Guide To Endocrine System Diseases

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a disorder where the body produces too much cortisol over an extended duration. Cortisol is a hormone that plays an important role in blood pressure maintenance, blood sugar regulation, the rate of energy metabolism, and the stress response. Cushing's syndrome is most commonly caused by the long-term use of high doses of a medication called glucocorticoids. Lupus, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis are often treated with this type of medication. Individuals who have had an organ transplant of any kind may also use this medication to prevent the rejection of their donor organ. Certain types of tumors in an individual's body can cause them to produce an excessive amount of cortisol, such as pituitary tumors, ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, and adrenal tumors. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include weight gain, thin arms and legs, increased fat around neck base, easy bruising, purple stretch marks on the abdomen, weak muscles, a fatty hump between the shoulders, and a round face. A diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is made with the use of the ACTH test, CRH stimulation test, HDDST, CT scans, petrosal sinus sampling, and MRI scans.

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Graves' Disease

Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones. The condition is most common in women under forty years old. Patients with Graves' disease may experience symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, fatigue, heart palpitations, frequent bowel movements, and menstrual changes. The eyes may bulge, and the skin could become warm and moist. The thyroid gland will typically enlarge, and patients might become very sensitive to heat and start to sweat more. Areas of thickened, red skin could form on the shins or tops of the feet. To diagnose this condition, doctors perform blood tests, and an ultrasound of the thyroid gland is done to check for enlargement. A radioactive iodine uptake test could be recommended as well. Treatment options include anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, and patients might also have radioactive iodine therapy.

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