Endocrine diseases can manifest in various forms, with primary areas of concern detailed below:
- Diabetes Mellitus: Characterized by high blood glucose levels, which if not properly managed, can lead to severe complications such as blindness, kidney failure, or gangrene. Treatment involves dietary management, oral medications, or insulin therapy.
- Thyroid Disorders: These can affect energy levels, muscle function, sensory perception, and weight management. Treatments vary from hormone replacement to medications that inhibit hormone production, addressing conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
- Bone Health: Diseases like osteomalacia (rickets in children), osteoporosis, and parathyroid disorders affecting calcium homeostasis are within the purview of endocrinologists, who manage hormone levels to protect bone health.
- Reproductive Health/Infertility: Addressing infertility through hormone supplementation or replacement, and managing conditions like menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and premenstrual syndrome fall under reproductive endocrinology.
- Obesity and Overweight: Treatment focuses on metabolic and hormonal evaluations leading to management plans that include diet, exercises, or medication.
- Pituitary Gland Disorders: As a central regulatory gland, the pituitary's dysfunction can lead to a wide array of systemic issues including growth abnormalities and hormone imbalances, managed through medication or surgical referrals.
- Hypertension and Lipid Disorders: These conditions, often hormonal in origin such as high aldosterone levels or adrenal disorders like pheochromocytoma, are managed through lifestyle interventions and medications.
