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Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Pancreas
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Pancreas (Pancreas CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the pancreas? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed...
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal Ultrasound (Abdominal Ultrasonography, Abdominal Sonography, Abdominal Echography) Procedure Overview An abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, and abdominal aorta. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the abdominal organs and structures from outside the body. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to abdominal or...
Abdominal X-rays
Abdominal X-rays (Flat Plate of the Abdomen, Abdominal Radiography, KUB [Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder] X-ray) Procedure Overview X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body tissu...
Overview of Adrenal Disorders
Overview of Adrenal Disorders Adrenal glands, which are also called suprarenal glands, are small, triangular glands located on top of both kidneys. An adrenal gland is made of two parts: the outer region, called the adrenal cortex, and the inner region, called the adrenal medulla. The adrenal glands work interactively with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, as well as secrete hormones that affect metabolism, blood chemicals, and certain body characteristics. Adrenal glands also secrete hormones that ...
Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia What is achondroplasia? Achondroplasia is a genetic (inherited) bone disorder that occurs in one in 25,000 live births. Achondroplasia is the most common type of dwarfism, in which the child's arms and legs are short in proportion to body length. Further, the head is often large and the trunk is normal size. The average height of adult males with achondroplasia is 52 inches (or 4 feet, 4 inches). The average height of adult females with achondroplasia is 49 inches (or 4 feet, 1 inch). Wha...
Anatomy of the Endocrine System in Children
Anatomy of the Endocrine System in Children The following are integral parts of the endocrine system: Click Image to Enlarge hypothalamus The hypothalamus is located in the brain, near the optic chiasm. It secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite, and blood pressure. pineal body The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, a part of the brain. It produces the hormone melato...
Anterior Pituitary Disorders
Anterior Pituitary Disorders The anterior (front) lobe of the pituitary gland makes up 80 percent of the gland's weight. It releases a variety of hormones that affect growth, physical and sexual development, and other endocrine glands. Oversecretion or undersecretion of certain hormones by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland will cause other endocrine glands to over- or underproduce certain hormones, as well. Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding anterior pitu...
Delayed Puberty
Delayed Puberty What is delayed puberty? Puberty is said to be delayed when symptoms do not appear by age 13 for girls and age 14 for boys. Delayed puberty can be hereditary; the late onset of puberty may run in families. However, delayed puberty may also be due to chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, chronic illnesses, or tumors that damage the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, which affect maturation. What are the symptoms of delayed puberty? A noted lack of symptoms of puberty is the prim...
Diabetes Index
Diabetes Index Diabetes is a serious disease, which, if not controlled, can be life threatening. It is often associated with long-term complications that can affect every system and part of the body. Diabetes can, among other things, contribute to eye disorders and blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputation, and nerve damage. When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, it means life changes for both the child and the family. However, with proper medical care, clinical therapies, diet, hyg...
Diabetes Insipidus in Children
Diabetes Insipidus in Children What is diabetes insipidus? Diabetes insipidus is a condition that results from insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that helps the kidneys and body conserve the correct amount of water. Normally, the antidiuretic hormone controls the kidneys' output of urine. It is secreted by the hypothalamus (a small gland located at the base of the brain) and stored in the pituitary gland and then released into the bloodstream. ADH is secreted to decreas...
Diet and Diabetes
Diet and Diabetes Diabetes management and meal-planning: It is important to learn about proper meal-planning when your child has diabetes. The type and amount of food your child eats affects his/her blood sugar levels. If your child eats too much, his/her blood sugar may go up too high. Also, if your child skips meals, his/her blood sugar may go too low. Good blood sugar control requires a balance of food, exercise, and medication. Healthy meals include foods that contain carbohydrates, protein, and fat...
Disorders Affecting Calcium Metabolism
Disorders Affecting Calcium Metabolism Calcium plays an important role in several body functions, including muscle contractions, enzyme function, and nerve conduction. Calcium is stored in the bones. Calcium levels in the blood are regulated by two hormones produced by the four parathyroid glands, glands located adjacent to the thyroid gland in the neck. These hormones include the following: parathyroid hormone Parathyroid hormone levels rise when calcium levels fall, and vice versa. These hormones also...
Disorders Affecting the Adrenal Glands
Disorders Affecting the Adrenal Glands Disorders of the adrenal glands require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some of these disorders, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Adrenal Disorders Underactive Adrenal Glands / Addison's Disease Overactive Adrenal Glands / Cushing's Syndrome Pheochromocytoma
Disorders Affecting the Pituitary Gland
Disorders Affecting the Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland is sometimes called the master gland of the endocrine system, because it controls the functions of the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is no larger than a pea, located at the base of the brain. The gland is attached to the hypothalamus (a part of the brain that affects the pituitary gland) by nerve fibers. The pituitary gland itself consists of three sections, which each produce certain hormones: anterior (front) lobe - produces gro...
Disorders Affecting the Thyroid
Disorders Affecting the Thyroid The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck and below the larynx (voice box), plays an important role in regulating the body's metabolism and calcium balance. The small, two-inch gland consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe, connected by tissue called the isthmus. The thyroid tissue is made up of two types of cells: follicular cells and parafollicular cells. Most of the thyroid tissue consists of the follicular cells, which secrete iodine-containi...
Glossary - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Glossary - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] adrenal cortex - the outer portion of the adrenal gland that secretes hormones that are vital to the body. adrenal gland - the pair of adrenal glands are located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. aldosteron...
Gonadotropin-Independent Precocious Puberty
Gonadotropin-Independent Precocious Puberty What is gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty? Early secretion (also called hypersecretion) of high levels of the body's sex hormones, androgen (male sex hormones) and estrogen (female sex hormones), can lead to the early outward appearance of puberty. Sometimes called pseudoprecocious puberty, this form of early puberty is characterized by the development of most secondary sexual characteristics, although the sexual glands remain undeveloped. What cause...
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Growth Hormone Deficiency What is growth hormone deficiency? Growth hormone deficiency, as the name implies, is the absence or deficiency of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the body to grow. Growth hormone deficiency may occur during infancy or later in childhood. Without treatment, most children with growth hormone deficiency will not reach a height of 5 feet. What causes growth hormone deficiency? Growth hormones are produced by the pituitary gland, which is attached to the...
Growth in Children
Growth in Children Growing is an essential part of childhood. Children's most dramatic growth phases occur during fetal development, the first few years of life, and at the onset of puberty. The rate at which a child grows is an individual process, based partly on heredity, gender, and environmental factors such as nutrition. However, growth can be affected and, sometimes, stopped by many disorders and diseases, including the following: hormone deficiencies nutritional deficiencies intestinal disorders ...
Growth Problems
Growth Problems What causes growth problems? The cause of a growth problem depends on the type of growth disorder in question. Some growth problems are genetic, while others may be caused by hormonal disorders or poor absorption of food. Causes for growth problems usually fall into the following categories: familial short stature Familial short stature is a tendency to follow the family's inherited short stature (shortness). constitutional growth delay with delayed adolescence or delayed maturation A ch...
Home Page - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Topic Index Anatomy of the Endocrine System Growth in Children Diabetes Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Hypoglycemia in the Newborn Problems in Puberty Ambiguous Genitalia Disorders Affecting the Thyroid Disorders Affecting the Pituitary Gland Disorders Affecting Calcium Metabolism Disorders Affecting the Adrenal Glands Glossary The endocrine system is a complex collection of hormone-producing glands that control basic body functions such as metabolism, growth, and sexual development. Many of the hormone...
Hyperparathyroidism in Children
Hyperparathyroidism in Children What is hyperparathyroidism? Hyperparathyroidism is caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Overactive parathyroid glands produce high levels of parathyroid hormones, which, in turn, results in increased levels of calcium in the bloodstream. The excess calcium released by the bones leads to osteoporosis and osteomalacia (both bone-weakening diseases). Another result of hyperparathyroidism is kidney stones, because of high levels of calcium excreted into the urine by the ...
Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease)
Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease) What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The over-secretion of thyroid hormones leads to overactivity of the body's metabolism. In newborns, the most common cause of an overactive thyroid is called neonatal Graves disease, which can be life threatening. However, hyperthyroidism rarely occurs in children and adolescents. What causes hyperthyroidism? In newborns, the cause o...
Hypoglycemia in Children
Hypoglycemia in Children What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is the condition of having a glucose (blood sugar) level that is too low to effectively fuel the body's blood cells. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. The good range of blood sugar is approximately 70 to 150 mg/dl (milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood). However, consult your child's physician for more specific information, as the normal blood glucose range for each child may vary. Hypoglycemia may be a condition by itself...
Hypoglycemia in the Newborn
Hypoglycemia in the Newborn What is hypoglycemia in the newborn? Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the amount of blood glucose (sugar) in the blood is lower than normal. Who is affected by hypoglycemia in the newborn? Approximately two out of 1,000 newborn babies have hypoglycemia. Babies who are more likely to develop hypoglycemia include: Babies born to diabetic mothers may develop hypoglycemia after delivery when the source of glucose (the mother's blood) is gone and the baby's insulin production ...
Hypoparathyroidism in Children
Hypoparathyroidism in Children What is hypoparathyroidism? Hypoparathyroidism is caused by underactive parathyroid glands. Underactive parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormones. This causes low levels of calcium in the bloodstream. The low levels of calcium lead to tetany, an increased excitability of the nerves. What causes hypoparathyroidism? Causes of hypoparathyroidism include accidental removal of a parathyroid gland when the thyroid is removed, or when part of the parathyroid t...
Hypopituitarism in Children
Hypopituitarism in Children What is hypopituitarism? Hypopituitarism, also called an underactive pituitary gland, is a condition that affects the anterior (front) lobe of the pituitary gland - usually resulting in a partial or complete loss of functioning of that lobe. The resulting symptoms depend on which hormones are no longer being produced by the gland. Because the pituitary gland affects the other endocrine organs, effects of hypopituitarism may be gradual, or sudden and dramatic. What causes hypo...
Hypothyroidism in Children
Hypothyroidism in Children What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive and is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. However, children with the disorder display different symptoms from adults. Hypothyroidism in the newborn, when left untreated, can lead to mental retardation. What causes hypothyroidism? The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the body's autoimmune reaction to itself, pro...
Juvenile Osteoporosis
Juvenile Osteoporosis What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bone density is lost, or there is insufficient bone formation, thereby weakening the bones and making them more susceptible to fractures. Although much more common in older adults, especially women in menopause and after, osteoporosis can also occur during childhood. The average age of onset is between 8 and 14 years, but it can occur in younger children during growth spurts. Most often, osteoporosis during chil...
Newborn Screening Tests
Newborn Screening Tests What are newborn screening tests? Nearly all babies will have a simple blood test to check for disorders that are not apparent immediately after delivery. Some of these disorders are genetic, metabolic, blood, or hormone-related. Each state in the United States requires screening tests, but the specific tests performed vary among the states. Some disorders are more common in some states, making testing more important. A heel-prick is used to sample the baby's blood. The blood dro...
Online Resources - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Online Resources - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician(s). The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your conditio...
Overactive Adrenal Glands / Cushing's Syndrome in Children
Overactive Adrenal Glands / Cushing's Syndrome in Children What are overactive adrenal glands? When adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of certain hormones, they are called overactive. Symptoms and treatment depend on which hormones are being overproduced, including the following: androgenic steroids (androgen hormones) - an overproduction of androgenic steroids (such as testosterone) can lead to exaggerated male characteristics in both men and women, such as excess hair on the face and body, baldn...
Overview of Diabetes
Overview of Diabetes What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which sufficient amounts of insulin are either not produced, or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. Diabetes can be defined as a metabolic disorder, because the disease affects the way the body metabolizes, or uses, digested food to make glucose, the main source of fuel for the body. Diabetes may be the result of conditions such as genetic syndromes, chemicals, medications, malnutrition, infections, viruses, or other i...
Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma What is a pheochromocytoma? A pheochromocytoma is an adrenal gland tumor that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure, among other functions. Pheochromocytomas occur most frequently in young to middle-aged adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Ten percent of individuals affected are children who usually develop symptoms between the ages of 6 and 14. What causes pheochromocytomas? The causes of pheochro...
Posterior Pituitary Disorders
Posterior Pituitary Disorders The posterior (back) lobe of the pituitary gland releases ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin (a hormone to contract the uterus during childbirth and stimulate milk production). Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which is also called vasopressin, helps the kidneys (and body) conserve the right amount of water. For example, when a person becomes dehydrated, more ADH is produced to help the body conserve the water it contains. Lack of ADH leads to too much excretion of water (di...
Precocious Puberty (Early Puberty)
Precocious Puberty (Early Puberty) What is precocious puberty (early puberty)? Abnormally early puberty is called precocious puberty and is characterized by the early development of sexual characteristics in girls before the age of 8 and in boys before the age of 9. Most children with the disorder grow fast at first, but also finish growing before reaching their full genetic height potential. Left untreated, most boys will not grow taller than 5 feet 2 inches, and girls often do not grow taller than 5 f...
Problems in Puberty
Problems in Puberty Puberty is the time of a person's life when his/her body changes from child to adult, accompanied by the process of sexual maturation. Puberty is caused by changes in hormones and includes both physical and emotional growth. In addition, with the onset of puberty, the secondary sexual characteristics begin to develop, such as pubic hair, breasts in girls, and a deepening of the voice in boys. On average, puberty begins in girls between the ages of nine and 16 and in boys between the ...
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) What is syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)? SIADH occurs when excessive levels of antidiuretic hormones (hormones that help the kidneys, and body, conserve the correct amount of water) are produced. The syndrome causes the body to retain water and certain levels of electrolytes in the blood to fall (such as sodium). SIADH is rare in children. What causes SIADH? SIADH tends to occur in people with heart failure...
Teens and Diabetes
Teens and Diabetes According to the National Diabetes Education Program, about 177,000 people under the age of 20 have diabetes. Most of them have type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes, a disease that used to be seen primarily in adults over age 45, is becoming more common in young people, primarily due to increasing rates of obesity in children and adolescents. Although the teenage years can be a challenge for any child as he/she goes through sexual and emotional changes, it can be especially tryin...
Topic Index - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Topic Index - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders Home Anatomy of the Endocrine System Growth in Children Normal Growth Newborn Screening Tests Growth Problems Growth Hormone Deficiency Achondroplasia Diabetes Overview of Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Teens and Diabetes Diet and Diabetes Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Hypoglycemia in the Newborn Problems in Puberty Precocious Puberty (Early Puberty) Gonadotropin-Independent...
Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Type 1 Diabetes in Children The most common type of diabetes in children is type 1 diabetes. In fact, type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, according to the American Diabetes Association. It is estimated that one in every 400 to 600 children in the US develops type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in the US. What is type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, including: insuli...
Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Type 2 Diabetes in Children Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases. There is an increase in the number of cases of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. The rise may be due to obesity and decreased physical activity among children. The risk for type 2 diabetes increases with age. What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to produce enough, or to properly use, insulin. It has ...
Underactive Adrenal Glands / Addison's Disease in Children
Underactive Adrenal Glands / Addison's Disease in Children What is Addison's disease? Addison's disease is the result of an underactive adrenal gland. An underactive adrenal gland produces insufficient amounts of cortisol (a steroid hormone that helps to control the body's use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, suppresses inflammatory reactions in the body, and affects immune system functions) and aldosterone (a steroid hormone that controls sodium and potassium in the blood). Addison's disease is co...
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? Polycystic ovarian syndrome (also called PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome, or Stein Leventhal syndrome) is the most common hormonal and reproductive problem affecting women of childbearing age. It is estimated that about 8 percent to 15 percent of women experience this disorder. Click Image to Enlarge According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, PCOS is defined by the presence of any two of the following charac...
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is the inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas. Autodigestion describes a process whereby pancreatic enzymes destroy its own tissue leading to inflammation. The inflammation may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). Acute pancreatitis usually involves a single "attack," after which the pancreas returns to normal. Severe acute pancreatitis can be life threatening. In chronic pancreatitis, permanent damage occurs to the pancreas and its function, of...
Pseudocysts of the Pancreas
Pseudocysts of the Pancreas What are pseudocysts of the pancreas? Pseudocysts of the pancreas are abnormal collections of fluid, dead tissue, pancreatic enzymes, and blood that can lead to a painful mass in the pancreas. Pseudocysts usually develop several weeks after an episode of acute pancreatitis (a sudden, painful inflammation of the pancreas). Alcoholism also contributes to the risk of pseudocysts of the pancreas. Other, more rare causes include abdominal trauma and gallbladder disease. What are t...
The Pancreas: Anatomy and Functions
The Pancreas: Anatomy and Functions Click Image to Enlarge Anatomy of the pancreas: The pancreas is an elongated, tapered organ located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The right side of the organ (called the head) is the widest part of the organ and lies in the curve of the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). The tapered left side extends slightly upward (called the body of the pancreas) and ends near the spleen (called the tail). The pancreas is made up of two types...
Disorders of the Pancreas
Disorders of the Pancreas There are many disorders of the pancreas that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Pancreatitis Pancreatic Cancer Cystic Fibrosis
Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands
Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands There are many disorders of the parathyroid glands that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Hyperparathyroidism Hypoparathyroidism Tumors
Disorders of the Pituitary Gland
Disorders of the Pituitary Gland There are many disorders of the pituitary gland that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Acromegaly Diabetes Insipidus Empty Sella Syndrome Hypopituitarism Tumors
Disorders of the Thyroid
Disorders of the Thyroid There are many disorders of the thyroid that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Hyperthyroidism / Graves' Disease / Toxic Nodular Goiter / Thyroiditis Hypothyroidism Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Tumors Thyroid Disorders in Women Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy Postpartum Thyroiditis Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
Empty Sella Syndrome
Empty Sella Syndrome What is empty sella syndrome? Empty sella syndrome is common in women who are overweight or have high blood pressure. Characterized by an enlarged bony structure (sella turcica) that houses the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, the disorders sometimes results in high fluid pressure inside the skull. The pituitary gland is usually normal size or small. What are the symptoms of empty sella syndrome? There may not be any symptoms of empty sella syndrome, or symptoms such as imp...
Endocrinology Statistics
Endocrinology Statistics Statistics related to the endocrine system: Consider the following statistics, as they relate to the endocrine system: About 210,000 people with acute pancreatitis are admitted to hospitals in the United States each year. Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome are rare diseases that involve the adrenal glands. Graves' disease is a condition that causes an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and affects less than 1 percent of the US population. The most common form of thyroid ...
Home Page - Endocrinology
Topic Index Anatomy of the Endocrine System Statistics Hormones and the Endocrine System Pituitary Gland: Location and Function Pituitary Gland Disorders Pancreas: Location and Function Pancreas Disorders Adrenal Glands: Location and Function Adrenal Gland Disorders Thyroid Gland: Location and Function Thyroid Function Tests Thyroid Disorders Parathyroid Glands: Location and Function Parathyroid Gland Disorders Reproductive Glands Type 1 Diabetes Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Glossary The endocrine sys...
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The oversecretion of thyroid hormones leads to overactivity of the body's metabolism. What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism? The following are the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: nervousness irritability increased perspiration thinning of the skin fine, br...
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism What is hypoparathyroidism? Hypoparathyroidism is caused by underactive parathyroid glands. Underactive parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormones. This causes low levels of calcium in the bloodstream. The low levels of calcium lead to tetany, an increased excitability of the nerves. Causes of hypoparathyroidism include accidental removal of a parathyroid gland when the thyroid is removed, or when part of the parathyroid tissue is removed. Other causes include absen...
Hypopituitarism
Hypopituitarism What is hypopituitarism? Hypopituitarism, also called an underactive pituitary gland, is a condition that affects the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland - usually resulting in a partial or complete loss of functioning of that lobe. The resulting symptoms depend on which hormones are no longer being produced by the gland. Because the pituitary gland affects the other endocrine organs, effects of hypopituitarism may be gradual or sudden and dramatic. What are the symptoms of hypopituitar...
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive (i.e., it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones). Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. Severe hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called myxedema, characterized by dry, thickened skin and course facial features. Causes of hypothyroidism: The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the body's autoimmune reaction to itself, producing antibodies against the thyroid g...
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy Facts about hypothyroidism and pregnancy: Hypothyroidism is a condition marked by an underactive thyroid gland and may occur during pregnancy. Unfortunately, many symptoms of hypothyroidism are masked by symptoms of pregnancy, such as fatigue, weight gain, and abnormal menstruation and, as a result, the disease is left undetected and untreated. In addition, the risk for developing hypothyroidism increases with age, which is significant because more and more women are delayin...
Online Resources - Endocrinology
Online Resources - Endocrinology This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains links to other World...