Signs of diseases of the endocrine system in women. Report: Diseases of the endocrine system. Violations of the female gonads - Premenstrual syndrome

The basis of diseases of the endocrine system are several reasons:

The main causes of hormonal deficiency:

  • Violations of the endocrine glands associated with infectious diseases.
  • Hypoplasia of the endocrine glands, most often congenital.
  • Insufficient supply of the gland with blood or hemorrhages in the organ of internal secretion.
  • Diabetes mellitus associated with pancreatitis.
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis in the stage of hyperthyroidism or complicated by tumors.
  • Iodine deficiency;
  • Surgical operations on the parathyroid glands.

Some causes of hormonal disorders

Endocrine glands that produce hormones are involved in almost all physiological processes in the human body. Pathologies of the endocrine system lead to a change in the functionality of the glands in other organs, which disrupts the hormonal level in the body.

Symptoms of problems. Diagnostics

The main symptoms and complaints of patients:

  • Weight problems, being overweight or losing weight.
  • Frequent heartbeat, problems with the cardiovascular system.
  • Heat, feverish condition.
  • Emotional excitability.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders.
  • High pressure.
  • Headache.
  • Weakness in the muscles.
  • Lethargy, drowsiness.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Painful thirst.
  • Sweating.

Violations in the endocrine system affect the entire human body. To diagnose a specific problem, the endocrinologist needs to collect an anamnesis and study the patient's medical history, since past diseases can affect the functionality of the human endocrine gland system.

Chronic adrenal insufficiency can be provoked by tuberculosis, and hypothyroidism develops as a consequence of the surgical intervention necessary to remove the goiter. Acute thyroiditis strikes a person after sinusitis, tonsillitis, or pneumonia.

To establish the correct diagnosis, the endocrinologist needs not only to record the patient's complaints, examine the main symptoms, but also collect a family history, since heredity plays an important role in the occurrence of diseases such as diabetes, diabetes and insipidus, toxic diffuse goiter, autoimmune diseases of the endocrine system, goiter.

The occurrence of problems is affected by the composition of water and soil in the place of residence of a person. Lack of iodine leads to disease - endemic goiter.

Identification of symptoms of disorders during examination of the patient

An external examination of the patient gives a lot of information to the endocrinologist. The defeat of the endocrine gland is accompanied by a change in appearance. The patient's eyes shine, the palpebral fissure is dilated, a frightened look. Patients with hormonal thyroid diseases rarely blink, they have pigmented skin on the eyelids. Patients with hypothyroidism have problems with facial expressions, the face of such patients looks like a mask. Acromegaly is accompanied by a symptom of an increase in the size of the ears, lips and nose.

Some diseases are accompanied by such a symptom as non-standard growth, very low or too high. Small stature, in men 130 cm and below, in women 120 cm is characteristic of pituitary dwarfism. In this case, the proportions of the body are not violated. High growth is characteristic of gigantism.

With pathologies of the endocrine system, the skin suffers. Hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes with darkening of the palms and areola, characteristic of adrenal insufficiency. Itsenko-Cushing syndrome is accompanied by a special symptom - wide red or purple stripes on the thighs and abdomen.

Patients with hypothyroidism of the endocrine system have a cold to the touch, pale skin, they have dry and brittle hair, hair loss is observed, up to baldness.

Very elastic skin is a symptom of diffuse toxic goiter. People with diabetes have problems with skin covered with abscesses or affected by a fungus.

In some diseases of the endocrine system, excessive hair growth is observed, for example, with Itsenko-Cushing's symptom. The syndrome is accompanied by fatty layers in the face, abdomen, neck and torso.

Diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism can be accompanied by weight loss. With hyperparathyroidism, the skeleton is deformed, the disease is accompanied by bone fractures.

One of the most valuable methods for detecting endocrine disorders is palpation, which helps to identify thyroid problems. Normally, this organ is not palpable.

Proper and timely treatment of viral and infectious diseases, rational nutrition, clean living environment are factors necessary for the proper functioning of the human endocrine system.

Prevention of endocrine disorders in children consists in accustoming them to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. Additionally, children living in areas with iodine deficiency in water and soil are advised to take iodine preparations and add dry kelp or iodized salt to their food.


The endocrine system implies a set that are responsible for the formation of hormones in the human body. In turn, hormones affect the state of cells and internal organs, thereby regulating their normal functioning. The endocrine system can be divided into 2 types, these are glandular and diffuse systems. It is these 2 types of endocrine system that form the endocrine gland. In turn, after entering the blood, hormones penetrate into all organs.

There are also 2 types of endocrine glands - endocrine and mixed glands.

Endocrine glands include:

  • The pineal gland is part of the endocrine system. The epiphysis is located in the brain. Violation of the pineal gland leads to diabetes, depression and the formation of tumors;
  • brain nuclei - participate in the overall control of the entire endocrine system. Malfunctions in the work of the nuclei of the brain can lead to violations of the integral work of the whole organism;
  • The pituitary gland is a brain appendage, its main function is to secrete a hormone that is responsible for human growth, as well as ensuring the full functioning of the nervous system. Violations of the pituitary gland lead to obesity, depletion of the body, slowing down the growth process, cessation of the development of the sex glands;
  • thyroid gland. This gland is located in the neck. Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are responsible for creating the body's immunity and affect the nervous system. A small amount of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland leads to disturbances in the digestive tract, dystrophy, excessive sweating, nervous and mental disorders;
  • adrenal gland - responsible for and norepinephrine. An increased concentration of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands leads to the formation of malignant tumors and early puberty. Insufficient work of the adrenal gland leads to darkening and strong pigmentation of the skin, negatively affects the body's immune system and increases the amount of sugar in the blood.

Mixed glands include:

  • ovaries (cells of the female reproductive organs) and testicles (cells of the male reproductive organs) - secrete hormones called estrogen, progesterone, testosterone;
  • pancreas - is considered an organ of the digestive system and secretes a hormone that ensures the production of sugar and insulin;
  • paraganglia are remnants of the adrenaline system. Failures in the work of paraganglia leads to the formation of tumors;
  • parathyroid gland. The parathyroid hormone is directly related to the concentration of calcium in the body, which ensures the normal functioning of the motor function;
  • thymus gland. responsible for the formation of new cells in the immune system. Lack of hormones produced by the fork of the gland leads to a strong decrease in immunity and, accordingly, does not perform the protective function of the body against viruses and bacteria.

Functions of the endocrine system

The endocrine system plays a huge role in the human body. Its functions include:

  • ensuring the full work of all organs;
  • participation in all changes in the body;
  • regulation of the development of the organism;
  • ensuring the reproductive function of the body;
  • metabolic control;
  • responsible for the emotional and psychological state of a person.

Therefore, any disease of the endocrine system leads to disruption of the integral work of the body. The main function of the glands located in the endocrine system is the release of hormones into the blood.

Violation of work processes in the endocrine system

It is not uncommon that it is difficult for doctors to diagnose an endocrine system disorder, since the signs of this disease are easily confused with the symptoms of another disease. In fact, violations instantly affect the work of the whole organism. It is possible to identify diseases of the endocrine system by numerous symptoms.

Disorders of the endocrine system are divided into 2 types - this is an excess of the function performed or a lack of the function performed. That is, violations occur in the human body, both with an increased amount of hormones, and with a reduced one.

Symptoms of endocrine disruption

Violations of the endocrine system instantly cause certain disruptions in the body. Symptoms of an endocrine disorder include:

  • increase or decrease in body weight. This violation can be noticed when a person adheres to a proper balanced diet, but does not lose excess weight. It is possible to carry out the opposite process. Body weight decreases with a high-calorie diet;
  • increased sweating - a person begins to sweat a lot even when performing minor physical exertion;
  • violation of the heart - often the patient has a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath;
  • an unrelated increase in body temperature - a sharp increase in body temperature for no particularly apparent reason, may indicate a hormonal imbalance in the body;
  • changes in the condition of the skin - increased body hair growth, excessive oiliness or dryness of the skin, acne;
  • pressure surges - a sharp increase and decrease in pressure during the day, accompanied by a headache;
  • impassable fatigue - even after a long rest, a person does not feel in good shape;
  • in women, menstrual irregularities - delay, poor discharge, excessive discharge, pain during menstruation - all this is the cause of hormonal failure in the body;
  • excessive growth of different parts of the body - disproportionately large limbs or other parts of the body, speak of disturbances in the endocrine system;
  • visual impairment - there is a sharp loss of vision, in the absence of visible reasons;
  • constant feeling of thirst - often this symptom accompanies all people with diseases of the endocrine system.
  • memory impairment - forgetfulness or the development of sclerosis indicates an imbalance in the human body;
  • digestive disorders - occur even with a balanced diet.

Causes of disorders of the endocrine system and their classification

The exact causes of endocrine disruption are not known, but it can presumably be concluded that malfunctions occur due to:

  • hereditary predisposition to diseases of the endocrine system;
  • drinking alcohol and smoking;
  • bad ecology;
  • not proper nutrition;
  • stress;
  • various injuries;
  • viruses and infections that enter the body;
  • the presence of tumors in the body;
  • age-related changes;
  • great physical activity.

Classification of diseases of the endocrine system

Endocrinological diseases are directly related to the production of hormones, the lack or increased concentration of which causes diseases. The main diseases of the endocrine system are:

  • - this disease is caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland, which is not able to produce the right amount of insulin. A failure occurs in the human body, and it becomes unable to fully absorb fats, carbohydrates and glucose, thereby causing hyperglycemia;
  • - Another of the diseases of the thyroid gland, the symptoms of this disease are more often observed in women than in men. Lack of hormone produced by the thyroid gland causes a feeling of fatigue and weakness;
  • goiter - the disease implies an increase in the thyroid gland, several times more than normal. The main reason for the development of goiter is a small amount of iodine entering the human body;
  • - the disease manifests itself with excessive production of a hormone that controls the growth process of the body. In an adult, this disease manifests itself in the form of a disproportionate increase in different parts of the body;
  • - In the process of illness, the immune system secretes antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland.
  • - symptoms of this disease are convulsions that occur for no reason;
  • - the disease occurs when there is an insufficient amount of the hormone - vasopressin, which regulates the amount of water in the human body. The symptom of this disease is a feeling of intense thirst;
  • - occurs in the process of increased work of the adrenal glands. Increased secretion of ardenocorticotropic hormone leads to obesity, changes in the skin, excessive hair growth.

This is not the whole list of diseases associated with the endocrine system. Detection of even minor symptoms should be the reason for contacting a doctor for advice.

Disruption of the endocrine system in children

They are less common than in adults. It is not easy to diagnose and treat children with endocrine pathologies. The main reasons for the development of diseases in a child are heredity and external factors. Identification of endocrine system diseases in a child in the later stages can cause serious health problems in the future. Endocrine pathology causes a violation of the physical, psychological and sexual development of the child. Improper treatment or its complete absence leads to changes in the functioning of the nervous system and the emergence of incurable diseases.

To prevent endocrine diseases in children, it is worth implementing a number of preventive measures, such as:

  • proper nutrition;
  • to limit the child from all kinds of stress;
  • teach your child to exercise.

Endocrine diseases that manifest themselves in children due to genetic prerequisites require constant monitoring by an endocrinologist, monthly examinations and compliance with preventive measures. In difficult cases, the prevention of diseases of the endocrine system in children facilitates the development of the disease and prevents its complications.

Children are considered the main group at risk for endocrine system disorders, because even artificial feeding in the future can cause diabetes.

Symptoms manifested in children with pathologies

Watching your child, you can quickly notice violations of the endocrine system, this may be indicated by the following facts:

  • drinking large amounts of fluid, more than 5 liters per day;
  • weight loss;
  • vomit;
  • lethargy and nervousness;
  • dry skin;
  • puffiness;
  • by three months, the child is not able to hold his head on his own;
  • delayed puberty or premature puberty.

At the first detection of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diseases of the endocrine system in women

According to statistics, women suffer from endocrine disorders more often than men. Lack of treatment of endocrine diseases can cause infertility, since hormonal disruptions in the female body primarily affect the ovaries. Endocrine disorders in women first lead to inflammatory processes occurring in the genitals, and then lead to infertility. The reason for this can be not only improper production of hormones, but also constant stress that has a detrimental effect on the body.

Diseases in women are treated much more difficult than in men. The presence of endocrine disorders and symptoms in women may not appear immediately. Even the usual menstrual delay may indicate already existing problems with the endocrine system. When the endocrine system is disrupted in women, the pancreas and thyroid gland also fall into the risk zone. Problems with the endocrine system can be indicated by: rapid metabolism, tachycardia, circulatory disorders in the limbs, increased sweating, nervousness and insomnia. Also, the reason for contacting an endocrinologist can be: obesity, accompanied by rapid weight gain, increased hair growth throughout the body, a sharp deterioration in vision.

To prevent endocrine diseases, it is enough to adhere to proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, to prevent nervous breakdowns. Often, during examination, an endocrine disease is detected after 50 years. This is due to age-related changes in the body and the restructuring of the hormonal background. At the same time, hot flashes, insomnia, pressure surges, and a nervous state cause discomfort to a woman.

During pregnancy, strong hormonal changes occur in a woman's body, which can lead to a threatened miscarriage, complications during childbirth, low lactation, and depression. A completely untreated course of treatment is quite dangerous; it can lead to the development of asthma, infertility, diabetes mellitus and the formation of malignant tumors. Treatment of abnormalities in the endocrine system in women is mainly carried out with hormonal drugs, which can be of natural origin or artificially created.

Diseases of the endocrine system in men

Hormonal disorders in men often manifest themselves either in adolescence or in old age. The cause of hormonal imbalance is an insufficient amount of testosterone in the body. An insufficient amount of the hormone in the blood may be associated with congenital pathology, the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine or drugs on the body, the development of infectious diseases in the body. The symptoms that appear in men during an endocrine disruption are similar to the general symptoms in women and children.

Diagnosis of disorders in the work of the endocrine system

Only an endocrinologist can make a diagnosis. To identify pathologies of the endocrine system, the patient is prescribed tests for the amount of sugar in the body and the level of hormones in the blood, a urine test. The passage of ultrasound can also indicate the presence of an endocrine system disease. As an additional type of examination, computed tomography and x-rays can be prescribed. Testing for the concentration of the hormone in the blood can show:

  • gland dysfunction;
  • causes of menstrual irregularities;
  • the presence or absence of diabetes;
  • the cause of various diseases associated with disruptions in the endocrine system.

In order for the analysis for hormones to show the correct result, it is worth adhering to certain rules before conducting it. A blood test for hormones is taken in the morning and on an empty stomach. A couple of days before the procedure, you should exclude physical activity, the use of alcohol and any medications.

Treatment of endocrine diseases

Treatment of endocrine diseases directly depends on the classification of the disease, its stage of development and the age of the patient. There are several ways to treat diseases associated with disruption of the endocrine system:

  • drug treatment - implies the intake of: hormones, vitamins;
  • magnetotherapy - the impact on the human body due to the magnetic field;
  • taking homeopathic medicines. Thanks to magnets, processes occur in human cells that have a positive effect on them;
  • physiotherapy. The use of physiotherapy as a method of treatment is quite effective. It contributes to the normalization of metabolism, strengthening the body and accelerating the recovery period;
  • surgical intervention - carried out only in the presence of malignant tumors;
  • endocrine and immune therapy - therapy is aimed at general strengthening of the body's immunity.

Often, the pathology of the endocrine system is detected in the later stages of development, which complicates the treatment process. . The main goal of the treatment of diseases associated with the endocrine system is the normalization of hormonal levels, the complete elimination of the symptoms of the disease and the prevention of remission. Drug treatment of the disease can only be prescribed by a doctor. It directly depends on the form of the disease and its development.

Prevention of endocrine diseases

Disease of the endocrine system may be prevented if preventive measures are observed. Prevention of endocrine diseases includes:

  • maintaining proper nutrition - the use of cereals, fruits and vegetables. Eating should be frequent and in small quantities. Avoid fatty and fried foods. A positive impact will be the exclusion of products with a high sugar content;
  • active lifestyle - doing light physical exercises. Fatigue should be avoided;
  • getting rid of bad habits - giving up alcohol and smoking;
  • avoid harmful environmental factors - prolonged exposure to sunlight on the body has a detrimental effect;
  • visiting an endocrinologist - taking tests to determine the hormonal background;
  • prevention of stressful situations - often a stressful state gives serious hormonal disruptions;
  • the use of herbal medicine - the use of decoctions and tinctures from medicinal herbs and plants. It will be useful to use tinctures and decoctions from: sage, goose cinquefoil, oregano;
  • maintaining adequate sleep.

Medications for the prevention of diseases of the endocrine system should contain iodine, vitamins and useful trace elements.

Prevention of diseases of the endocrine system should be carried out regardless of hereditary predisposition, since violations in the formation of hormones can occur in any person. Early detection of endocrine system disorders will help avoid long-term treatment and warn against the development of dangerous diseases.

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The main function of the endocrine system is the regulation of all vital processes in the body, and any hormonal imbalance can lead to severe and difficult to predict consequences.

The endocrine glands produce over 50 different hormones.

Due to the functional diversity of hormones produced by the endocrine system, the symptoms of diseases of different glands include disorders of indirectly related organs and systems.

The normal hormonal background is formed as a result of a complex interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary system and the endocrine glands themselves. The causes and pathogenetic mechanisms of endocrine diseases are still little studied and not fully elucidated.

Among the root causes of functional disorders of the endocrine system are:

  • hereditary predisposition;
  • neoplasms;
  • inflammatory processes;
  • congenital anomalies in the structure of the glands;
  • infectious lesions;
  • consequences of injuries;
  • common origin violations.

Pathological changes in the work of the endocrine system can be triggered by external influences, such as chronic lack of sleep, malnutrition, physical or psycho-emotional exhaustion, long-term treatment with certain drugs, in women - hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.

Clinical manifestations of the disease can be caused either by dysfunction of one of the endocrine glands, or by violations of the organ's susceptibility to the effects of a particular hormone.

Much less common are pathologies associated with the production of defective or false hormones, characterized by abnormal activity, disruption of the connection between the gland and the internal environment of the body, and multiple lesions of the endocrine system.

Violations of the functioning of the endocrine glands proceed according to the type of hyperfunction or hypofunction. and. In the first case, an excess amount of hormones enters the body, in the second, a shortage of the active substance is formed. Violations of the type of hypersecretion develop with excessive stimulation of the gland or the formation of zones of secondary secretion in tissues or organs similar in functional characteristics.

human endocrine system

Deficiency of any hormone can be caused by a deficiency of certain microelements or vitamins, inflammatory processes in the tissues of the gland, due to radiation or toxic damage to the gland. Hyposecretion can be hereditary or develop against the background of immunodeficiency states.

Violations of the susceptibility of tissues and organs to individual hormones is of a hereditary nature. Such disorders are rare, and their mechanisms have been studied very little. There is a hypothesis about the absence of hormone-specific receptors on cell membranes, without which the hormone cannot penetrate the tissue and perform the corresponding functions.

The secretion of defective hormones is extremely rare. The production of false hormones is often the result of spontaneous mutations. With some liver diseases, in women - and during pregnancy, metabolic disorders are possible, accompanied by a rupture of connections between the glands that produce certain types of hormones and the organs that they affect. With violations of the ways of transporting the hormone, secondary metabolic changes develop.

Dysfunction of the endocrine glands can also be caused by autoimmune processes, in which the tissue of the gland is destroyed by its own immune defense mechanisms.

The secretion activity of various hormones is subject to natural age-related changes and signs of early wilting are often of an endocrine nature.

Symptoms of the problem

The most typical symptoms of hormonal imbalance are abnormal weight and height, mental imbalance and unstable emotional state.

Endocrine disorders are reflected in the functioning of target organs, that is, the symptoms of a particular disease may resemble an organic lesion of the corresponding organ.

Several groups of symptoms may indicate problems with the endocrine system. Some diseases are characterized by changes in the behavior of the patient. A person is prone to sudden mood swings for no apparent reason, there are previously unusual emotional reactions to everyday situations: too violent or, on the contrary, inhibited.

With endocrine disorders, general weakness, drowsiness, weakness can manifest itself, a person suffers from frequent headaches, notes memory and attention disorders. There may be long-term non-critical changes in body temperature without visible prerequisites, chills and fever, too frequent urge to urinate, agonizing thirst, impaired sexual desire.

In patients, body weight changes dramatically in the direction of increase or decrease. Possible heart rhythm disturbances or arterial hypertension, not associated with exposure to typical provoking factors and in the absence of signs of damage to the heart or blood vessels. Early symptoms of endocrine diseases are mostly non-specific, do not inspire much concern and are not always a sufficient reason for a visit to an endocrinologist.

As the pathology progresses, characteristic features of disorders from one or another gland appear.

Exophthalmos is a rather rare symptom of endocrine disorders. must be diagnosed in time, otherwise severe visual impairment is possible.

The structure and functions of the human endocrine system are described in detail.

Violations in the work of the endocrine system affect the general condition of the human body. The link contains useful information about measures to prevent diseases of the endocrine organs.

Symptoms of endocrine diseases in women

Disturbances in hormonal regulation affect metabolic processes.

A woman is gaining or rapidly losing weight without changing the diet and the qualitative composition of the diet.

Sleep disturbances and a state of chronic fatigue are possible, in patients the temperature rises or falls without visible signs of pathology, which can manifest itself in a similar way.

Anxiety symptoms - fine motor disorders, heart rhythm disturbances and changes in blood pressure without signs of pathologies of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Patients often become nervous, prone to sudden mood swings.

Violation of the hormonal background affects the work of the sweat glands, the body is literally flooded with sweat. Excessive secretion of growth hormone leads to a distortion and coarsening of the proportions of the face, in the first place - the lower jaw, soft tissues around the mouth, superciliary arches.

The first symptoms of diabetes are persistent, irresistible itching and intense thirst. Increased susceptibility to pustular infections.

Disorders of the functioning of the gonads are manifested by excessive hair growth in the male pattern, complications during pregnancy and the process of childbirth. In such patients, there are menstrual disorders, up to amenorrhea, infertility. A very alarming symptom is the appearance of striae (stretch marks) that are not associated with pregnancy or changes in body weight. Crimson color of the resulting defects indicates involvement in the pathological process and the adrenal cortex.

Pathologies of the endocrine system in men

Diseases of the endocrine glands, which regulate metabolic processes, in men and women are manifested by similar non-specific symptoms.

With dysfunction of the gonads, the patient develops effeminate features in appearance.

In particular, the mammary glands increase, the structure of the secondary hairline changes, and female-type obesity develops.

A man may notice violations of sexual desire and ability to copulate. Often in patients with endocrine disorders, infertility is detected.

Symptoms of diseases of the endocrine system in children

Diseases of the endocrine system in children can manifest themselves at a very early age.

The complexity of diagnosing disorders of the functioning of the endocrine glands is also complicated by the psychological characteristics of the childhood period.

Clinical manifestations of certain diseases sometimes resemble the consequences of errors in raising a child.

Endocrine disorders lead to abnormal rates of physical and mental development of the child. Damage to the thyroid parathyroid glands affects the development of intelligence. Children are irritable, inattentive, have difficulty learning new skills, and are prone to apathy.

Concomitant disorders of calcium metabolism are manifested by bone fragility, lagging behind the formation of the dentition and the growth of the skeleton. If left untreated, various forms of dementia may develop.

Weakened immunity may indicate possible problems with the thymus or pancreas. The early stages of diabetes are indicated by hard-healing skin lesions and a tendency to pustular infections.

Dysfunction of the gonads is manifested by the acceleration or delay of puberty in girls and boys.

The problems of the gonads are indicated by the formation of secondary sexual characteristics characteristic of the opposite sex: physique, voice timbre, deviations in the development of the mammary glands.

Violation of the functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary system can affect the functioning of any of the endocrine glands.

With some endocrine pathologies, dystrophy of the eye muscles occurs. gives the patient a lot of discomfort and can cause visual impairment.

Symptoms of Basedow's disease are described. As well as brief information about the treatment of the disease.

In addition to the general regulatory function, the hypothalamic-pituitary system produces growth hormone (somatotropin). Deficiency of somatotropin during the period of active growth leads to dwarfism, excess - to gigantism.

Note: the most common endocrine pathology is diabetes mellitus, affecting both sexes and all age groups.

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The regulation of the activity of the endocrine glands is carried out by the autonomic nerve centers of the diencephalon through the autonomic nerve fibers and through the pituitary gland under the control of the cerebral cortex. The nervous and endocrine systems are closely related and constantly interact.

The endocrine glands have a great influence on the growth and development of the body, metabolic processes, excitability and tone of the nervous system. Features of the functioning of individual links of the endocrine system play an important role in the formation of the body in general and its constitutional features in particular.

The natural course of age-related changes in the body can be sharply disturbed under the influence of disorders of internal secretion from one or more endocrine glands.

Causes of endocrine disorders: 1. Primary Violations functions of peripheral endocrine glands.

Various pathological processes can develop in the gland itself and lead to disruption of the formation and secretion of the corresponding hormones.

An important place among the causes of damage to the peripheral endocrine glands is occupied by infections. Some of them (for example, tuberculosis, syphilis) can be localized in different glands, causing their gradual destruction, in other cases there is a certain selectivity of the lesion (for example, meningococcal sepsis is often accompanied by hemorrhage in the adrenal glands, viral parotitis often causes orchitis and testicular atrophy, and orchitis may also occur in gonorrhea, etc.).

A common cause of gland damage and hormone production disorders are tumors that can develop in any gland. The nature of endocrine disorders in this case depends on the nature of the tumor. If the tumor originates from secretory cells, excessive amounts of hormones are usually produced and a picture of hyperfunction of the gland occurs. If the tumor does not secrete the hormone, but only compresses and causes atrophy or destroys the tissue of the gland, its progressive hypofunction develops. Quite often tumors have metastatic character. In some cases, tumors of the endocrine glands produce hormones that are not characteristic of this gland; ectopic foci of hormone formation in tumors of non-endocrine organs are also possible.

Disorders of the endocrine system may be due to congenital defects in the development of the glands or their atrophy. The latter is caused by various reasons: sclerotic process, chronic inflammation, age-related involution, hormonally active tumor of the paired gland, long-term treatment with exogenous hormones, etc. Damage and atrophy of the gland are sometimes based on autoimmune processes (for example, in some forms of diabetes mellitus, adrenal diseases, thyroid, etc.).

Autoimmune processes can also cause hyperproduction of hormones (for example, by the thyroid gland).

The formation of hormones is disturbed due to hereditary defects in the enzymes necessary for their synthesis, or inactivation (blockade) of these enzymes. In this way, for example, some forms of cortico-genital syndrome, endemic cretinism and other endocrine diseases arise. It is also possible the formation of abnormal forms of hormones in the gland. Such hormones have inferior activity or are completely devoid of it. In some cases, the intraglandular conversion of the prohormone into a hormone is disrupted, and therefore its inactive forms are released into the blood.

The cause of violations of the biosynthesis of hormones can be a deficiency of specific substrates that make up their composition (for example, iodine, which is necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones).

One of the causes of endocrine disorders is the depletion of hormone biosynthesis as a result of prolonged stimulation of the gland and its hyperfunction. In this way, some forms of insufficiency of beta-cells of the pancreatic islet apparatus, stimulated by prolonged hyperglycemia, occur.

2. extraglandular(peripheral) forms of endocrine disorders.

Even with a completely normal function of the peripheral glands and adequate needs of the body for the secretion of hormones, various endocrinopathies can occur.

The causes of such extraglandular "peripheral" endocrine disorders may be impaired binding of hormones to proteins at the stage of their transport to target cells, inactivation or destruction of the circulating hormone, impaired hormone reception and metabolism, and impaired permissive mechanisms.

Inactivation of circulating hormones, according to modern concepts, is most often associated with the formation of antibodies to them. This possibility has been established for exogenous hormones: insulin, ACTH, growth hormone.

At present, the possibility of the formation of autoantibodies to one's own hormones has been proven. The possibility of other ways of hormone inactivation at the stage of their circulation is not excluded.

An important form of extraglandular endocrine disorders is associated with impaired hormone reception in target cells - on their surface or inside the cell. Such phenomena may be the result of a genetically determined absence or small number of receptors, defects in their structure, various cell damage, competitive blockade of receptors by “antihormones”, gross shifts in the physicochemical properties of the pericellular and intracellular environment.

Anti-receptor antibodies are now of great importance. It is believed that the mechanisms for the production of antireceptor antibodies may be associated with some features of the immune system itself.

The cause of the formation of antibodies may be a viral infection; suggest that in such cases, the virus binds to a hormone receptor on the cell surface and provokes the formation of anti-receptor antibodies.

One of the forms of insufficiency of hormonal effects may be associated with a violation of the permissive "intermediary" action of hormones.

Thus, the lack of cortisol, which has a powerful and versatile permissive effect on catecholamines, sharply weakens the glycogenolytic, lipolytic effects of adrenaline, the pressor effect, and some other effects of catecholamines.

In the absence of the necessary amounts of thyroid hormones, the action of growth hormone cannot be normally realized in the early stages of the development of the organism.

Violation of the "mutual assistance" of hormones can lead to other endocrine disorders.

Endocrinopathy can occur as a result of a violation of hormone metabolism. A significant part of the hormones is destroyed in the liver, and with its lesions (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.), signs of endocrine disorders are often observed. Excessive activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of hormones is also possible.

Thus, the causes and mechanisms of endocrine disorders are very diverse.

At the same time, these disorders are not always based on insufficient or excessive production of the corresponding hormones, but always on the inadequacy of their peripheral effects in target cells, leading to a complex interweaving of metabolic, structural and functional disorders.

The field of study of endocrinology is the medical aspects of the structure and functioning of the endocrine glands (or endocrine glands), the study of the biologically highly active substances produced by them - hormones and their effects on the body, as well as diseases arising from a violation of the activity of these glands or the production of hormones. Endocrinology is closely connected with almost all areas of clinical medicine, since hormones control the most important processes occurring in the body: growth, maturation, reproduction, metabolism, proper functioning of organs and systems.

Modern trends in endocrinology are neuroendocrinology, which studies the relationship between the nervous and endocrine regulation of the body, and gynecological endocrinology, which deals with the correction of hormonal disorders in the female body.

The endocrine system combines anatomically unrelated endocrine glands: pineal gland, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, thymus gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, gonads. Most diseases of the endocrine glands cause severe violations of vital functions, not excluding death, if you do not turn to them in time. endocrinologist.

The most urgent problems of modern endocrinology are the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases ( diffuse toxic goiter, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, thyroid cysts), diabetes, diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary system ( acromegaly, gigantism,hypothalamic syndrome, diabetes insipidus, lactation problems, prolactinoma), diseases of the adrenal glands ( adrenal insufficiency, adrenal tumors), dysfunctions of the gonads ( endocrine infertility). Today, thanks to the accumulated knowledge and practical experience of endocrinology, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life of patients with endocrine pathology.

The deterioration of the ecological situation, stress, unbalanced nutrition, burdened heredity often cause disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands and lead to the development of endocrine diseases. Diseases of the endocrine system, as a rule, are long-term, severe. Therefore, it is important to prevent their occurrence in time, to identify them as early as possible or to prevent the development of their complications.

Contacting an endocrinologist is necessary if:

    close relatives have any endocrine pathology: diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, etc.

    you are overweight

    you have symptoms: increased heart rate, sweating or dry skin, fatigue or irritability, thirst and increased urination, discoloration of the skin, etc.

    the child has a delay in mental, physical, sexual development

    disturbed menstrual function

    you are planning a pregnancy or have problems with its onset

    you already have an endocrine disease and require observation and treatment.

For the diagnosis of endocrine pathology, a comprehensive examination is used, including the study of the patient's history, analyzes for the content of various hormones, ultrasound of the glands, and magnetic resonance imaging. Based on the data obtained, the issue of further conservative or surgical treatment is decided.

The treatment of endocrine diseases is aimed at correcting hormonal disorders, achieving a stable remission of the pathological process and restoring the patient's normal quality of life.

The endocrine system is responsible for controlling all the basic functions in the body, so even the slightest hormonal disorders require special attention. Questions regarding the disease of the human endocrine system are of concern to a large number of patients, since hormonal disorders lead to violations of the normal functionality of many organs and systems of the human body. In the case when the proper treatment is not followed, such negligence leads to very unpleasant consequences.

Hormonal disorders mean by themselves: a decrease or increase in height and weight, emotional instability and an unbalanced mental state. The human endocrine system becomes an active participant in the functioning of the body, which refers to the digestion of food consumed and the maintenance of a healthy state of the body. The glands of the endocrine system include: the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and the gonads.

For example, the pituitary gland produces several hormones, one of which is growth hormone, which affects human growth. With an acute lack of such hormones in the body, growth stops, and the body length of an adult is only one meter twenty centimeters. In the event that the hormone is produced in excess, the body length of an adult exceeds the mark of two meters.

The endocrine glands are responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems of the patient and help maintain a good acidic state of the body. Thanks to the endocrine glands, hormones are produced that, through chemical reactions, react with the activity of human organs.

Not every disease can cause a malfunction of the endocrine glands and hormonal disruptions. In such cases, the endocrinologist will not always be able to help, sometimes it is best to turn to a completely different specialist, for example, in case of sexual dysfunction, it is best to contact a urologist or gynecologist, in case of emotional instability, a psychotherapist will help.

In any case, in order to make an adequate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, consultation with a qualified specialist is necessary. Usually, diseases of the endocrine system are associated with either an overabundance or lack of production of hormones that contribute to the development of pathological processes.

The etiology of diseases of the endocrine system in modern medical practice is still too little studied. Pathological changes in the endocrine system can be associated with genetic abnormalities, inflammation and neoplasms, and impaired tissue sensitivity to hormones. Modern medicine distinguishes among the most common diseases of the endocrine system: diabetes mellitus, toxic diffuse goiter and dysfunction of the sex glands.

However, despite all the most modern research methods, the endocrine glands and diseases associated with it are still the most mysterious and poorly understood, so it is important to adhere to the general rules of prevention and recommendations from qualified specialists.

The signs and symptoms that are associated with endocrine disorders are very numerous and can be pronounced and can affect almost all areas and functions of the human body. Symptoms that are observed in patients with disorders associated with the endocrine system:


  • A sharp decrease or, conversely, a sharp increase in body weight;
  • Sudden change of mood;
  • Either increase or decrease in body temperature and fever;
  • increased sweating;
  • Violation of the menstrual cycle in women;
  • Change in normal heart rate;
  • Violation of memory and concentration of attention;
  • Frequent headaches;
  • Rapid fatigue, weakness and drowsiness;
  • Constant feeling of thirst, which is mainly observed in patients with diabetes;
  • Excessive excitability;
  • Decreased sex drive;
  • Frequent urge to urinate.

All of the above symptoms are common in most patients with disorders associated with diseases of the endocrine system. Since these symptoms are not specific, and almost everyone experiences them, it is not necessary to immediately seek help from a professional endocrinologist, it is worthwhile to monitor your health for some time.

Most of the diseases that cause the endocrine glands have external manifestations; in combination with the indicated symptoms, they can already give the most vivid picture of the manifestation of the signs of the disease.

Such manifestations are characterized by the following: the patient's facial expression changes, the size of the superciliary arches increases, the skin changes, possibly hair loss or, conversely, their excessive growth. Due to the unfavorable conditions that now surround the majority of the country's population, the thyroid gland is at particular risk.

The control that the endocrine system implies is characterized by the age and gender of the person. It also has a significant impact on the normal functioning of the metabolic process and the central nervous system, and with the help of them already on all other vital functions. Signs characteristic of age are associated with the natural course of age-related changes, which can be sharply disturbed under the influence of disorders of internal secretion from one or more endocrine glands.

It happens that because of such a violation, perhaps earlier puberty, which is observed mainly in malignant neoplasms of the gonads. Removal of such a tumor normalizes the performance of the sex glands. Sexual characteristics are responsible for the sexual differentiation of the body, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics belonging to the sex glands.

A decrease in their functionality implies the development of a special body structure, which is characterized by increased growth in the length of the limbs, in male patients a female pelvic structure develops and there is no body hairline.

Despite all the symptoms and signs listed above, it should be remembered that most of the diseases that affect the endocrine glands are hereditary in nature, so it is worth asking what diseases the closest relatives have. It should be remembered that the symptoms and signs associated with endocrine diseases depend on their type and nature of occurrence, it is important to make the correct diagnosis and start treating these symptoms in a timely manner.

It is very important for the attending physician to diagnose all the once transferred pathological processes that could cause diseases. Very often, characteristic external signs can indicate the development of a particular disease, for example, too enlarged lips or ears can indicate acromegaly, and a noticeable deformity of the neck indicates a malfunction of the thyroid gland.

Necessary treatment

In modern medical practice, the treatment that implies the endocrine system is carried out with the help of hormonal drugs. In the case where the main causes are excessive or insufficient active participation of the glands, there are problems associated with restorative functionality.

To eliminate the symptoms and first signs, hormones are introduced into the patient's body, which reduce the excessive activity of the functioning of the elements of the endocrine system. In especially severe cases, when a person has to remove part of the gland or cut out the organ completely, then taking such drugs should be carried out until the end of life.

For prevention, anti-inflammatory and strengthening drugs are often prescribed, and treatment with radioactive iodine is also used. Of course, the most effective method of treatment is surgery, but qualified specialists try to use this method only in rare cases.

Such treatment is used only if the resulting tumor harms the endocrine system. With neoplasms, from which the endocrine system also suffers, the method of surgical intervention is used.

Nutrition is selected by the doctor, depending on which endocrine gland is affected. Dietary nutrition is prescribed if there are no concomitant diseases that can be aggravated by diabetes mellitus, in which case, for a start, the specialist prescribes a trial diet. Sample menu table:

  • Meat and fish - two hundred and fifty grams;
  • Cottage cheese - three hundred grams;
  • Cheese - twenty-five grams;
  • Dairy products - five hundred grams;
  • Rye bread - one hundred grams;
  • Butter and vegetable oil - sixty grams;
  • All vegetables, with the exception of potatoes and beans - a thousand grams;
  • Fresh fruits except bananas and grapes - three hundred grams.

For patients who are overweight, a trial diet is prescribed for prevention, it should have a low energy content, this restriction of fat intake contributes to weight loss.

The endocrine system can be cured and with the help of folk methods, which involve taking infusions of medicinal herbs, this method is designed to take a large number of herbs, such as: thyme, yarrow, lemon balm, mint, wormwood, sage, chamomile and many others. Such fees help to stabilize metabolic processes and contribute to the intake of important microelements into the body.

Prevention of emerging symptoms and diseases of the endocrine system includes the regular intake of biologically active and iodine-containing food supplements. It should be remembered that it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle and adhere to the necessary prevention in order to minimize and minimize the risks associated with diseases of the endocrine system.

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