The endocrine system is one of the important parts of a human body that produces/secrets hormones to allow body organs to work properly. Hormones are responsible for regulating body processes like fluid balance, virilization, weight control, growth, appetite, breathing and feminization. The system consists of different glands, namely adrenal glands for kidneys, thyroid in the neck, pancreas, testes and ovaries and hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain. The liver, intestines and stomach also produce hormones to ensure proper digestion.
Sometimes, these glands start to lose their efficiency and performance because endocrine glands encounter some disorders that affect a certain body function. Usually, the problems are related to adrenal glands, pancreas, pituitary and thyroid glands. Here, the thing to mention is that some disorders have mild effect while some cause serious diseases that need immediate treatment. Since body parts have different glands, their symptoms of endocrine disorders are also different. Let’s find out some of them:
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder that stops the pancreas from producing sufficient amount of insulin or when produced, restricts the body from using it. The symptoms for type 1 and 2 diabetes are:
- Fatigue and frequent urination
- Excessive hunger or thirst
- Vomiting and nausea
- Vision change
- Inadequate weight gain or loss
Acromegaly
It is a pituitary gland disorder that produces growth hormone is excessive amount. The problem usually leads to overgrowth, particularly of feet and hands. It symptoms are:
- Abnormally large tongue, nose or lips and swollen feet or hands
- Deep voice
- Joint and body aches
- Altered facial bone structure
- Headaches, weakness and fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction, vision impairment
Addison’s Disease
The disease that involves reduced production of aldosterone and cortisol because of damaged adrenal gland. Symptoms are:
- Diarrhea
- Headache, depression, fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Missed menstrual periods
- Weakness
- Low blood pressure, salt cravings and many other
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is caused due to excessive cortisol secreted by the adrenal glands. Its symptoms are:
- Feeling thirsty, fatigue, weakness
- Weakening and thinning of bones (osteoporosis)
- Hypertension, hyperglycemia , obesity
- Frequent urination
- Skin discoloration, mood change and irritability
Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease is the result of abnormal thyroid hormone production. The symptoms are:
- Heat intolerance
- Diarrhea
- Irregular/rapid heart rate
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Red or thick skin on the shins
- Tremors
- Unexplained weight loss
Hashimoto’s Throiditis
Also referred to as autoimmune thyroiditis, it is an endocrine disorder where, the thyroid affects the immune system and reduces production of thyroid hormone and results in hypothyroidism. Its common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Goiter (larger size of thyroid glands)
- Muscle and joint pain
- Cold intolerance, constipation
- Missed menstrual periods
- Weight gain
There are many other symptoms of endocrine disorders that an individual should know and the best thing is to consult with a doctor who has knowledge to assist patients in a better way.
