Your body relies on a complex system to stay healthy. This system is called the endocrine system. It controls hormones, which are chemical messengers impacting nearly every organ and process. When something goes wrong in this system, it can affect your energy, mood, weight, and even how your heart or bones work.
This article looks at the endocrine system and some common disorders like diabetes and hypothyroidism.
What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system is made up of different glands and tissues. These glands include the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and others. Each gland makes a specific hormone or set of hormones. Hormones regulate many functions in the body, including:
- Blood sugar (glucose)
- Growth and bone health
- Mood and mental state
- Reproduction and sexual function
- Metabolism and weight control
When glands make too much or too little hormone, problems can develop. These problems are called endocrine disorders.
Common Endocrine Disorders
Some endocrine disorders are more common and better known than others. Diabetes and hypothyroidism are two of the most well-known, but others exist, as well.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is one of the best-known endocrine disorders. It is a problem where the body has trouble controlling blood sugar. There are two main types:
- Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood or adolescence. The pancreas stops making insulin, a hormone that helps lower blood sugar.
- Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, but also affects some children and teenagers. The body either does not use insulin well or does not make enough.
Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
Type 1 diabetes may also cause unexplained weight loss.
Why Diabetes Matters
If blood sugar levels stay high, diabetes can harm the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. However, with the right treatment plan, many people with diabetes live full, active lives.
To manage diabetes, it is important to regularly check your blood sugar. It is also vital to eat a healthy diet, watch portion sizes, and increase physical activity. You may need to take medicine or insulin as prescribed and have regular checkups with your health team.
By noticing symptoms and seeking treatment early, you can prevent complications.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland sits in the front of your neck and controls metabolism, the process that turns food into energy. When the thyroid does not make enough hormones, you have hypothyroidism.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Feeling tired even after rest
- Weight gain
- Dry skin and hair
- Cold sensitivity
- Slow heart rate
- Constipation
- Depression or low mood
Hypothyroidism is quite common, especially in women over forty. Sometimes, it appears after pregnancy or as you get older.
Why Hypothyroidism Matters
Without enough thyroid hormone, your body slows down. This can cause lasting problems if not treated on time. Luckily, hypothyroidism is usually easy to manage with a daily pill.
To manage hypothyroidism, take thyroid hormone replacement exactly as prescribed. Also, have regular blood tests to track your hormone levels and eat a balanced diet with enough iodine. Lastly, discuss new symptoms, like worsening tiredness or mood changes, with your doctor.
Other Endocrine Disorders
While diabetes and hypothyroidism are well-known, other conditions are also worth mentioning.
Hyperthyroidism
The opposite of hypothyroidism is hyperthyroidism. Here, the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, speeding up the body’s processes.
Common symptoms are feeling anxious or jittery and a fast or irregular heartbeat. Some people also experience weight loss even when eating normally, sweating more than usual, and shaky hands. Hyperthyroidism can cause serious issues if left untreated, including heart problems and brittle bones.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome happens when your body has too much cortisol, a hormone made by the adrenal glands. One of the primary symptoms is weight gain, mostly in the face, neck, and trunk. Other signs include thin arms and legs, high blood pressure, bruising easily, and purple stretch marks. This condition can result from taking certain medications or from tumors.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is rare but serious. It is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. This causes weakness, weight loss, and low blood pressure.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS affects people with ovaries, mostly young women. Ovaries make extra male hormones, causing irregular periods, acne, and sometimes infertility. It is often linked to insulin resistance, which is related to the risk of diabetes.
When to See a Doctor
Endocrine disorders can sneak up on you. The symptoms might seem mild at first, or you might think they come from something else. If you experience any of the symptoms of diabetes, it is important to get checked. Early diagnosis can make a big difference. Endocrine disorders often run in families. So, you might want to visit an endocrinologist near you if a close relative has one of these conditions.
The Department of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University has specialists who can help. They can aid you in getting the diagnosis and care you need.
Treatment for Endocrine Disorders in Syracuse, NY
You do not have to feel stuck with constant tiredness or unexplained weight changes. If you notice unusual symptoms, take them seriously. Track your symptoms and share them with your health provider. Many endocrine disorders are easy to diagnose with simple blood tests. With early care from a trusted medical center near you, you can prevent bigger problems.
Do you have questions or want to make an appointment? Call the Department of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University at (315) 464-5726 or contact any of our affiliated providers. Taking charge of your hormone health can help you feel your best.
The best endocrinologist near you looks forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/endocrinology/sections/overview/ovc-20392506
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14129-hyperthyroidism
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-diabetes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12120-hypothyroidism
