Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Metabolic and endocrine disorders occur when the body’s normal processes of hormone production, regulation, or metabolism are disrupted. The endocrine system, which includes glands such as the thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions.
Diabetes Mellitus
Cause: High blood sugar due to insulin deficiency (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2)
Symptoms:
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Slow-healing wounds
Hypothyroidism
Cause: Low production of thyroid hormones (commonly due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Depression
Hyperthyroidism
Cause: Excess thyroid hormone production (commonly due to Graves’ disease)
Symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Sweating and heat intolerance
- Tremors
- Anxiety and irritability
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Cause: Hormonal imbalance affecting women, often involving insulin resistance
Symptoms:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Infertility
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cause: Excess cortisol production (due to long-term steroid use or adrenal gland tumors)
Symptoms:
- Weight gain (especially around the face and abdomen)
- Thinning skin and easy bruising
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Mood swings
Addison’s Disease
Cause: Insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production by the adrenal glands
Symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Nausea and weight loss
- Salt cravings
Acromegaly
Cause: Overproduction of growth hormone (usually due to a pituitary tumor)
Symptoms:
- Enlarged hands, feet, and facial features
- Joint pain
- Deepened voice
- Thickened skin
- Headaches
Hyperparathyroidism
Cause: Overactive parathyroid glands leading to high calcium levels
Symptoms:
- Bone pain
- Kidney stones
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Depression and confusion
Hypopituitarism
Cause: Reduced hormone production by the pituitary gland
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Low sex drive
- Cold intolerance
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Growth delay in children
Pheochromocytoma
Cause: Tumor in the adrenal gland causing excessive adrenaline release
Symptoms:
- High blood pressure (sudden spikes)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Severe headaches
- Anxiety or panic attacks
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical advice if you experience:
✅ Unexplained weight gain or loss
✅ Persistent fatigue or weakness
✅ Irregular menstrual cycles
✅ High or low blood pressure with no clear cause
✅ Skin or hair changes