endocrine disorders are very diverse.

Moreover, these disorders are not always based on insufficient or excessive production of the corresponding hormones, but always on the inadequacy of their peripheral effects in target cells, leading to a complex interweaving of metabolic, structural and functional disorders.

The field of study of endocrinology is the medical aspects of the structure and functioning of the endocrine glands (or endocrine glands), the study of the biologically highly active substances they produce - hormones and their effect on the body, as well as diseases that arise in connection with disruption of the activity of these glands or the production of hormones. Endocrinology is closely related to almost all areas of clinical medicine, since hormones control the most important processes occurring in the body: growth, maturation, reproduction, metabolism, and the proper functioning of organs and systems.

Modern directions in endocrinology are neuroendocrinology, which studies the relationship between the nervous and endocrine regulation of the body, and gynecological endocrinology, which deals with the correction of hormonal disorders in the female body.

The endocrine system combines anatomically unrelated endocrine glands: pineal gland, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, thymus gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, gonads. Most diseases of the endocrine glands cause severe disturbances in vital functions, not excluding death, if not addressed in time. endocrinologist.

The most pressing problems of modern endocrinology are the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases ( diffuse toxic goiter, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, thyroid cysts), diabetes mellitus, diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary system ( acromegaly, gigantism,hypothalamic syndrome, diabetes insipidus, lactation problems, prolactinoma), adrenal gland diseases ( adrenal insufficiency, adrenal tumors), dysfunction of the gonads ( endocrine infertility). Today, thanks to the knowledge and practical experience accumulated by endocrinology, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life of patients with endocrine pathology.

Deteriorating environmental conditions, stress, unbalanced nutrition, and family history often cause disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands and lead to the development of endocrine diseases. Diseases of the endocrine system, as a rule, are long-term and severe. Therefore, it is important to prevent their occurrence in time, identify them as early as possible, or prevent the development of their complications.

Contacting an endocrinologist is necessary if:

Close relatives have any endocrine pathology: diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, etc.

you are overweight

you have symptoms: increased heart rate, sweating or dry skin, fatigue or irritability, thirst and increased urination, change in skin color, etc.

the child has delayed mental, physical, or sexual development

menstrual function is impaired

you are planning a pregnancy or have problems with its occurrence

you already have an endocrine disease and require observation and treatment.

To diagnose endocrine pathology, a comprehensive examination is used, including a study of the patient’s medical history, tests for the content of various hormones, ultrasound of the glands, and magnetic resonance imaging. Based on the data obtained, the issue of further conservative or surgical treatment is decided.

Treatment of endocrine diseases is aimed at correcting hormonal disorders, achieving stable remission of the pathological process and restoring the patient’s normal quality of life.

The endocrine system is responsible for controlling all major functions in the body, so even the slightest hormonal imbalance requires special attention. Questions regarding diseases of the human endocrine system concern a large number of patients, since hormonal disorders lead to disruptions in the normal functionality of many organs and systems of the human body. In cases where the required treatment is not followed, such negligence leads to very unpleasant consequences.

Hormonal disorders mean: a decrease or increase in height and weight, emotional instability and an unbalanced mental state. The human endocrine system becomes an active participant in the functioning of the body, which means the digestion of consumed food and maintaining a healthy state of the body. The glands of the endocrine system include: the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and the gonads.

For example, the pituitary gland produces several hormones, one of which is growth hormone, which affects human height. With an acute lack of such hormones in the body, growth stops, and the body length of an adult is only one meter and twenty centimeters. If the hormone is produced in excess, the body length of an adult exceeds two meters.

Endocrine glands are responsible for the normal functioning of the patient’s nervous and immune systems and help maintain a good acid state in the body. Thanks to the endocrine glands, hormones are produced that, through chemical reactions, react with the activities of human organs.

Not every disease can become a cause that causes dysfunction of the endocrine glands and hormonal imbalances. In such cases, an endocrinologist will not always be able to help; sometimes it is best to consult a completely different specialist, for example, in case of sexual dysfunction, it is best to contact a urologist or gynecologist; in case of emotional instability, a psychotherapist will help.

In any case, in order to make an adequate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, consultation with a qualified specialist is necessary. Typically, diseases of the endocrine system are associated with either an excess or lack of hormone production, which contribute to the development of pathological processes.

The etiology of endocrine system disease in modern medical practice is still too little studied. Pathological changes in the endocrine system may be associated with genetic abnormalities, inflammatory processes and neoplasms, and disorders of tissue sensitivity to hormones. Modern medicine identifies among the most common diseases of the endocrine system: diabetes mellitus, toxic diffuse goiter and dysfunction of the gonads.

However, despite all the most modern research methods, the endocrine glands and diseases associated with it still remain the most mysterious and poorly understood, so it is important to adhere to the general rules of prevention and recommendations from qualified specialists.

The signs and symptoms that are associated with endocrine disorder diseases are numerous and can be severe and can affect almost all areas and functions of the human body. Symptoms that are observed in patients with disorders associated with the endocrine system:

A sharp decrease or, conversely, a sharp increase in body weight;
Sudden change of mood;
Either an increase or decrease in body temperature and fever;
Increased sweating;
Menstrual irregularities in women;
Change in normal heart rhythm;
Impaired memory and concentration;
Frequent headaches;
Fatigue, weakness and drowsiness;
A constant feeling of thirst, which is mainly observed in patients with diabetes;
Excessive excitability;
Decreased sexual desire;
Frequent urge to urinate.

All of the above symptoms are common in most patients with disorders associated with diseases of the endocrine system. Since these symptoms are not specific, and almost everyone encounters them, it is not necessary to immediately seek help from a professional endocrinologist; it is worth monitoring your health for some time.

Most diseases that cause endocrine glands have external manifestations; they, in combination with the indicated symptoms, can give the most vivid picture of the manifestation of signs of the disease.

Such manifestations are characterized by the following: the patient’s facial expression changes, the size of the brow ridges increases, the skin changes, possibly hair loss or, conversely, excessive hair growth. Due to the unfavorable conditions that now surround the majority of the country's population, the thyroid gland is at particular risk.

The control implied by the endocrine system is characterized by the age and gender of the person. It also has a significant impact on the normal functioning of the metabolic process and the central nervous system, and with their help on all other vital functions. Signs characteristic of age are associated with the natural course of age-related changes, which can be dramatically disrupted under the influence of disorders of internal secretion from one or more endocrine glands.

It happens that due to such a disorder, it is possible that earlier puberty occurs, which is observed mainly with malignant neoplasms of the gonads. Removal of such a tumor normalizes the functioning of the gonads. Sexual characteristics are responsible for the sexual differentiation of the body, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics belonging to the gonads.

A decrease in their functionality implies the development of a special body structure, which is characterized by increased growth in the length of the limbs; in male patients, a female pelvic structure develops and there is no body hair.

Despite all the listed symptoms and signs, it should be remembered that most diseases that affect the endocrine glands are hereditary in nature, so it is worth asking what diseases your closest relatives have. It should be remembered that the symptoms and signs associated with endocrine diseases depend on their type and nature of occurrence; it is important to assign the correct diagnosis and begin to treat these symptoms in a timely manner.

It is very important for the attending physician to diagnose all past pathological processes that could have caused the disease. Very often, characteristic external signs can indicate the development of a particular disease, for example, overly enlarged lips or ears can indicate acromegaly, and a noticeable deformation of the neck indicates a malfunction of the thyroid gland.

Necessary treatment

In modern medical practice, treatment that involves the endocrine system is carried out using hormonal medications. In the case where the main causes are excessive or insufficient active participation of the glands, problems associated with restorative functionality arise.

To eliminate the symptoms and first signs, hormones are introduced into the patient’s body, which reduce the excessive activity of the functioning elements of the endocrine system. In especially severe cases, when a person has to remove part of the gland or cut out the organ completely, then such drugs must be taken for the rest of his life.

For prevention, anti-inflammatory and restorative medications are often prescribed, and treatment with radioactive iodine is also used. Of course, the most effective treatment method is surgery, but qualified specialists try to use this method only in rare cases.

This treatment is used only if the resulting tumor harms the endocrine system. For neoplasms from which the endocrine system also suffers, the method of surgical intervention is used.

Nutrition is selected by the doctor depending on which endocrine gland is damaged. Dietary nutrition is prescribed if there are no concomitant diseases that can be aggravated by diabetes, in which case the specialist first prescribes a trial diet. Trial menu table:

Meat and fish – two hundred and fifty grams;
Cottage cheese - three hundred grams;
Cheese - twenty-five grams;
Fermented milk products – five hundred grams;
Rye bread – one hundred grams;
Butter and vegetable oil - sixty grams;
All vegetables, with the exception of potatoes and beans - one thousand grams;
Fresh fruits except bananas and grapes - three hundred grams.

For patients who are overweight, a trial diet is prescribed for prevention; it should have a low energy content; such a restriction of fat intake helps to reduce weight.

The endocrine system can also be cured using folk methods, which involve taking infusions of medicinal herbs; this method is designed to take a large number of herbs, such as: thyme, yarrow, lemon balm, mint, wormwood, sage, chamomile and many others. Such fees help stabilize metabolic processes and contribute to the intake of important microelements into the body.

Prevention of emerging symptoms and diseases of the endocrine system includes regular intake of biologically active and iodine-containing food supplements. It should be remembered that it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle and adhere to the necessary prevention in order to minimize and minimize the risks associated with diseases of the endocrine system.

The endocrine system refers to the totality that is responsible for the formation of hormones in the human body. In turn, hormones affect the condition of cells and internal organs, thereby regulating their normal functioning. The endocrine system can be divided into 2 types, these are the glandular and diffuse systems. It is these 2 types of endocrine system that form the endocrine gland. In turn, after entering the blood, hormones penetrate into all organs.

There are also 2 types of endocrine glands - endocrine and mixed glands.

Endocrine glands include:

The pineal gland is part of the endocrine system. The pineal gland is located in the brain. Malfunction of the pineal gland leads to diabetes, depression and tumor formation;
nuclei of the brain - participate in the general control of the entire endocrine system. Malfunctions in the functioning of the brain nuclei can lead to disruptions in the integral functioning of the entire organism;
The pituitary gland is a brain appendage; its main function is to secrete a hormone that is responsible for human growth, as well as ensuring the full functioning of the nervous system. Disturbances in the functioning of the pituitary gland lead to obesity, exhaustion of the body, a slowdown in the growth process, and cessation of the development of the gonads;
thyroid gland. This gland is located in the neck. Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are responsible for creating the body's immunity and affecting the nervous system. A small amount of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland leads to disturbances in the functioning of the digestive tract, dystrophy, excessive sweating, nervous and mental disorders;
adrenal gland - responsible for norepinephrine. An increased concentration of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands leads to the formation of malignant tumors and early puberty. Insufficient functioning of the adrenal gland leads to darkening and severe pigmentation of the skin, negatively affects the body's immune system and increases the amount of sugar in the blood.

Mixed glands include:

ovaries (cells of the female genital organs) and testes (cells of the male genital organs) - secrete hormones called estrogen, progesterone, testosterone;
pancreas - considered an organ of the digestive system and secretes a hormone that produces sugar and insulin;
paraganglia are remnants of the adrenaline system. Malfunctions of the paraganglia lead to the formation of tumors;
parathyroid gland. The parathyroid hormone is directly related to the concentration of calcium in the body, which ensures the normal functioning of motor function;
thymus gland. , responsible for the formation of new cells in the immune system. The lack of hormones produced by the thymus gland leads to a severe decrease in immunity and, accordingly, does not perform the body’s protective function against viruses and bacteria.

Functions of the endocrine system

The endocrine system plays a huge role in the human body. Its functions include:

ensuring the full functioning of all organs;
participation in all changes in the body;
regulation of body development;
ensuring the reproductive function of the body;
metabolic control;
is responsible for the emotional and psychological state of a person.

Therefore, any disease of the endocrine system leads to disruption of the integral functioning of the body. The main function of the glands located in the endocrine system is the release of hormones into the blood.

Disruption of work processes in the endocrine system

It is not uncommon for doctors to find it difficult to diagnose an endocrine system disorder, since the signs of this disease are easily confused with the symptoms of another disease. In fact, violations immediately affect the functioning of the entire body. Diseases of the endocrine system can be identified by numerous symptoms.

Endocrine system disorders are divided into 2 types - an excess of a function performed or an insufficiency of a function performed. That is, disturbances occur in the human body, both with an increased amount of hormones and with a decreased amount.

Symptoms of endocrine system dysfunction

Disruptions to the endocrine system immediately cause certain disruptions in the body. Symptoms of endocrine system disruption include:

increase or decrease in body weight. This disorder can be noticed when a person eats a properly balanced diet, but does not lose excess weight. It is possible to carry out the opposite process. Body weight decreases with a high-calorie diet;
increased sweating – a person begins to sweat heavily even when performing minor physical activity;
disruption of the heart - often the patient experiences rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath;
an unrelated increase in body temperature - a sharp increase in body temperature for no apparent reason may indicate a hormonal imbalance in the body;
changes in the condition of the skin - increased body hair growth, excessive oily or dry skin, acne;
pressure surges - a sharp increase and decrease in pressure during the day, accompanied by a headache;
unbearable fatigue – even after a long rest a person does not feel in good shape;
in women, menstrual irregularities - delay, scanty discharge, excessive discharge, pain during menstruation - all this is the cause of hormonal imbalance in the body;
excessive growth of different parts of the body - disproportionately large limbs or other parts of the body indicate disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system;
deterioration of vision - a sudden loss of vision occurs, in the absence of visible reasons;
a constant feeling of thirst - this symptom often accompanies all people with diseases of the endocrine system.
memory impairment - forgetfulness or the development of sclerosis indicates an imbalance in the human body;
digestive system disorders - occur even with a balanced diet.

Causes of endocrine system disorders and their classification

The exact causes of disruption of the endocrine system are not known, but presumably it can be concluded that malfunctions occur due to:

hereditary predisposition to diseases of the endocrine system;
drinking alcohol and smoking;
bad environment;
poor nutrition;
stress;
various injuries;
viruses and infections that have entered the body;
the presence of tumors in the body;
age-related changes;
great physical activity.

Classification of diseases of the endocrine system

Endocrinological diseases are directly related to the production of hormones, the deficiency or increased concentration of which causes diseases. The main diseases of the endocrine system are:

– this disease is caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland, which is not able to produce the required amount of insulin. A malfunction occurs in the human body, and it becomes unable to fully absorb fats, carbohydrates and glucose, thereby causing hyperglycemia;
- another thyroid disease, the symptoms of this disease are more often observed in women than in men. A lack of hormone produced by the thyroid gland causes a feeling of fatigue and weakness;
Goiter is a disease that involves an enlargement of the thyroid gland, several times larger than normal. The main reason for the development of goiter is the small amount of iodine entering the human body;
– the disease manifests itself when there is excessive production of a hormone that controls the growth process of the body. In an adult, this disease manifests itself in the form of a disproportionate increase in different parts of the body;
– During the course of the disease, the immune system releases antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland.
– the symptoms of this disease are convulsions that occur for no reason;
– the disease occurs when there is insufficient amount of the hormone – vasopressin, which regulates the amount of water in the human body. A symptom of this disease is a feeling of extreme thirst;
– occurs in the process of increased work of the adrenal glands. Increased secretion of ardenocorticotropic hormone leads to obesity, changes in the skin, and excessive hair growth.

This is not the entire list of diseases associated with the endocrine system. The detection of even minor symptoms should be a reason to consult a doctor for advice.

Disruption of the endocrine system in children

They occur no less frequently than in adults. Diagnosing and treating children with endocrine pathologies is not easy. The main reasons for the development of diseases in a child are heredity and external factors. Detecting a disease of the endocrine system in a child in the later stages can cause serious health problems in the future. Endocrine pathology causes disturbances in the physical, psychological and sexual development of a child. Incorrect treatment or its complete absence leads to changes in the functioning of the nervous system and the occurrence of incurable diseases.

To prevent endocrine diseases in children, it is worth implementing a number of preventive measures, such as:

proper nutrition;
limit the child from all kinds of stress;
get your child used to physical exercise.

Endocrine diseases that manifest themselves in children due to genetic prerequisites require constant monitoring by an endocrinologist, monthly examination and compliance with preventive measures. In difficult cases, prevention of diseases of the endocrine system in children facilitates the development of the disease and prevents its complications.

Children are considered the main group at risk for endocrine system disorders, because even artificial feeding can later cause diabetes.

Symptoms that appear in children with pathologies

By observing your child, you can quickly notice disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system; this may be indicated by the following facts:

drinking large amounts of liquid, more than 5 liters per day;
weight loss;
vomit;
lethargy and nervousness;
dry skin;
swelling;
by three months the child is not able to hold his head up on his own;
delayed puberty or premature puberty.

When you first notice the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diseases of the endocrine system in women

According to statistics, women suffer from endocrine disorders more often than men. Lack of treatment for endocrine diseases can cause infertility, as hormonal imbalances in the female body primarily affect the ovaries. Endocrine disorders in women first lead to inflammatory processes occurring in the genital organs, and then lead to infertility. The reason for this can be not only improper production of hormones, but also constant stress, which has a detrimental effect on the body.

Diseases in women are much more difficult to treat than in men. The presence of endocrine system disorders and symptoms in women may not appear immediately. Even an ordinary menstrual delay may indicate existing problems with the endocrine system. When the endocrine system in women is disrupted, the pancreas and thyroid gland are also at risk. Problems with the endocrine system may be indicated by: rapid metabolism, tachycardia, poor circulation in the extremities, increased sweating, nervousness and insomnia. Other reasons for contacting an endocrinologist may include: obesity, accompanied by rapid weight gain, increased hair growth throughout the body, and a sharp deterioration in vision.

To prevent endocrine diseases, it is enough to adhere to proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, and to avoid nervous breakdowns. Often, during examination, endocrine disease is detected after 50 years. This is due to age-related changes in the body and hormonal changes. In this case, the woman experiences discomfort from hot flashes, insomnia, pressure surges, and a nervous state.

During pregnancy, strong hormonal changes occur in a woman's body, which can lead to the threat of miscarriage, complications during childbirth, low lactation and depression. A completely uncompleted course of treatment is quite dangerous; it can lead to the development of asthma, infertility, diabetes mellitus and the formation of malignant tumors. Treatment of abnormalities in the endocrine system in women is mainly carried out with hormonal drugs, which can be of natural origin or artificially created.

Diseases of the endocrine system in men

Hormonal disorders in men often manifest themselves either in adolescence or in old age. The cause of hormonal imbalance is an insufficient amount of testosterone in the body. An insufficient amount of the hormone in the blood may be associated with congenital pathology, the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine or drugs on the body, or the development of infectious diseases in the body. The symptoms that appear in men during endocrine system disruption are similar to the general symptoms in women and children.

Diagnosis of disorders in the endocrine system

Only an endocrinologist can make a diagnosis. To identify pathologies of the endocrine system, the patient is prescribed tests to determine the amount of sugar in the body and the level of hormones in the blood, and a urine test. An ultrasound scan can also indicate the presence of an endocrine system disease. As an additional type of examination, computed tomography and x-rays may be prescribed. Taking a test for the concentration of the hormone in the blood can show:

gland dysfunction;
causes of menstrual irregularities;
presence or absence of diabetes mellitus;
the cause of various diseases associated with disruptions in the endocrine system.

In order for a hormone test to show the correct result, you should adhere to certain rules before performing it. A blood test for hormones is taken in the morning and on an empty stomach. A couple of days before the procedure, you should avoid physical activity, alcohol consumption and any medications.

Treatment of endocrine diseases

Treatment of endocrine diseases directly depends on the classification of the disease, its stage of development and the age of the patient. There are several known methods of treating diseases associated with disruption of the endocrine system:

drug treatment – implies taking: hormones, vitamins;
magnetotherapy – effects on the human body due to a magnetic field;
taking homeopathic medicines. Thanks to magnets, processes occur in human cells that have a positive effect on them;
physiotherapy. The use of physiotherapy as a treatment method is quite effective. It helps normalize metabolism, strengthen the body and speed up recovery;
surgical intervention is carried out only in the presence of malignant tumors;
endocrine and immune therapy – therapy is aimed at generally strengthening the body’s immunity.

Often, pathology of the endocrine system is detected at later stages of development, which complicates the treatment process . The main goal of treating diseases associated with the endocrine system is to normalize hormonal levels, completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent remission. Only a doctor can prescribe drug treatment for a disease. It directly depends on the form of the disease and its development.

Prevention of endocrine diseases

Diseases of the endocrine system can be prevented if preventive measures are taken. Prevention of endocrine diseases includes:

maintaining proper nutrition - eating cereals, fruits and vegetables. Eating should be frequent and in small quantities. You should avoid eating fatty and fried foods. Eliminating foods high in sugar will have a positive effect;
active lifestyle - doing light physical exercise. Increased fatigue should be avoided;
getting rid of bad habits - giving up alcohol and smoking;
avoid harmful environmental factors - long-term exposure to sunlight has a detrimental effect on the body;
visiting an endocrinologist - taking tests to determine hormonal levels;
prevention of stressful situations – often a stressful state causes serious hormonal disruptions;
the use of herbal medicine - the use of decoctions and tinctures of medicinal herbs and plants. It will be useful to use tinctures and decoctions of: sage, bloodroot, oregano;
maintaining adequate sleep.

Medications for the prevention of diseases of the endocrine system must contain iodine, vitamins and beneficial microelements.

Prevention of diseases of the endocrine system should be carried out regardless of hereditary predisposition, since disturbances in the formation of hormones can occur in any person. Early detection of endocrine system disorders will help to avoid long-term treatment and prevent the development of dangerous diseases.

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The main function of the endocrine system is the regulation of all vital processes in the body, and any hormonal imbalance can lead to serious and difficult to predict consequences.

The endocrine glands produce over 50 different hormones.

Due to the functional diversity of hormones that the endocrine system produces, symptoms of diseases of different glands include disorders of organs and systems indirectly associated with them.

Normal hormonal levels are formed as a result of the complex interaction of the hypothalamic-pituitary system and the endocrine glands themselves. The causes and pathogenetic mechanisms of endocrine diseases are still little studied and have not been fully elucidated.

Among the root causes of functional disorders of the endocrine system are:

hereditary predisposition;
neoplasms;
inflammatory processes;
congenital anomalies of the structure of the glands;
infectious lesions;
consequences of injuries;
disorders of general origin.

Pathological changes in the functioning of the endocrine system can be provoked by external influences, such as chronic lack of sleep, poor nutrition, physical or psycho-emotional exhaustion, long-term treatment with certain drugs, and in women - hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.

Clinical manifestations of the disease can be caused either by dysfunction of one of the endocrine glands, or by impaired sensitivity of the organ to the effects of a particular hormone.

Much less common are pathologies associated with the production of defective or false hormones, characterized by abnormal activity, disruption of the connection between the gland and the internal environment of the body, and multiple lesions of the endocrine system.

Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands occur as hyperfunction or hypofunction And. In the first case, an excess amount of hormones enters the body, in the second, a shortage of the active substance occurs. Disorders of the hypersecretion type develop with excessive stimulation of the gland or the formation of zones of secondary secretion in tissues or organs with similar functional characteristics.

Human endocrine system

Insufficiency of any hormone can be caused by a deficiency of certain microelements or vitamins, inflammatory processes in the tissues of the gland, due to radiation or toxic damage to the gland. Hyposecretion may be hereditary in nature or develop against the background of immunodeficiency conditions.

Disturbances in the sensitivity of tissues and organs to certain hormones are hereditary in nature. Such disorders are rare, and their mechanisms have been studied very little. There is a hypothesis about the absence of hormone-specific receptors on cell membranes, without which the hormone cannot penetrate the tissue and perform the corresponding functions.

The secretion of defective hormones is an extremely rare phenomenon. The production of false hormones is often the result of spontaneous mutations. With some liver diseases, in women - and during pregnancy, metabolic disorders are possible, accompanied by a breakdown in connections between the glands that produce certain types of hormones and the organs on which they act. When the hormone transport pathways are disrupted, secondary metabolic changes develop.

Dysfunction of the endocrine glands can also be caused by autoimmune processes, in which the gland tissue is destroyed by its own immune defense mechanisms.

The secretion activity of various hormones is subject to natural age-related changes and signs of early wilting are often of an endocrine nature.

Symptoms of the problem

The most typical symptoms of hormonal imbalance are abnormalities in weight and height, mental imbalance and unstable emotional state.

Endocrine disorders are reflected in the functioning of target organs, that is, the symptoms of a particular disease may resemble organic damage to the corresponding organ.

Several groups of symptoms may indicate problems with the endocrine system. Some diseases are characterized by changes in the patient's behavior. A person is subject to sudden changes in mood for no apparent reason; previously unusual emotional reactions to everyday situations appear: too violent or, on the contrary, inhibited.

With endocrine disorders, general weakness, drowsiness, weakness may occur, the person suffers from frequent headaches, and notices memory and attention disorders. Long-term uncritical changes in body temperature without visible prerequisites, chills and fever, too frequent urge to urinate, painful thirst, and disturbances in sexual desire are possible.

Patients' body weight changes dramatically, either increasing or decreasing. Heart rhythm disturbances or arterial hypertension are possible, not associated with the effects of typical provoking factors and in the absence of signs of damage to the heart or blood vessels. Early symptoms of endocrine diseases are mostly nonspecific, do not cause any particular concern and are not always a sufficient reason for a visit to an endocrinologist.

As the pathology progresses, characteristic features of disorders of a particular gland appear.

Exophthalmos is a fairly rare symptom of endocrine disorders. must be diagnosed in time, otherwise severe visual impairment may occur.

The structure and functions of the human endocrine system are described in detail.

Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system affect the general condition of the human body. Follow the link for useful information about measures to prevent diseases of the endocrine organs.

Symptoms of endocrine diseases in women

Violations of hormonal regulation affect metabolic processes.

A woman gains or rapidly loses weight without changing her diet and the quality of her diet.

Sleep disturbances and a state of chronic fatigue are possible; patients have an increase or decrease in temperature without visible signs of pathology, which can manifest itself in a similar way.

Alarming symptoms are fine motor disorders, heart rhythm disturbances and changes in blood pressure without signs of pathologies of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Patients often become nervous and subject to sudden mood swings.

Hormonal imbalance affects the functioning of the sweat glands; the body is literally drenched in sweat. Excessive secretion of growth hormone leads to distortion and coarsening of facial proportions, primarily the lower jaw, soft tissues around the mouth, and brow ridges.

The first symptoms of diabetes are persistent, irresistible itching and intense thirst. Increased susceptibility to pustular infections.

Disorders of the functioning of the gonads are manifested by excessive male pattern hair growth, complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Such patients experience menstrual cycle disorders, including amenorrhea, and infertility. A very alarming symptom is the appearance of stretch marks (stretch marks) that are not associated with pregnancy or changes in body weight. The purple coloration of the resulting defects indicates the involvement of the adrenal cortex in the pathological process.

Pathologies of the endocrine system in men

Diseases of the endocrine glands, which regulate metabolic processes, manifest similar nonspecific symptoms in men and women.

With dysfunction of the gonads, the patient develops effeminate features in appearance.

In particular, the mammary glands enlarge, the structure of the secondary hairline changes, and female-type obesity develops.

A man may notice disturbances in sexual desire and ability to coitus. Infertility is often detected in patients with endocrine disorders.

Symptoms of endocrine system diseases in children

Diseases of the endocrine system in children can manifest themselves at a very early age.

The difficulty of diagnosing dysfunction of the endocrine glands is complicated by the psychological characteristics of childhood.

Clinical manifestations of certain diseases sometimes resemble the consequences of errors in raising a child.

Endocrine disorders lead to abnormal rates of physical and mental development of the child. Lesions of the thyroid parathyroid glands affect the development of intelligence. Children are irritable, inattentive, have difficulty learning new skills, and are prone to apathy.

Concomitant disorders of calcium metabolism are manifested by bone fragility, delayed formation of the dentition and skeletal growth. Without treatment, various forms of dementia may develop.

A weakened immune system may indicate possible problems with the thymus or pancreas. The early stages of diabetes are indicated by hard-to-heal skin lesions and a tendency to pustular infections.

Dysfunction of the gonads is manifested by acceleration or delay of puberty in girls and boys.

Problems with the gonads are indicated by the formation of secondary sexual characteristics characteristic of the opposite sex: body features, timbre of voice, deviations in the development of the mammary glands.

Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary system can affect the functioning of any of the endocrine glands.

In some endocrine pathologies, dystrophy of the eye muscles occurs. causes a lot of discomfort to the patient and can cause decreased vision.

Symptoms of Basedow's disease are described. As well as brief information about the treatment of the disease.

In addition to the general regulatory function, the hypothalamic-pituitary system produces growth hormone (somatotropin). A deficiency of somatotropin during the period of active growth leads to dwarfism, an excess leads to gigantism.

Note: the most common endocrine pathology is diabetes mellitus, affecting both sexes and all age groups.

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Endocrine diseases are pathological conditions in which the normal functioning of the endocrine glands is disrupted. Despite their diversity, they are all based on hormonal disorders that occur in the body under the influence of various factors.

Each of them requires an individual approach and treatment, since they significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

Types of endocrine pathologies

There are many, about 50 diseases associated with endocrine disorders. They are classified according to the glands that produce them. The glands of the endocrine system include:

pituitary;
pineal gland;
adrenal glands;
thyroid;
parathyroid;
pancreas;
thymus;
sexual

Each of them is responsible for the production of certain hormones. The emergence of hormone-related diseases significantly undermines the body's resources.

The most common diseases associated with hormones, or more precisely, with disruption of their production, are:

diabetes;
Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
hypothyroidism;
thyrotoxicosis;
autoimmune thyroiditis.

In women, the most common diseases are those associated with impaired production of sex hormones. The production function is performed by the ovaries. They produce estrogens, gestagens and androgens, which are responsible for the normal functioning of the female body. If they are violated, women may develop ovarian cysts, mastopathy, fibroids in the uterus, and infertility. Most often, these diseases are consequences of endocrine disorders.

Risk factors

The emergence and development of each endocrine pathology occurs differently. There are categories of people who are prone to such pathologies. In this regard, the following risk factors are identified:

the age of the person, excluding the congenital nature of the pathology. It is believed that after 40 years a person often fails and develops various diseases associated with it;
genetic predisposition. Some diseases, such as diabetes, can be inherited. If parents have this disease, then with a high degree of probability their children will suffer from it;
being overweight. Most people with endocrine diseases are overweight or obese;
unbalanced diet. In the absence of a rational approach to nutrition, a disruption in the endocrine system may occur;
bad habits. It is known that smoking and alcohol do not have the best effect on the functioning of the endocrine glands;
sedentary lifestyle. In people with reduced physical activity, the metabolic rate slows down and excess weight appears, which leads to poor functioning of the endocrine glands.

Reasons for the development of pathologies

All diseases of the endocrine system have a common nature of occurrence, i.e. their causes are related. The main one is a violation of the production of one or another hormone, which is produced by one of the endocrine glands.

This can be either a shortage or an excess. The second most important factor causing endocrine diseases is hormonal resistance. This medical term refers to how the hormone produced is perceived by the human body. In addition, experts identify the following reasons:

production of abnormal hormones. This is a fairly rare phenomenon caused by a mutation in a specific gene;
disruption of the transport of hormones to tissues and organs and their metabolism. This is the result of changes in the liver, but can also occur during pregnancy;
immunity to hormones. This causative factor is associated with disruption of the functioning of hormonal receptors. Often it has a hereditary origin.

Hormones perform an important function in the body, influencing many vital processes. Hormone deficiency can be either congenital or acquired. Experts identify many conditions in which there is a decrease in hormone production. Among them, the most common are:

genetic predisposition;
infectious lesions of the endocrine glands;
inflammatory processes in the organs of the endocrine system;
deficiency of vitamins and minerals, in particular iodine;
immunological failure;
exposure to toxic factors or radiation.

Some diseases can also reduce the production of hormones, for example, diabetes, pancreatitis, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism. Excessive levels of hormones occur when one of the glands that produces them is hyperfunctioning, as well as as a result of synthesis.

Forms of manifestation and signs of violations

Symptoms of endocrine system disorders are very diverse. Each disease has its own signs and symptoms, but often they can overlap and therefore patients can confuse them. And only he is able to identify the disorder and make the correct diagnosis. With endocrine pathologies, disorders can affect both individual organs and the entire body as a whole.

With endocrine system disorders, symptoms may include the following:

changes in the total mass and volume of some parts of the body. Pathologies of the endocrine system can cause both obesity and sudden weight loss. Often this is an individual indicator. For example, women should be wary;
abnormalities in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Patients often experience arrhythmia, headaches and increased blood pressure;
dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Such symptoms of the disease are somewhat less common than others;
neurological disorders. This may include excessive fatigue, memory loss, drowsiness;
metabolic failures. Thirst or frequent urge to urinate;
Violation of the general somatic condition. It manifests itself in increased sweating, fever, hot flashes, general weakness and nervous excitability.

Diagnostic methods

Diseases of the endocrine system are detected using various diagnostic methods, including external examination, laboratory tests, and instrumental examination. Some diseases associated with dysfunction of the endocrine system have their own external signs. Thus, the disease may be indicated by the large size of some parts of the face. If a person has a large nose, lips or ears, this indicates. This is a disease associated with dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

Pathologies of the thyroid gland can be detected by external changes in the neck. Gigantism, like , is characterized by unusual human growth. Excessive skin hyperpigmentation indicates adrenal insufficiency.

Dermatological symptoms, in particular fungal infection and the formation of pustules, are characteristic of diabetes mellitus. Increased hair loss is characterized by a disease such as hypothyroidism. characterized by excess body hair.

Laboratory tests involve donating blood to determine hormone levels. Changing the indicators will allow the doctor to determine the existing disease. In addition, this method serves as a basis for identifying diabetes mellitus. In this case, a blood or urine test for sugar is taken, as well as a glucose tolerance test.

Instrumental methods include ultrasound, x-rays, as well as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound is an effective method for detecting many thyroid diseases. So, you can determine the presence of a goiter or cyst, as well as pathology of the adrenal glands. The endocrine glands are examined using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and x-rays.

Treatment and prevention

Hormonal diseases of the endocrine glands have an individual course and unique symptoms and therefore require the same approach to treatment. Each of them has its own causes and, therefore, therapeutic measures should be aimed at eliminating them.

Since the causes of their occurrence are associated in most cases with hormonal disorders, the main treatment is medicinal and consists of hormonal therapy. Since any disruption of the endocrine system can affect the functioning of the entire body, the greatest therapeutic effect can be achieved with complex treatment of the resulting diseases. The goal of treatment is to stabilize the hormonal balance and achieve positive dynamics in the patient’s condition. In addition, it is important to establish metabolic processes.

However, the choice of a specific treatment regimen depends on:

from the place where the pathological process is localized;
at what stage the disease is;
how it proceeds;
what is the state of the immune system;
how the individual characteristics of the body manifest themselves in this disease.

When a disease has become more severe and drug treatment does not have the desired effect, surgical methods are used. This applies to those cases where pathologies of the endocrine system have led to the appearance of neoplasms (cysts, nodes, adenomas, fibroids, tumors).

To minimize the risk of developing diseases of the endocrine system, it is recommended to adhere to the following principles:

balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle;
quitting smoking and alcohol;
timely treatment of diseases that can provoke such disorders;
minimizing the harmful effects of external factors.

If suspicious symptoms associated with the functioning of the endocrine organs have been noticed, it is recommended to find out the cause of the changes that have occurred and begin treatment for possible pathologies.