Diseases Of
The Endocrine System

Diseases Of The Endocrine System

The endocrine system releases hormones that affect development and functions of the body.  Any malfunction of the  endocrine system may be caused by genetics, infection, or other factors, and can result in various disorders such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, growth disorders, sexual dysfunction, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) etc.

Endocrine glands include:

  • Pituitary gland : It is located at the base of the brain, behind the bridge of  nose and directly below  hypothalamus. It sits in an indent in the sphenoid bone called the sella turcica.  Its functions are bone growth, female menstrual cycles, and release of breast milk.  It also has an impact on thyroid gland.
  • Hypothalamus: It is a  part of the lower middle brain.  It  tells the pituitary gland when to release hormones.
  • Pineal gland : It is near the centre of the brain .  It is related to sleep pattern.
  • Thyroid :  This gland is a butterfly shaped situated in the neck.  It produces hormones including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that regulates metabolism, growth and development, and Iodine homeostasis in the body.
  • Parathyroid: These are four in numbers, sit in the neck and play a role in bone development.
  • Thymus : This is located  in the upper chest just under the breastbone and between the lungs.  This is a part of the lymphatic system also. This  gland has several functions such as producing and maturing T cells (which are white blood cells that help fight infection and disease) by producing thymosin, thymulin, thymic humoral factor, and thymopoietin Hormones.
  • Islet cells in the pancreas:  These cells in the pancreas  control the release of insulin and glucagon.
  • Adrenal glands: These are two in numbers and  are situated on top of the kidneys. They release the hormone cortisol.
  • Ovaries: Ovaries two in numbers are a part of the female reproductive organs.  they release eggs and produce sex hormones.
  • Testes : These are two in numbers and are a part of male reproductive system.  These are responsible for producing sperm, a hormone testosterone for male development and maturation.

Even the slightest hiccup with the function of one or more of these glands can throw off the delicate balance of hormones in the body and can lead to endocrine disorders. Increased or decreased level of hormones released by these glands may be caused by :

  • Hormone imbalance: When hormone levels are too high or too low, or body does not respond to hormones properly.
  • Failure of a gland to stimulate another gland to release hormones such as problem with the hypothalamus can affect secretion of pituitary gland.
  • Genetic disorders : genetic factors can influence endocrine disorders.
  • Infection or disease: Infections like COVID-19 can impact the functioning of endocrine glands .
  • Injury: Injury to an endocrine gland can also cause an endocrine disorder. 
  • Tumours or Nodules: Nodules or Tumours developing in the endocrine glands can also cause an endocrine disorder .
  • Endocrine disruptors: Chemicals found in everyday products like cosmetics, food packaging, processed/ junk food and pesticides cause endocrine  disorders.

Symptoms of Endocrine Disorders :

The symptoms of an endocrine disorder depend on the gland associated with.  Still , some symptoms can be – changes in the heart rate, changes in the skin or eyes, bone fractures, high blood sugar, high calcium, high or low blood pressure, unexplained changes in weight, impaired sex life, infertility, disturbed menstrual cycle etc. 

SOME DISEASES OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM :

ACROMEGALY  :  Acromegaly is caused by  malfunctioning of pituitary gland by over production of growth hormone that results in change in facial features, enlarged lips or tongue and enlarged hands and feet.  It happens due to a benign tumour and generally diagnosed by blood test followed by MRI or CT scan.

GIGANTISM  : Gigantism happened when pituitary gland produce more growth hormones (GH and HGH) . In this  condition  children (baby to teenager) grow faster and very tall. Besides, they can have a large head, noticeable forehead, jaw that seems to jut out, unusual face, very large hands and feet with thick fingers and toes, excessive sweating, impaired hunger and weakness. Apart from these, there can be slow movement towards puberty, eyesight problems, sick feeling in the stomach etc. it is generally caused due to adenoma ( benign tumour) or due to rare genetic conditions ( Sotos syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and Weaver syndrome). Adults can also develop a condition similar to gigantism  acromegaly. Acromegaly also causes abnormal growth but it does not make the person taller. It may cause  symptoms, such as changes to features of the face,  larger  hands and feet. Gigantism is diagnosed by blood test, oral glucose tolerance test, MRI or CT scan and X-rays of the skull and jaw

TURNER SYNDROME :  Turner syndrome  occurs when the pituitary gland does not release enough growth hormone. It is a genetic disorder. Normally,  a female has two X chromosomes in each cell. Turner syndrome happens when all or part of one of these X chromosomes is missing. This change in DNA can affect the child’s development and may  cause problems with hearing, vision, incoordination, puffiness of hands and feet , problems related to heart, liver , kidney, short – heightnedess, development of ovaries effecting fertility , and slow sexual development. Mostly, problems with fertility might be the first reason someone sees a doctor.  Turner syndrome is diagnosed with genetic test.

HYPOPITUITARISM :  Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases little or no hormone. It may be caused by several different diseases. Women with this condition may stop getting their periods.

GRAVES DISEASE : It is an autoimmune disease that happens in females aged 20 to 40 due to overactive thyroid.  Anxiety, irritability, a racing heart, hot feeling, sweating and tremor, bulged eyes, enlarged goitre are its most common symptoms.  It is diagnosed by blood test.

HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE : It is also an autoimmune disease caused by low secretion of hormone by thyroid gland. Fatigue, low mood, cold sensitivity, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, enlarged thyroid, and low desire for sex are its most common symptoms.

HYPERTHYROIDISM  :  It is a condition when thyroid gland become overactive. Anxiousness or nervousness, inability to heat tolerance, heart palpitation, weight loss and tiredness are its main symptoms. It can also be diagnosed by a blood test. 

HYPOTHYROIDISM :  It is condition when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Fatigue, weight  gain, heavy periods or sensitivity to cold are its most common symptoms and it is diagnosed by a blood test.

MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA type 1 and type 2 (MEN1 AND MEN2) :  These are rare genetic  conditions which are passed down through families.  They cause tumors of parathyroid, adrenal and thyroid glands, leading to overproduction of hormones.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) :  CAH caused by malfunctioning of adrenal gland due to too much secretion of male sex hormones (androgens) and insufficient secretion of other hormones (cortisol and aldosterone).  It results in abnormal development of sex organs, poor weight gain or weight loss, dehydration and vomiting.

 Cushing’s syndrome : Cushing’s syndrome is caused by  too much secretion of  cortisol – a hormone produced by adrenal glands.  Its secretion increases in  response to stress.  Its symptoms may include – weighty torso, shoulders and neck but thin arms and legs, hump between the shoulders, diabetes, high blood pressure, tired or emotional, bruising and stretch marks on the tummy, hips and thighs, osteoporosis, more hair on the face and body in females and erectile dysfunction in males.  This is mainly caused on having a benign tumour in brain, or adrenal gland or somewhere else in the body, overgrowth of adrenal glands,  or by prolonged corticosteroid  medication.

Adrenal fatigue :  Long term stress is the main cause of adrenal fatigue and it results in tiredness.  However, there can be other causes also of tiredness. 

Addison’s disease :  Addison’s disease caused by less production of cortisol and aldosterone hormones by the adrenal gland. Weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, darkening of the skin are its main symptoms.

DIABETES :  In Diabetes, either the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. Tiredness, excess hunger, excess thirst, and passing excess urine are its main symptoms.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES : It is a diabetes that takes place during pregnancy and can lead to develop diabetes in future.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) :  Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects  1 in 10 females in their reproductive phase. It causes impaired menstrual cycle, skin and hair changes, cysts on the ovaries,  infertility, excessive hair growth, and acne. It enhances risk of other medical problems as well such as high blood pressure, diabetes etc.

TREATMENT FOR HORMONAL PROBLEMS :
Diet for all Hormonal Problems :
  • Proper nutritious and balanced diet comprising of plenty of green vegetables, seasonal fruits, milk, buttermilk, curd and sprouted should be taken. Protein rich food that is heavy in digestion such as cheese, paneer, choley, rajma etc should be avoided as a routine, once a while can be taken. Easily digestible protein such as lentils, milk, buttermilk should be taken. Processed food, junk food, fast food, spicy food, oily food, non – vegetarian food, frozen food, stale food, carbonated drinks, cold drinks , Maida, smoking, tobacco in any form, and alcohol,  should  be totally avoided.
  • Breakfast should be rich in nutrients but light in digestion such as seasonal fruits, water soaked nuts, fresh fruit juice (not packed juices), milk, buttermilk etc. Heavy breakfast such as paratha, poori, bread- butter should never be taken.
  • Atleast two spoon Deshi Ghee (preferably Cow’s Ghee) should necessarily be taken every day. Life style should be active enough to get it properly digested. Pasteurized butter should be avoided. Fresh white butter can be taken.
  • Frequent eating should be avoided. Diet should be restricted to three meals a day only – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Teenagers, youngsters can have four.  Keep growing children refrain from chocolate, biscuits, namkeens etc.  Always keep for them home made Mathri’  of whole grain flour, roasted grains, home made laddu (sweetened with dates  or unprocessed stevia leaves etc).
  • Though shocking but important to quit tea and coffee because tannin content in these do significantly restrict absorption of essential minerals and vitamins.  Replace your cup of tea or green tea with herbal tea made of fresh ginger, tulsi, lemon grass, Kashmere kehwa , lemon water etc. You can add to these herbal teas cloves, black pepper, cardamom, saffron etc as per your choice and taste.

YOGA  (common for all hormonal problems)  : 

  • Surya Namaskar, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Matsyasana, Setubandhasana, bitilasana, Marjaryasana, Mandukasana, Markatasana, Gomukhasana and butterfly are beneficial .
  • Shirshasana is also very beneficial but it should never be done keeping head on floor, mat or even on a cushion; instead it should be performed by reversing the body keeping hands (palms) on the floor and taking body load on the fully stretched hands instead of on the head and neck. Thus on a reverse position your face will be at a distance of 1½ feet from the ground/ floor level.
  • Also do tapping on the head and face for 3 – 4 minutes a day.
  • Females should avoid yoga during a few days of menses, In rest of the days they can freely do.

PRANAYAMA :  Kapalbhati (30 minutes) , Anulom Vilom (30 minutes), Brahmai (5 minutes) and Udgeeth                               (5 minutes) .

ACUPRESSURE :   on the given points  give clockwise pressure to increase secretion and anticlockwise to decrease secretion.

 MEDICINES :

  • For hormonal diseases allopathic medicines should never be taken because they have severe side effects.
  • Our integrated therapy comprising of Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga and Acupressure is capable enough to permanently cure hormonal disorders.
  • Being critical to select the right Homoeopathic medicine, their selection can not be left on patient or their relatives/well wisher. It is job of a qualified and experienced doctor only, hence patients are advised either to write us or to consult any other Homoeopath in their vicinity.  However, all other Naturopathy, Yoga, and Acupressure based measures are overwhelming and valid in all cases. 

                                                                                               Pituitary                                              points also must be added                 

 MEDICINES :

  • For hormonal diseases allopathic medicines should never be taken because they have severe side effects.
  • Our integrated therapy comprising of Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga and Acupressure is capable enough to permanently cure hormonal disorders.
  • Being critical to select the right Homoeopathic medicine, their selection can not be left on patient or their relatives/well wisher. It is job of a qualified and experienced doctor only, hence patients are advised either to write us or to consult any other Homoeopath in their vicinity.  However, all other Naturopathy, Yoga, and Acupressure based measures are overwhelming and valid in all cases.