Examination by an endocrinologist for diseases of the endocrine glands

What diseases does an endocrinologist treat, and when should one contact him? It may help with the following health problems:

• diabetes insipidus. In the presence of this problem, there is an increased feeling of thirst and frequent urination, which is explained by impaired functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary region in the brain;
• diabetes. Develops when the hormone insulin is insufficient, which leads to metabolic disorders in the human body;
• acromegaly. Develops with excessive production of growth hormone;
• autoimmune thyroiditis. This is an inflammatory disease that affects the thyroid gland and is explained by a disruption of the human immune system;

• Itsenko-Cushing's disease. This disease is of a neuroendocrine nature, which is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of the main hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex;
• goiter of the thyroid gland. This pathology is accompanied by an increase in the size of the organ due to various reasons (it is not explained by inflammatory processes or oncology);
• disorders that are associated with changes in calcium concentration in the blood;
• obesity that occurs due to hormonal imbalance. Both adult and pediatric endocrinologists deal with this problem;
• osteoporosis. A disease that is accompanied by a decrease in bone density due to hormonal imbalances;
• other diseases associated with lactation, menstrual irregularities, problems of the reproductive system in men and women, etc.

What are the manifestations

Signs of hormonal disorders are nonspecific, that is, they may coincide with symptoms of other diseases. Therefore, it is better to first consult a therapist who will refer you to the right doctor

However, there are complaints that you should pay special attention to and expect that you will be recommended to see an endocrinologist

1. Mood swings, tearfulness

Can be caused by hypothyroidism: patients have a sharp critical attitude towards themselves. Even if this was typical for a person before, his condition worsens and depression manifests itself more strongly than usual.

2. Outbursts of anger, unusual self-confidence

They can occur with thyrotoxicosis: it is also characterized by mood swings, but at the same time aggressiveness, which does not occur with hypothyroidism. A person with thyrotoxicosis is very self-confident, feels cheerful and energetic, and therefore often does not understand that this condition can be a symptom of health problems.

3. Brittle hair and nails

Another sign of thyrotoxicosis, which affects mineral metabolism. Hair and nails become weak and brittle, and increased hair loss begins. Almost any thyroid disease affects hair and nails.

4. Thinness and bronze skin color

Such signs may be a manifestation of hypocortisolism, a condition in which the body lacks the hormone cortisol.

Who is an endocrinologist

Endocrinology is a fairly young medical science that is being actively developed and improved. Her interests include:

• the endocrine glands themselves, namely their structure and what functions they perform;
• hormones, their types, formation processes and effects on the body;
• diseases caused by a malfunction of the endocrine system;
• hormonal disorders and their effect on other internal systems.

An endocrinologist is a doctor competent in all the above-mentioned issues, who knows how to correctly diagnose any endocrine disease, what to do to treat it, and how to prevent it.

Patients can contact him if any specific symptoms occur, or with a referral from a therapist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist or other specialized specialist. If we talk specifically about women, then a gynecologist can refer them with suspicions of an endocrine disease.

In general, in modern medical centers there are doctors called gynecologist-endocrinologist. They specialize exclusively in gynecological diseases that arise due to hormonal imbalance or other endocrine disorder.

1. Pediatric endocrinology – deals with problems of children and adolescents related to their growth and sexual development. In addition, the child should be shown to this doctor if there is a delay in mental and physical development, weak immunity and a tendency to allergies;
2. Diabetology is a very large branch of endocrinology, dedicated to a serious chronic disease - diabetes. By the way, its signs include: constant thirst, dry skin, vision problems, muscle weakness, headaches, fatigue, as well as causeless weight loss against the background of a good appetite;
3. Reproductive endocrinology – works with problems of the female and male body, with diseases that could be caused by endocrine failure.

The female body is a complex system that is incredibly sensitive to hormones. Such an important internal reproductive organ as the ovaries performs two functions simultaneously:

• produces eggs necessary for fertilization to occur,
• produces hormones, being also an endocrine gland.

Often, young girls, adults and mature women develop some kind of gynecological problems. Some of them can be caused by inflammation, others by STDs, and others by heredity. But in the vast majority of cases, the cause is a hormonal disorder. It is not the gynecologist, but the endocrinologist who decides whether the ovaries are malfunctioning, or whether there is an imbalance of hormones.

At the first appointment, the doctor interviews the patient, finds out if close relatives have problems with the endocrine system, and what other symptoms bother her.

In this case, gynecological control should be at all stages of hormonal therapy.

• early puberty (if a girl’s periods began before the age of 11);
• puberty does not occur even after 15 years;
• no menstruation for several months, but you are not pregnant;
• bleeding not associated with menstruation appears;
• have problems conceiving;
• you have been diagnosed with infertility;
• there were cases of miscarriages;
• you suffer from PMS, as its symptoms become very strong a few days before the start of your period;
• you have started to show signs of menopause;
• menopause in the intensive phase of manifestation;
• have problems with appetite;
• you are emotionally unstable;
• the condition of hair, nails and skin has worsened.

What organs does an endocrinologist treat?

What parts of the body or, more simply put, organs are under the control of an endocrinologist? The answer is simple: all those that relate to the system of regulation of the functioning of human organs, that is, to the endocrine region. It can be:

• thyroid;
• pituitary;
• parathyroid glands;
• adrenal glands;
• pancreas;
• hypothalamus;
• pineal gland;
• thymus gland;
• gonads.

The pituitary gland is small, but one of the most important glands of the human body. It is he who controls the work of all other organs of the endocrine system. It regulates metabolism and influences the growth and development of the human body.

The hypothalamus is the main “communicator” between the endocrine and nervous systems. It works in conjunction with the pituitary gland and is responsible not only for feelings of thirst or hunger, sleep and sexual desire, but, according to the latest data obtained from scientists, it affects memory and some behavioral aspects.

The thyroid gland is responsible for the production of iodine-containing hormones, which are important for proper metabolism, growth and development of the body. Its proper functioning is especially important for women.

• The parathyroid glands are located next to the thyroid gland; the balance of calcium in the body, as well as the functioning of the nervous and motor systems, depends on their proper functioning.
• The adrenal glands are responsible for cellular ion exchange, influence the synthesis of carbohydrates and the breakdown of proteins, produce adrenaline and, in modest quantities, androgens, male hormones.
• The pancreas produces a hormone that makes a person feel hungry, it regulates carbohydrate metabolism and affects glucose levels.
• The pineal gland or pineal gland is still a little-studied gland, but as scientists have established, it produces serotonin, the hormone of happiness.
• The thymus gland regulates the activity of immune cells.

The gonads , testes and ovaries, are necessary for proper maturation and sexual activity. The hormones they produce are responsible for the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics.

Disruption of at least one organ from the entire endocrine system entails serious disruptions in the functioning of the human body.

Diagnosis of endocrine diseases

To determine a specific endocrine disorder, some tests are done to determine the amount and type of hormones missing:

• radioimmunological study using iodine 131. Diagnostics are carried out to determine the presence of pathologies in the thyroid gland. This is based on how intensely a particular area of ​​the iodine particle absorbs;
• X-ray examination. Helps determine the presence of any changes in bone tissue, which is typical for certain diseases;
• computed and magnetic resonance imaging. Aimed at a comprehensive diagnosis of the endocrine glands;
• ultrasound diagnostics. The condition of some glands is determined - the thyroid, ovaries, adrenal glands;
• blood test. Determines the concentration of hormones, the amount of sugar in the blood and other indicators that are important for setting a certain indicator.

If a patient has pathological symptoms, diseases of the endocrine system must be carefully diagnosed and differentiated from other ailments. Already during a clinical examination of the patient, one or another pathology of the endocrine system may be suspected.

Other pathologies are accompanied by a violation of body proportions, as well as non-standard growth. With toxic goiter, the patient's skin is too elastic.

In some cases, endocrine disorders (in women) are accompanied by male-type hair growth, as well as facial hair growth. The patient’s weight can also tell the endocrinologist a lot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_LEpDZngCA

In addition to the external examination, the doctor refers the patient to laboratory diagnostics, where he will have to donate blood for hormones. In addition, hardware methods such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI are widely used in the diagnosis of endocrine disorders.

An endocrinologist deals with the problems of diseases of the endocrine glands; he will tell you in detail how the process of restoring and normalizing the functioning of the endocrine glands is carried out, and will explain how to treat endocrine ailments. Treatment of endocrine diseases certainly differs from each other; below is an approximate treatment regimen for the most common ailments.

• radioimmunological, immunoenzyme and non-isotopic methods;
• blood test for sugar;
• radioisotope research;
• X-ray examination;
• magnetic resonance and computed tomography;
• ultrasonography.

Treatment of hormonal imbalance in women

The treatment regimen will depend on which hormone deviates from normal values. Sometimes there are problems with the production of any one hormone, but more often than not, a blood test indicates problems with several hormones at once.

Each doctor has his own views on treatment methods, but gynecologist-endocrinologists can be divided into two categories: the first prefer to prescribe oral contraceptives as therapy, and the second prefer to regulate each hormone with separate drugs.

Correction of hormonal imbalance using oral contraceptives

To normalize the production of hormones, drugs such as Yarina, Diane 35, Jess, Lindinet can be prescribed. On the one hand, this is convenient for the doctor: there is no need to select a special treatment regimen - in tablets, all synthetic analogs of hormones are pre-distributed by day of the cycle.

On the other hand, such a correction is fraught with negative consequences:

• Intolerance to oral contraceptives, resulting in daily severe nausea and vomiting.
• Unplanned pregnancy after stopping a course of pills. And, thanks to the rebound effect, it may turn out that a woman is carrying twins or triplets.
• Increased signs of hormonal imbalance after discontinuation of oral contraceptives

Correction of hormonal imbalance using an individual selection of hormonal drugs

It is more difficult to create such a treatment regimen. There is a need to use several hormonal drugs at once, so the gynecologist-endocrinologist must select medications in such a way as not to provoke a disruption in the production of other hormones that are normal.

• Excess testosterone – Dexamethasone, Cyproterone, Metypred are used for treatment.
• Lack of Progesterone - Duphaston and Utrozhestan are used to normalize indicators.
• Lack of estrogen is corrected with the help of Divigel, Premarin, Proginova.
• Excess estrogen - treated with Clomiphene, Tamoxifen.

These are just a few examples of solving problems with the production of certain hormones. In fact, there may be much more of them, and a specific treatment regimen should be drawn up by an endocrinologist. Herbal teas are also used to correct hormonal levels, but these should only be taken on the recommendation of a doctor.

As a preventive measure, it can be advised not to take hormonal drugs without permission, without a doctor’s prescription and supervision. Once a year you need to donate blood to analyze the main female hormones and if one or more of them deviate from the norm, contact an endocrinologist or gynecologist.

Source: https://medic-help.ru/zabolevaniya-schitovidnoy-zhelezy/cto-lecit-endokrinolog/

Examination by an endocrinologist | University Clinic

Hormonal imbalances lead to disturbances in all organs and systems of the body. Diseases of the thyroid gland, diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, disorders of the adrenal cortex, ovarian dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, infertility, obesity - these and other dangerous pathologies of the endocrine profile pose a serious threat to the life and health of patients.

To assess the functioning of the endocrine system, it is recommended that every person undergo a regular examination by an endocrinologist as part of a comprehensive annual medical examination.

Indications for an unscheduled appointment with an endocrinologist include sudden fluctuations in body weight, menstrual irregularities, increased fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability, frequent headaches, appetite disturbances and other general symptoms.

A therapist, gynecologist, andrologist, cardiologist and other medical specialists can refer you for an appointment with this specialist. We’ll look at how a classic appointment with an endocrinologist goes in this article.         

Preparing for an examination by an endocrinologist

The specificity of an endocrinological examination is that it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis based on examination alone.

To obtain the necessary diagnostic information, the doctor always prescribes a set of laboratory tests and performs instrumental diagnostics.

In this regard, in order to obtain reliable data during an endocrinological examination, the patient must pay careful attention to preparation.

Experts advise following these recommendations:

• it is necessary to collect all certificates, medical statements and results of laboratory tests that were carried out previously;
• 2-3 days before your appointment with an endocrinologist, you should avoid heavy physical activity, avoid stress and psychological stress;
• it is advisable not to eat heavy food several hours before the doctor’s appointment in order to avoid discomfort during palpation;
• It is imperative to carry out thorough hygiene of the entire body;
• make a list of all medications that the patient is currently using;
• make a list of questions for the endocrinologist (if any).

A blood test for hormones is taken exclusively on an empty stomach, excluding alcohol consumption and smoking 2 days before the delivery of biological material. If a woman's sex hormone levels are being tested, blood must be taken on certain days of the menstrual cycle.       

Algorithm for conducting an endocrinological examination

An appointment with an endocrinologist always begins with a questioning. The doctor asks questions about the reason for the visit, the nature of the symptoms bothering the patient, as well as about hormonal disorders suffered in the past. The specialist also examines the person’s medical record. During the interview, the endocrinologist may ask the patient the following questions:  

• Were there people in the family who suffered from severe endocrine pathologies, in particular diabetes mellitus, infertility, thyroid diseases, growth hormone deficiency, etc.?
• How stable is the menstrual cycle? At what age did you start getting your period? Are there any deviations from the norm or peculiarities of menstrual flow?
• Does the patient feel signs of increased fatigue, irritability, and sudden mood swings?
• Does a person have sleep-wake disturbances? Does the patient suffer from insomnia?
• Have you had any problems with appetite, digestive problems, or frequent bowel movements? Is there constant thirst and frequent urination?
• Are there any problems in the sexual sphere - decreased libido, weakened and unstable erections, problems with ejaculation?
• Have you had any pregnancies, abortions, or spontaneous miscarriages in the past?     
• Have you had surgery in the area of ​​the endocrine glands in the past?

The list of these questions for each patient is determined individually, in accordance with the patient’s complaints.

The further algorithm for examining the endocrinologist is determined by the nature of the patient’s complaints and the characteristics of his condition. The inspection may include the following procedures:

• Visual examination of the patient. The examination begins with an assessment of the physique, since steroid hormones directly influence the formation of bone tissue. Height, body type, disproportion of limbs, amount of adipose tissue - all these are important characteristics for determining a person’s hormonal status. The doctor will ask the patient to expose himself to examine the skin and evaluate the nature of hair growth. To identify hormonal imbalances, normal indicators of body hair growth have been developed for people of different genders and age groups. The degree of hair growth is determined using a specially developed Ferriman-Gallwey scale. For example, hair growth on the upper lip, as well as on the stomach and nipple area in women can be a sign of increased androgen levels.
• Blood pressure measurement. Determining this indicator is necessary to identify signs of endocrine hypertension. This type of hypertension may be based on one of the diseases of the endocrine organs (thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pituitary gland).
• Palpation of the thyroid gland. Palpation of tissues is carried out in the neck area. Palpation allows you to roughly determine the size of the thyroid gland, the presence and location of nodes in it, the mobility of the gland when swallowing, and the size of the lymph nodes. These indicators suggest a number of pathologies of the thyroid gland, including endemic goiter, tumors of the organ, and inflammatory processes of tissues. A healthy person does not experience pain during palpation.
• Palpation of the breast. Palpation of the breast is carried out in order to detect compactions in the tissues of the mammary gland, asymmetries, changes in the nipples and the appearance of pathological discharge from them. Breast examination is necessary due to the fact that most mammological pathologies are hormonal in nature.
• Examination of the male genital organs. If a man of childbearing age consults a doctor, an endocrinological examination will include examination and palpation of the external genitalia. When examining adolescents, the doctor first of all evaluates the compliance of the development of the genital organs with age standards. Next, the specialist palpates the man’s scrotum and testicles. The condition of the tissues, consistency, size and structure of the testicles are the most important indicators of a man’s hormonal health. If prostate disease is suspected, the patient may additionally undergo a digital rectal examination. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a finger into the patient's rectum to feel the location, contours and structure of the prostate.
• Bimanual examination for women. If a woman suffering from menstrual irregularities, infertility, or decreased libido is being examined by an endocrinologist, the doctor may need to conduct a gynecological examination in a chair. To palpate the location, shape and size of the ovaries and their appendages, a bimanual examination is used. In this case, the doctor inserts the fingers of one hand into the woman’s vagina, and with the other he palpates the anterior abdominal wall. This suggests tumors, anatomical development disorders, and inflammatory processes in the ovaries.

The listed examination methods during a comprehensive endocrinological examination allow the doctor to make a preliminary diagnosis, which requires additional laboratory and instrumental diagnostics to confirm.

Additional diagnostics in endocrinology

After the initial examination, the endocrinologist will prescribe the patient a number of additional studies to more accurately determine the level of various hormones in the body, the state of the endocrine glands, the presence of tumor and inflammatory processes in the glandular tissues.

The complex of additional endocrinological diagnostics may include the following laboratory tests:

• Hormonal analysis of blood and urine is a key study in endocrinology. Allows you to determine the concentration of hormones in biological fluids of the body, which reflects the work of the endocrine glands;
• Biochemical blood test (with full lipid spectrum);
• Blood test for sugar and glucose tolerance test to assess the functioning of the insulin system;
• Determination of glycohemoglobin level.

Hardware studies make it possible to visualize the endocrine glands to determine their location, size, contours, structure, anatomical and functional consistency. During the examination, the endocrinologist may conduct the following hardware tests:

• ultrasound diagnostics (ultrasound);
• fine-needle aspiration puncture biopsy of the thyroid gland, including under ultrasound control;
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT);
• laser Doppler flowmetry of the thyroid gland;
• radioisotope scanning of the thyroid gland;
• x-ray examinations, radiography;
• osteodensitometry.

With the results of additional studies, the patient should visit the doctor again, who can compare the data from the examination, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics. This approach allows you to make an accurate diagnosis, identify concomitant pathologies and prescribe effective treatment.

At the University Clinic medical center, endocrinological examinations are carried out by doctors of the highest professional category, using modern expert-class diagnostic equipment.  

Source: https://unclinic.ru/otdelenie-jendokrinologii/osmotr-u-jendokrinologa/

List of major diseases of the endocrine system: causes, signs, symptoms. What tests are taken for diseases of the endocrine system?

Endocrine diseases are numerous and varied, and their course and symptoms are often unpredictable. We’ll talk about how to identify diseases of the endocrine organs and their specifics in this article.

The endocrine system performs the most important function - it regulates the functioning of internal organs through the production of special substances - hormones .

Often, malfunctions occur in the operation of this large and important system, and then endocrine diseases occur. What diseases of the endocrine system exist, how they occur and what consequences they have, you will learn from this article.

Major diseases of the endocrine system, list

Hormones play a huge role - they influence a person’s physical parameters, his psycho-emotional state and physiological processes.

If the functioning of the endocrine system is disrupted for some reason, then pathological processes arise in which:

• the process of hormone production is disrupted
• hormones are produced in reduced or increased quantities
• the processes of transport or absorption of the hormone are disrupted
• abnormal hormone is produced
• resistance to hormonal action develops

Endocrine system

Any such malfunction of the endocrine system leads to the development of the disease. The most common diseases of the endocrine system are:

• Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by hypofunction of the thyroid gland, when an insufficient amount of hormones is produced. The disease is characterized by a slowdown in metabolic processes, which leads to a number of symptoms, which at the initial stage are attributed to ordinary fatigue. Hypothyroidism affects women more often than men—the fair sex suffers from the disease 19 times more often
• Diabetes mellitus is a disease that develops against the background of a complete or partial lack of insulin, which leads to disruption of metabolic processes. Fats, proteins and carbohydrates are poorly absorbed, incomplete breakdown of glucose occurs, which causes hyperglycemia. This leads to associated diabetes symptoms and complications.
• Goiter is a violation of the production of thyroid hormones (its hypo- or hyperfunction), accompanied by dysplasia (an increase in size that is not associated with the occurrence of a tumor). The most common cause of goiter is a lack of iodine in the diet, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Thyrotoxicosis is hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Many organs and systems change their functioning due to excess thyroid hormones, which leads to a number of specific symptoms
• Autoimmune thyroiditis is destructive changes in the tissues of the thyroid gland caused by a malfunction of the immune system, in which immune cells destroy thyroid cells, perceiving them as foreign agents.
• Hypoparathyroidism is hypofunction of the parathyroid glands, which is expressed in the occurrence of seizures with convulsions
• Hyperparathyroidism is the excessive production of parathyroid hormone, which is produced by the parathyroid glands. Accompanied by impaired metabolism of certain microelements
• Gigantism is the excessive production of growth hormone, which leads to increased but proportional development of the body. In adults, the hyperfunction of this hormone provokes an increase in the size of certain parts of the body.

Video: Diseases of the endocrine system

Symptoms of endocrine diseases

• The endocrine system includes all the endocrine glands , so endocrine diseases have a wide range of different symptoms.
• Some signs of these pathological conditions are often attributed to fatigue, stress or overeating, while the disease begins to progress.
• The most common symptoms of endocrine diseases:

• fatigue, muscle weakness
• sudden change in weight (weight gain or loss with the same diet)
• heart pain, palpitations
• fever, sweating
• unnatural excitability
• drowsiness
• frequent urination
• constant feeling of thirst
• increased blood pressure accompanied by headaches
• memory impairment
• diarrhea

Endocrine diseases can masquerade as other diseases for a long time

The symptoms of endocrine diseases can be mixed - the patient may suspect a variety of ailments.

Only a professional approach to treatment and a blood test for hormones will help dot all the i’s and establish the correct cause of the ailment.

Risk factors for endocrine diseases

Endocrine diseases can occur completely unexpectedly for the patient, or they can be quite expected. So, there are certain groups of people who have a tendency to certain ailments of the endocrine system.

Experts identify the following risk factors:

• Age - most often people who have passed the 40-year mark are susceptible to malfunctions of the endocrine glands
• Hereditary predisposition - many diseases of the endocrine system are “passed on” by inheritance, for example, diabetes mellitus is often observed in both parents and children
• Overweight - more than 80% of obese people face problems in the functioning of the endocrine glands
• Poor nutrition - an unbalanced diet leads to malfunctions of many organs and systems - the endocrine system is no exception
• Bad habits - it has been scientifically established that both alcohol and smoking negatively affect the functioning of the endocrine glands
• Reduced physical activity - people who exercise little, have a slow metabolism, are overweight and have poor blood supply to the endocrine glands, which affects their functioning

Obesity, poor nutrition and low mobility can cause disruption of the endocrine system

Thus, many are predisposed to the development of endocrine diseases. But, if nothing can be done about heredity and age, then all other factors can be easily changed and protect your health.

Diagnosis of endocrine system diseases

Only an endocrinologist can determine the presence of an endocrine disease so do not try to diagnose yourself, much less prescribe any treatment.

In determining the malfunction of the endocrine glands, the following diagnostic methods are effective:

1. External examination - already at the first appointment, the doctor can determine the presence of an endocrine disease by the external condition of the patient: this will be indicated by the condition of the skin, the proportionality of body parts, skin pigmentation in various places, enlargement of the thyroid gland, atypical hair growth
2. Palpation - if there are no visible signs of the disease, then the doctor will be able to determine the development of a disease such as goiter by palpating the thyroid gland
3. A blood test for sugar and hormones is the most revealing diagnostic method. A change in the normal level of hormones in the blood will give a specialist reason to assume the presence of a disease, and the accompanying symptoms will help determine the exact cause
4. Ultrasound

Palpation of the thyroid gland

In addition to the basic methods for diagnosing endocrine diseases, the doctor may also use additional ones, such as:

• X-ray examination
• CT scan
• auscultation

What hereditary diseases of the endocrine system exist?

Many endocrine diseases arise due to mutational processes in genes . Such a mutation becomes a hereditary factor that is passed on from generation to generation. The following hereditary diseases of the endocrine system are distinguished:

• Pituitary dwarfism is insufficient production of hormones by the pituitary gland, resulting in dwarfism and insufficient sexual development.
• Diabetes mellitus (both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent forms)
• Adrenogenital syndrome - insufficient production of some corticosteroids and excessive production of others
• Hypothyroidism - if a woman does not control the level of thyroxine during pregnancy during hypothyroidism, it can be passed on to her child

If both parents have diabetes, the child's risk of the disease is 25%

The listed diseases are not necessarily diagnosed immediately at birth . Some of them can appear throughout life and even in old age.

Pediatric diseases of the endocrine system

The child’s endocrine organs constitute a fragile system that can fail under the influence of unfavorable factors.

As the child’s body grows and develops, the endocrine glands change along with it, and negative influences from the outside may not have their effect for a long time due to specific mechanisms of endocrine compensation.

Compensation mechanisms protect the body for a certain time and can be neutralized at any time, which will lead to the development of endocrine disease.

Examination of a child by an endocrinologist

are most often diagnosed in children :

• Diabetes mellitus is the most common disease of the endocrine system in children. Of the 70 million people with diabetes worldwide, 10% are children
• Gigantism is non-standard growth indicators of a child or individual parts of the body caused by the action of hormones. It manifests itself most clearly in adolescence, but can make itself felt earlier
• Brain gigantism is accelerated growth of a child during the first 4-5 years of life, caused by brain disorders
• Dwarfism is the slow growth of a child due to dysfunction of the pituitary gland. The main reasons for the malfunction of this part of the brain are heredity or the development of a tumor.
• Itsenko-Cushing's disease is a pathology of the adrenal glands, in which there is excessive production of active substances - glucocorticoids. The child develops obesity and high blood pressure.
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Goiter

Gigantism of the hands in a child

Treatment of endocrine diseases in children is aimed at maintaining vital processes and functions if the disease is incurable or at correcting the condition .

Diseases of the endocrine system during pregnancy

Previously, it was believed that pregnancy and endocrine diseases are incompatible. Today, medicine has stepped forward and a woman with diabetes or hypothyroidism can become a mother if she monitors her health and follows the instructions of doctors.

Pregnancy with hypothyroidism:

1. Before planning a pregnancy, a woman must enter a state disease compensation
   2. When pregnancy has occurred, then, as directed by the doctor, it is necessary to increase the dose of levothyroxine, usually by 50% of normal
   3. An endocrinologist must monitor the woman’s condition throughout the entire period of pregnancy

   4. Iodine therapy is indicated

It is important to discuss with your doctor whether pregnancy is possible if you have an endocrine disease.

Pregnancy with diabetes:

1. Thorough pre-conception preparation
   2. Achieving disease compensation
   3. Frequent monitoring of insulin, constant correction of its doses

   4. Specialized assistance during childbirth

A woman with diabetes should be aware of all the risks of pregnancy with such a complex disease.

Miscarriages often occur, the baby is stillborn, or after birth it requires special care to save its life. Do not forget also that diabetes mellitus is inherited and there is a high probability that your child will develop it.

Thyrotoxicosis and pregnancy:

A pregnant woman can continue thyreostatic treatment - this will not have a detrimental effect on the fetus. Monitoring the condition by an endocrinologist and early registration is mandatory.

Often, taking medications to correct the functioning of the endocrine glands during pregnancy does not stop

Thyroid cancer during pregnancy:

surgical intervention is mandatory , which is recommended to be performed at 20-24 weeks of fetal development. If the tumor does not progress, then it can be removed after childbirth.

Important: In case of serious endocrine diseases, it is necessary to discuss the possibility of pregnancy with your doctor.

If conception has already occurred, then it is necessary to register with the antenatal clinic as early as possible - this will help protect the life of the child and your health.

Tests for diseases of the endocrine system

• Endocrine diseases are diverse and very often their diagnosis is difficult
• This is because most endocrine glands, except the thyroid and testicles, cannot be palpated or inspected.
• In addition, a blood test for hormones shows their concentration, but does not say anything about their metabolism, which is extremely important to know for making a diagnosis.

To diagnose an endocrine disease, it is important to take a blood test

To diagnose endocrine diseases, tests are performed:

• radioimmunoassay
• for hormones (determination of hormone levels in the blood)
• for sugar (in blood, in urine)
• glucose tolerance test

Remember that before taking any test you must adhere to certain rules , which you can check with your doctor. If they are not followed, the analysis results may be false.

Consequences of endocrine diseases

Hormones play an important regulatory role in the body, and if their production is disrupted, this can have a variety of negative consequences for the body.

First of all, the work of many internal organs, metabolic processes, and the functions of the endocrine glands , somatic disorders and cosmetic defects occur.

If you have the slightest suspicion of an endocrine disease, consult a doctor

• People suffering from endocrine diseases sometimes become hostage to their condition . Constant use of medications, hormones, and maintenance therapy sometimes become lifelong
• In addition to the main disease, concomitant diseases often occur, which further worsen the patient’s well-being and condition.
• Endocrine diseases must be treated, but if cure is not possible, then and its relief with the help of various drugs is always possible
• Do not forget that their appointment is in the competence of only an endocrinologist and you should not aggravate the situation by self-medication

Take care of your health!

Video: What endocrine diseases can cause infertility?

Source: https://heaclub.ru/spisok-osnovnyh-zabolevanij-endokrinnoj-sistemy-prichiny-priznaki-simptomy-kakie-analizy-berut-pri-zabolevaniyah-endokrinnoj-sistemy

Endocrine diseases

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 effects on the body, as well as diseases arising in connection with disruption of the activity of these glands or the production of hormones. Endocrinology is the most 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, 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 disruption of vital functions, not excluding death, if you do not consult an endocrinologist in time.

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.

In the Medical Directory of Diseases on the “Beauty and Medicine” website you will become familiar with the characteristic features of endocrine diseases. On the “Beauty and Medicine” website you will receive all the necessary information about existing methods of prevention and treatment of endocrine diseases and medical centers engaged in endocrinological practice.

Further…

Source: https://www.KrasotaiMedicina.ru/diseases/zabolevanija_endocrinology

Methods for studying patients with diseases of the endocrine system (page 1 of 2)

• GOU SPO VO
• "Kovrov Medical College"
• Abstract on the topic:
• “Methods for studying patients with diseases of the endocrine system”
• Performed:
• Student of group 33-L
• Sirotkina Olga
• Supervisor:

Chuprova N.K.

1. Kovrov, 2009
2. The procedure for studying patients with diseases of the endocrine system
3. Complaints

The endocrine glands produce hormones that perform various functions, and when their activity is disrupted, a wide variety of disorders occur in the body. Therefore, it is almost impossible to identify a small number of complaints characteristic only of endocrine pathology. Most often, complaints are identified due to malfunction of the following systems:

• Central nervous system
• Of cardio-vascular system
• Genital area
• Metabolism
• CNS disorders are detected in all patients with VVS diseases. It appears as:
• Irritability;
• Increased nervous excitability;
• Unreasonable anxiety;
• Insomnia.
• These complaints are characteristic of hyperthyroidism—increased thyroid function.
• With hypothyroidism, a decrease in thyroid function, the following are observed:
• Lethargy;
• Drowsiness;
• Memory impairment;
• Chilliness
• Patients are also characterized by neurovegetative disorders:
• Sweating;
• Feeling hot;
• Tremor.
• Cardiovascular disorders occur in many types of endocrine pathologies, but are most typical for diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pituitary gland.
• Patients complain of:
• Tingling in the region of the heart;
• Heartbeat;
• Shortness of breath on exertion.
• Sexual disorders.
• Decreased sexual function (cessation of menstruation, impotence, decreased libido) occurs primarily in diseases of the gonads, but is often observed in cases of dysfunction of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and thyroid gland.
• Complaints related to changes in metabolism.
• Appetite disturbances are possible both in the direction of increasing it (polyphagia, bulimia) and decreasing it up to the point of aversion to food (anorexia).
• Changes in the patient's body weight are not always adequate to changes in appetite.
• With hypothyroidism (myxedema), patients gain weight with decreased appetite.
• People with hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus lose weight, despite a good appetite.
• Polyuria, thirst, dry mouth are observed in diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus and are associated with impaired water and carbohydrate metabolism.

Pain in muscles, bones, and joints is constantly observed with dysfunction of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland and is explained by osteoporosis (loss of bone tissue), which sometimes leads to pathological bone fractures with minor injuries. These phenomena are a consequence of disturbances in mineral metabolism.

1. Other complaints.
2. Slow growth - with pathology of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland;
3. Changes in appearance – with Itsenko-Cushing’s disease and syndrome, diseases of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland;
4. Coarsening and hoarseness of the voice, difficulty speaking – with hypothyroidism;
5. Changes in skin, hair, nails:
6. Dry skin – with hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus;
7. Swelling – with hypothyroidism;
8. Itching of the skin – with diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus;
9. Fragility, hair loss on the head, loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, brittle nails - with hypothyroidism;
10. Hair loss on the head, excess hair on the face and body - in case of Itsenko-Cushing's disease and syndrome;
11. Constipation – with hypothyroidism;
12. Diarrhea – with thyrotoxicosis;
13. Vomiting, abdominal pain - with untreated diabetes mellitus, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).
14. Medical history
15. Determining the history of the development of the present disease is carried out according to the general scheme:
16. Risk factors;
17. Causes;
18. Onset of the disease;
19. Development of the disease;
20. The treatment carried out, its duration, effectiveness.
21. Anamnesis of life
22. From the life history for the diagnosis of endocrine diseases, the following information is of particular importance:
23. Place of birth and residence of the patient.
24. Geographic location is essential for identifying possible endemic goiter caused by a lack of iodine in the soil and water of some areas.
25. Features of the individual development of the patient:
26. Birth injuries;
27. Growth pattern;
28. Data on sexual disorders.
29. Particular attention is paid to the onset of puberty and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics.
30. Delay in sexual development may be a manifestation of a disorder of the gonads, adrenal glands, or thyroid gland;
31. Early development of sexual characteristics is a consequence of increased function of the gonads.
32. Gynecological history in women.

Find out the time of appearance and nature of menstruation, as well as the appearance of signs of menopause. How did pregnancy and childbirth proceed?

• Often endocrine diseases occur during puberty, after childbirth or during menopause.
• Working and living conditions:
• Conflict situations;
• Occupational hazards and accidents.
• The use of hormonal and antihormonal drugs (treatment with insulin, Mercazolil, steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex, the use of anabolic steroids to build muscle mass).
• Hereditary predisposition.
• General inspection

Examination is a valuable method in diagnosing endocrine disorders. Often the diagnosis can be assumed at the first glance at the patient based on some characteristic signs.

1. In many diseases of the endocrine glands, the appearance and behavioral characteristics of patients attract attention:
2. Mobility, fussiness, animated gestures and a tense-frightened facial expression, which is caused by exophthalmos, rare blinking, increased shine of the eyes;
3. Slowness, low mobility, sleepy, swollen face, almost without facial expressions;
4. Closedness of patients, indifference to the environment;
5. "Moon Face";
6. Changing the shape of the neck.
7. The patient’s height, size and ratio of parts of his body:
8. Gigantic growth
9. Dwarf stature
10. Increased size of limbs, large head with large facial features
11. Changes in body hair:
12. Hair thinning;
13. Accelerated hair growth in children;
14. Change in hair type.
15. Nutritional pattern and fat deposition characteristics:
16. Emaciation;
17. Increase in body weight;
18. Predominant fat deposition in the pelvic girdle;
19. Even distribution of fat throughout the body;
20. Excessive fat deposition on the face and torso.
21. Skin changes:
22. Tender, moist, with hyperemia, hot to the touch;
23. Rough, pale;
24. Thin, atrophic, flabby, with numerous fine wrinkles;
25. Rough, thickened, compacted;
26. Oily, acne-prone, with stretch marks;
27. Bronze color.
28. Palpation
29. Palpation as a method of examining endocrinological patients is used to evaluate the thyroid gland and male gonads - the testicles.
30. Rules for palpation of the thyroid gland.
31. Four bent fingers of both hands are placed on the back surface of the neck behind the anterior edges of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, and the thumb is placed on the front surface.
32. The patient is asked to make swallowing movements, during which the thyroid gland moves along with the larynx and moves between the fingers of the examiner.

Source: https://mirznanii.com/a/150635/metody-issledovaniya-bolnykh-s-zabolevaniyami-endokrinnoy-sistemy