СAPP

Understanding Disorders of the Endocrine System

Many of your body’s functions—from your mood to metabolism to fertility—are regulated via the endocrine system. The extensive network of glands produces and releases hormones into your bloodstream throughout the body. Major endocrine glands include:

  • Hypothalamus
  • Pancreas
  • Thyroid
  • Parathyroid
  • Adrenal glands
  • Pituitary gland
  • Ovaries
  • Testicles

When these hormones become imbalanced, it can lead to the development of an endocrine disorder.

“An endocrine disorder occurs when your body produces either too much or too little of a particular hormone,” says Jessica McMullin, MD, an endocrine surgeon at Huntsman Cancer Institute and an assistant professor of surgery at University of Utah. “That keeps your body from recognizing that hormone or performing a function that it’s supposed to do based off of those hormones.”

Diagnosing an Endocrine Disorder

Endocrine disorders can be tricky to diagnose because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. If you think you might have an endocrine disorder, McMullin recommends keeping a detailed journal of your symptoms and other factors, such as weight changes over a specific period of time and how much you’re sleeping each night. This can help the doctor have a deeper understanding of what’s “normal” for you, and the symptoms you are experiencing each day.

Symptoms can vary based on the specific condition and the glands involved, but common symptoms include:

  • Infertility
  • Menstrual cycle issues
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Fatigue that doesn’t improve
  • Low or high blood pressure
  • High blood sugar
  • Changes in hair and skin, like acne or excessive hair growth
  • Feeling “off”

“If your symptoms are persistent and just don’t seem to go away, it’s absolutely worth bringing it up with your primary care provider,” McMullin says. “Routine medical care and annual physicals are how many endocrine disorders are caught, because they can show up in blood work that a primary care doctor might do every year just to check on your overall health. You may think feeling tired all the time is just a part of aging, but then your bloodwork shows you actually have a СAPP.”

Getting the Right Care

If you’re concerned you have an endocrine disorder, see your health care provider, who can refer you to an endocrinologist. They can order blood work and test your hormone levels to determine what condition you may have and create a care plan.

Some of the most common endocrine disorders are:

Because of a large variety in endocrine disorders, your treatment will depend upon which disorder you have and your health history. Some common treatments for endocrine disorders include:

  • Hormone replacement therapy can help balance hormones during menopause by medically replacing estrogen and progesterone that the body stopped producing.
  • Medications may be used to both regulate your hormones and manage symptoms specific to your condition.
  • Lifestyle changes, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress levels, and eating a balanced diet consisting of whole foods can help you maintain normal hormone levels.
  • Surgery is required for some endocrine disorders, such as thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism, or adrenal tumors.

Tracking your symptoms and regular checkups with your primary care provider can help you catch endocrine disorders sooner so you can get the treatment you need to help you feel your best.