Other Endocrine Disorders

Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders

Calcium is a mineral that our bodies need in order to maintain strong bones and teeth, help nerves work properly and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Calcium levels are regulated through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid glands which are located in the neck. The parathyroid glands can, however, be affected by conditions similar to the thyroid and other glands leading to too much or too little production of parathyroid hormone. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which too much parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid glands leads to elevated calcium levels. High calcium levels in the blood can cause weakness, increased thirst and urination, nausea, constipation, kidney stones and weak bones. Depending on the patient’s age, symptoms, bone strength and laboratory findings the endocrinologist may recommend surgery, observation or medications.

Hypocalcemia is a decreased blood calcium level that can cause tingling and numbness throughout the body, as well as muscle twitching. Treatment for this condition depends on the cause.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by increasing bone loss, which can lead to fractures, height loss and a hump-backed appearance. Losing height and changes in the spine can mean you have already broken several bones in the spine. People with osteoporosis most often break a bone in the hip, spine or wrist. Sometimes bones break simply by lifting a child, bumping into furniture or sneezing. People not always experience pain when fracturing a bone.

One in two women, and one in five men, over the age of 65 will suffer at least one bone fracture due to osteoporosis. Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include, age (woman older than 65 or man older than 70), race (white or Asian), slender build, a close relative with osteoporosis, not enough calcium and vitamin D, sedentary lifestyle as well as smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Medications that are commonly used to treat asthma or rheumatological conditions (steroids), depression, seizures, and prostate or breast cancer can cause osteoporosis. A bone mineral density test (also called DXA scan) uses a special machine to measure bone density and helps to diagnose osteoporosis. The test is safe and painless and usually takes about 15 minutes. The drugs most commonly used to treat osteoporosis are called bisphosphonates and come in different formulations, e.g. oral or intravenous and can be taken weekly, monthly or annually.

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VItamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is being produced in the skin from sun exposure, and helps to create strong bones. The amount of sun exposure one receives varies greatly from person to person, and people are advised against sun exposure to reduce the risk of skin cancer. People who are older and living in institutions or who have dark skin pigmentation may be at increased risk for getting too little vitamin D. Very few foods in nature contain Vitamin D, for example fatty fish such as salmon or tuna. Vitamin D is therefore added to common foods in the United States including milk, cereal, yogurt and orange juice. When levels of vitamin D are low, patients may experience bone pain and muscle weakness, or no symptoms at all. Regardless of the symptoms, Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with other chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Vitamin D levels can be restored through dietary changes, supplements and/or spending more time in the sun.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that leads to high testosterone levels in women. It affects approximately 10 percent of women, and is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. The specific cause of PCOS is not yet understood, but it is often associated with weight gain and obesity, and develops around puberty. Symptoms include irregular periods, excess facial and body hair, acne, and hair loss from the head. Women with PCOS are at increased risk for diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and infertility.

PCOS can be diagnosed through blood tests. It is important to distinguish PCOS from other hormonal conditions that can lead to similar symptoms. Although there is no cure for PCOS, most of its symptoms can be minimized and controlled. Treatment usually involves birth control pills and other medications that can decrease testosterone levels, improve hair growth, regulate menstrual cycles and possibly restore fertility.

For more information visit http://www.hormone.org

Adrenal Disorders

The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. They produce hormones that control blood pressure, sodium and potassium levels, the immune system, and the body’s response to stress and illness. An excess or deficiency of these hormones can lead to conditions like Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome or pheochromocytoma.

Addison’s disease is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the adrenal glands. As a result, they do not make enough cortisol and aldosterone, the two main adrenal hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, darkened skin, low blood pressure, low sodium levels and high potassium levels. Some people may not realize they have Addison’s disease until they become severely ill and experience a sudden worsening of their symptoms, called an adrenal crisis. Addison’s disease can be diagnosed through a series of blood tests. Treatment usually involves cortisol and aldosterone replacement through medication pills. In severe cases, it may be necessary to use intravenous cortisol.

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when there is too much cortisol. It can be caused by brain or adrenal tumors, but is also seen in patients who have taken high doses of prednisone or other steroids for a long time. Symptoms can include weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, purple stretch marks and “fat pads” at the upper back and shoulder areas. Cushing’s syndrome is diagnosed through a combination of blood and urine tests. Treatment depends on the individual cause.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare condition where the body makes too much “adrenaline”, due to an adrenal tumor. Symptoms include episodes of headache, sweating, palpitations and high blood pressure. Diagnosis usually involves blood and urine testing. Treatment includes a combination of blood pressure medications and surgery.

Pituitary Disorders

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It produces hormones that control thyroid function, cortisol levels from the adrenal gland, growth, reproduction, lactation and water balance. Pituitary tumors can lead to growth disorders, infertility, inappropriate lactation and deficiency of all hormones (hypopituitarism).

Prolactinoma

A prolactinoma is a pituitary tumor that produces extra prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates milk production in breast tissue, and is normally high only during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in women. Patients with prolactinoma may experience milky secretion from the breast, irregular or absent periods, sexual dysfunction and infertility. Treatment usually involves medications that can decrease prolactin levels and shrink the tumor.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly results from a pituitary tumor that makes too much growth hormone. Symptoms of acromegaly include coarse facial features, prominent jaw, thickened brow ridge, acne, enlarged hands and feet, and heart problems. Treatment can involve a combination of surgery, medications and radiation.

Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism refers to a deficiency of all pituitary hormones. It can result from brain surgery, radiation, tumors, pituitary bleeding or conditions like sarcoidosis. Sometimes, it can result from severe blood loss during childbirth and delivery. Symptoms usually involve fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, low blood pressure, slow heart rate and feeling cold. These symptoms can occur suddenly or gradually. Because cortisol and thyroid hormone are both essential for life, treatment involves replacing cortisol and thyroid hormone through pills. Additional treatment can involve growth hormone, estrogen and testosterone replacement.