Endocrine Diseases
The endocrine system controls countless functions in the body. The metabolism of energy, reproduction, growth and even responses to stress are controlled by the endocrine system. Most diseases of the or easily treated and controlled by modern medical practices.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormone disorder that's caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol for long periods of time. This sometimes occurs when the body produces too much, but cortisol is also present in some steroid hormones that treat asthma, lupus, and other diseases. Though Cushing's is rare, it's diagnosed primarily in adults ages 20 to 50. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are weak muscles, fatigue, high blood pressure and high glucose, as well as a fatty hump in the middle of the shoulders. Treatment for Cushing's depends on the reason for the high cortisol levels. High levels due to a tumor on the pituitary gland are treated with surgery. Cortisol-inhibiting drugs are used as well.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the secretory glands of the body. The sexual organs, pancreas, liver and lungs are some of the organs most affected by it. Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defect in the CFTR gene, which controls the movement of water and salts in the body. This defect causes mucus to be thick and sticky and sweat to be salty. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include lung infections and pneumonia due to the thick mucus buildup in the airways of the lungs. As cystic fibrosis gets worse, it can lead to diabetes and gallstones. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, so most treatment consists of preventing lung infections, dehydration and thinning the mucus.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is caused by a hyperactive thyroid gland, causing sometimes toxic levels of the thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The thyroid hormone controls metabolism, breathing and brain development. Hyperthyroidism can result from inflammation of the gland, too much iodine or Graves' disease. Intolerance of heat, hand tremors, weight loss and tremors are all some of the indicators of hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid medications are prescribed to prevent the thyroid from using iodine to make more hormones. Radioactive iodine is also used in some cases to destroy parts of the thyroid gland from the inside.
Graves' Disease
Graves' disease occurs when the body's own immune system attaches to the thyroid and causes it to make excessive amounts of the thyroid hormone. In some cases, the immune system can also block the production the thyroid hormone, causing a thyroid hormone deficiency. Symptoms of Graves' include trouble sleeping, muscle weakness and diarrhea. Radioiodine or radioactive iodine is also used to treat Graves' disease as well as complete removal of the thyroid.
Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's disease is an inflammation in the thyroid caused by the immune system that results in reduced hormone production or hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's disease may have no symptoms at first, but as the disease progresses there may be a feeling of fullness in the throat, intolerance to cold and constipation. The goal of treatment for Hashimoto's disease is to restore a normal balance of thyroid hormones using a synthetic hormone.
Tags: thyroid hormone, endocrine system, Hashimoto disease, , also used, cystic fibrosis