Endocrine Disorders Treatment

Endocrine Disorders Treatment in Hyderabad, India

Endocrine disorders are conditions that affect the endocrine system. The endocrine system produces hormones in the body by sending signals into the bloodstream. Hormones are essential to regulate various body processes and control appetite, breathing, growth, fluid balance, and body weight. 

The endocrine system has the following glands:

• Pituitary and hypothalamus glands of the brain

• Adrenal glands in the kidney 

• Thyroid in the neck

• Pancreas

• Ovaries and testes

Endocrine disorders are most commonly seen in the pancreas, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands due to their improper functioning. 

The disorders include:

• Diabetes mellitus - due to insulin hormone secreted by pancreas

• Acromegaly - due to growth hormone secreted by pituitary gland

• Addison’s disease - due to insufficient secretion of hormones by adrenal gland

• Cushing’s syndrome - due to high levels of cortisol produced by adrenal gland

• Graves’ disease - due to overactive thyroid gland

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis - autoimmune disease affecting thyroid gland

• Hyperthyroidism - overactive thyroid

• Hypothyroidism - underactive thyroid

• Prolactinoma - hormone-secreting tumour of the pituitary gland

Each and every disorder has its own set of symptoms and signs that can affect the whole body and cause multiple organ failures- these can range from mild to very severe. 

Endocrine Disorder Treatment in Hyderabad at CARE Hospitals in India are provided on the basis of the disorder and we aim to adjust the hormonal imbalances by using steroids and medications in the form of synthetic hormones.

Types of Endocrine Disorders

There are various types of endocrine disorders, each affecting specific glands and hormones in the endocrine system. Here are some common types of endocrine disorders:

• Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. It results from inadequate insulin production or the body's inability to effectively use insulin. There are two main types: Type 1 diabetes (autoimmune) and Type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance).
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
• Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones, causing symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and heat intolerance. Graves' disease is a common cause of hyperthyroidism.
• Hypopituitarism: Hypopituitarism involves insufficient hormone production by the pituitary gland. It can affect various hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, and menstrual irregularities.
• Cushing's Syndrome: Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. It can be caused by the overuse of corticosteroid medications or adrenal gland tumors.
• Addison's Disease: Addison's disease is a disorder where the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. It involves imbalances in sex hormones, leading to symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and ovarian cysts.
• Hyperparathyroidism: Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by overactive parathyroid glands, leading to elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium in the blood.
• Hypoparathyroidism: Hypoparathyroidism is the underactivity of the parathyroid glands, resulting in low levels of PTH and calcium in the blood.
• Thyroid Nodules: Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths on the thyroid gland. While many are benign, some nodules can cause hormonal imbalances or lead to thyroid cancer.
• Growth Hormone Deficiency: Growth hormone deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough growth hormone, affecting growth and development in children and adults.
• Hyperaldosteronism: Hyperaldosteronism involves overproduction of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, leading to high blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN): MEN syndromes are genetic disorders that cause tumors in multiple endocrine glands. There are different types, including MEN type 1 and MEN type 2.
• Adrenogenital Syndrome (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia): This is a group of genetic disorders affecting the adrenal glands and leading to hormonal imbalances, particularly in sex hormones.
• Pheochromocytoma: Pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenal gland tumor that can cause excessive release of adrenaline, leading to high blood pressure and other symptoms.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of the endocrine disorder can vary from the type of disorder to the degree of complications. Many symptoms are similar to one another and hence require a thorough analysis of the disorder. 

If the symptoms are persistent, get them diagnosed at CARE Hospitals. Remember these can affect specific parts of the endocrine system and hence can widely vary. 

Check for diabetes-

• Excessive thirst or hunger

• Fatigue

• Frequent urination

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Sudden weight loss or gain

• Vision changes

Check for acromegaly-

• Abnormal large lips, nose or tongue

• Abnormal and swollen hands or feet

• Different facial bone structure

• Body and joint aches

• Deep voice

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Headaches

• Overgrowth of bone and cartilage

• Skin thickness

• Sexual dysfunction

• Sleep apnea

• Vision impairment

Check for Addison’s disease-

• Depression

• Diarrhoea

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Hyperpigmentation of the skin

• Hypoglycemia

• Loss of appetite

• Low blood pressure 

• Missed menstrual periods

• Nausea

• Salt cravings

• Unexplained weight loss

• Weakness 

Look for Cushing Syndrome-

• Buffalo hump 

• Skin discolouration like bruising

• Fatigue

• Feeling very thirsty

• Thinning of bones

• weakening of the bones

• Frequent urination

• High blood sugar 

• High blood pressure 

• Irritability and mood changes

• Obesity 

• Rounded face

• Weakness 

Look for Graves’ disease-

• Bulging eyes 

• Diarrhoea

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fatigue or weakness

• Goitre 

• Heat intolerance

• Irregular heart rate

• Irritability or mood changes

• Rapid heart rate 

• Thick or red skin 

• Tremors

• Sudden weight loss

Look for hyperthyroidism-

• Diarrhoea

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fatigue

• Goitre

• Heat intolerance

• Irritability or mood changes

• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

• Tremors

• Sudden weight loss

Look for hypothyroidism-

• Cold intolerance

• Constipation

• Low sweat production

• Dry hair

• Fatigue

• Goitre

• Joint and muscle pain

• Missed menstrual periods

• Slowed heart rate

• Swollen face

• Sudden weight gain

There are other life-threatening symptoms that include loss of consciousness, dangerously low blood pressure or heart rate, dehydration, depression or anxiety, breathing issues, eye problems, severe fatigue, weakness, headache, diarrhoea or sleep disturbances.

Causes

Endocrine disorders can result from various causes, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Here are some common causes of endocrine disorders:

• Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic mutations or abnormalities can predispose individuals to certain endocrine disorders. These genetic factors may affect the structure or function of glands or hormones.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, can target endocrine glands. Conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes are examples of autoimmune endocrine disorders.
• Tumors and Growths: Tumors, both benign and malignant, can develop in endocrine glands. These tumors may disrupt hormone production and regulation. For example, pituitary adenomas or adrenal tumors can lead to endocrine disorders.
• Infections: Infections affecting endocrine glands can interfere with hormone production and function. Certain viral or bacterial infections may target specific glands, leading to disorders such as viral thyroiditis.
• Iatrogenic Causes: Endocrine disorders can sometimes result from medical interventions or treatments. For instance, surgical removal of the thyroid gland or radiation therapy to the head and neck can affect hormonal balance.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental substances, chemicals, or toxins may contribute to the development of endocrine disorders. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in some pesticides, plastics, and industrial products can interfere with hormone function.
• Age-Related Changes: Aging can impact the function of endocrine glands. Hormone production and regulation may decline with age, leading to conditions such as menopause or andropause.
• Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress, can contribute to endocrine disorders. These factors may influence body weight, insulin sensitivity, and overall hormonal balance.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, such as iodine, can lead to endocrine disorders. Iodine deficiency, for example, can cause thyroid-related conditions like goiter.
• Trauma or Injury: Physical trauma or injury to endocrine glands can disrupt their normal function. Head injuries, for instance, may impact the pituitary gland and affect hormone secretion.
• Chronic Diseases: Certain chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or chronic inflammation, can disrupt the endocrine system and lead to hormonal imbalances.

Risk factors 

There are a lot of risk factors that are associated with endocrine disorders and they include:

• High cholesterol levels

• Family genes or history of endocrine disorders

• Inactivity 

• Autoimmune disorders

• Poor diet 

• Pregnancy 

• Recent surgery, trauma, infection or any other serious injuries

Diagnosis 

After the physical examinations (to know the status of your heart rate, blood pressure, weight, and organ systems) doctors would draft your preliminary diagnosis and further conduct confirmatory diagnosis for the endocrine disorders. You’re also required to tell all about your medical and family history prior to diagnosis.

• CT Scan- with the combination of X-ray images taken from different angles of the body will let the doctors at CARE Hospitals know the status of organs and any symptoms that would relate to an endocrine disorder.

• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DXA- these determine the bone density inside and are used with the help of X-rays. The other risk factors along with osteoporosis are evaluated in these diagnoses.

• Nuclear medicine studies- it is a part of radiology that uses radioactive materials in small quantities. These examine organs’ structure and their functioning.

• Parathyroid ultrasound- the doctors will study the structure and function of the thyroid or parathyroid gland inside. It is an ultrasound technique.

• Post-thyroidectomy ultrasound- the suspected nodal and other thyroid-related issues can be analysed with the help of Post-thyroidectomy ultrasound. It is done in the neck and gives a high resolution of the ultrasound.

• Thyroglobulin simulation studies- it is mainly used to detect cancer and suspected nodal (if any). It is used in the thyroid region to make a final analysis of the functioning of the thyroid gland.

• Thyroid ultrasound- the sound waves are used to provide photos of the thyroid and don’t use any ionising radiation. These are simple ultrasound techniques.

• Ultrasound fine needle aspiration- it is a type of biopsy to detect the nodules or any other abnormalities in the thyroid gland.

Treatment

• Although many of the endocrine disorders are mild and don’t require any treatment post-diagnosis.

• Doctors usually employ the medications and provide Endocrine Disorder Treatment in Hyderabad for correcting any hormonal imbalances. This is done by synthetic hormone technologies. 

• Doctors can also use surgery or radiation therapy to cure non-cancerous tumours like prolactinoma. 

• You first need to know about your confirmatory diagnosis to further opt for the right treatment.

• Hormone suppression- if your glands are overactive they can cause conditions like gigantism, hyperthyroidism, or Cushing's disease. These can be managed or treated with medication prescribed- doctors will provide a structural healthcare plan that would help patients in maintaining a semblance of normalcy. It will give a high quality of life if you follow the treatment properly.

• Hormone replacement therapy can help those who have a lack of hormones and their production. 

Why choose CARE Hospitals?

A team of experts at CARE Hospitals in India specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal and endocrine-related disorders and problems. Doctors at CARE Hospitals can help you examine your symptoms and assist you to a healthier, more successful life in conjunction with competent medical specialists. Visit our patient portal to make an appointment for advanced Endocrinology Treatments.