Endocrinology & Metabolic surgery
What is Endocrinology?
Endocrinology is the
field of medicine that deals with the study of functioning, disorders, and
treatment of endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are the hormone-secreting
glands in the human body. They are ductless glands, i.e., they secrete directly
into the bloodstream. The common endocrine glands are the pituitary, thyroid,
adrenal, pineal, parathyroid, hypothalamus, pancreas, testes, and ovaries.
The specialist in
endocrinology is an endocrinologist. The disorders of endocrine glands are due
to improper secretions of hormones. Therefore, the treatment of endocrine
glands involves establishing the normal balance of hormonal secretions, as a
hormonal imbalance can result in various diseases.
Which Diseases Affect
the Endocrine Glands?
Some of the most common
endocrine disorders are as follows -
- Diabetes Mellitus - A Diabetes
mellitus is a very common endocrine disorder. Diabetes can be of two
types. In Type 1 diabetes, the body becomes incapable of producing
insulin. Whereas in Type 2, the body's cells fail to respond to insulin,
leading to increased blood sugar levels.
- Thyroid diseases - A The
thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ that produces hormones such as
thyroxine. The thyroid disorders occur due to excess or less secretion of
its hormones. If the thyroid gland produces an excess hormone, then the
condition is known as hyperthyroidism. In the case of lower hormone
production, it is hypothyroidism.
- PCOS -Â PCOS
stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, a disease found in females of
reproductive age. PCOS patients have long or infrequent menstrual cycles.
The exact cause of PCOS is not clear. It may be the result of some genetic
or environmental defects. Patients may have excess secretion of certain
hormones.
When Should I Visit an
Endocrinologist?
There are certain
common indicators of hormonal imbalance that you should watch out for. These include:
- Sudden and excessive weight loss or gain
- Irregular menstrual cycles in females
- The onset of anxiety or depression
Typically, the
symptoms of diabetes also show up in the diet, such as excessive hunger or
thirst, followed by frequent urination. Symptoms specific to thyroid diseases
include muscle weakness and sensitivity to temperature changes. Excessive hair
growth on the body is a typical sign of PCOS.
If you are
experiencing one or more of these symptoms, don't worry. Consult your primary
care physician or seek guidance from an endocrinologist to decide the best
course of action. Request an appointment now at -
Request an appointment
at
BIG Apollo Spectra
Hospitals, Patna
Call: 06123540100
What is the Treatment
for Endocrine Diseases?
Endocrine disorder
treatments are tricky because different hormones affect each other, and the
levels of hormones in the body exist in a delicate balance. Disorders that
affect the endocrine glands may not have a complete cure, but proper management
of the hormonal balance helps treat the effects of these disorders. The
treatment options include:
- Hormone Therapy - Endocrinologists often prescribe
hormone supplements to patients to adjust their hormone levels. For
diabetes, regular injections help maintain the insulin level in the body.
- Medication - Patients with diabetes get oral
medications. Oral drugs also treat thyroid conditions. Medications can
stop the patient's body from secreting certain hormones. They can also
combat common side effects such as vomiting or anxiety.
- Surgery - Endocrine surgery is a subspecialty of endocrinology that involves removing certain glands in extreme cases.
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