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The endocrine system is a complex collection of hormone-producing
glands that control basic body functions such as metabolism, growth
and sexual development. The amount of hormones produced by each
gland is carefully balanced. Too much or too little of a certain hormone
can have effects throughout the body and cause various endocrine
disorders. Many of the hormones produced by the endocrine glands
interact with each other to maintain balance.
The endocrine system consists of:

pituitary gland - secretes hormones to stimulate the adrenals,
thyroid, pigment-producing skin cells and gonads (ovaries and
testes). Also secretes
a growth hormone, an antidiuretic hormone, prolactin (a hormone
which affects milk production after childbirth) and oxytocin (a
hormone which plays a role in childbirth).

hypothalamus - secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress
the release of hormones in the pituitary gland.

pancreas - secretes insulin and glucagon, which affect the
body's absorption of glucose, the body's main source of energy.

adrenal cortex - secretes hydrocortisone, which affects
metabolism. Also secretes androgen hormone and aldosterone,
which affect blood pressure and saline balance.

thyroid gland - secretes thyroxin, triiodothyronine and
calcitonin, which affect metabolism, body heat, and bone growth.

parathyroid glands - secretes a parathyroid hormone, which
affects calcium levels in the blood.

gonads - the male and female reproductive glands (testes and
ovaries). The testes secrete testosterone, which stimulate sperm
production and other male characteristics. The ovaries secrete
estrogen and progesterone, which affect many aspects of the
female body, including menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
The exocrine glands actually secrete their substances through ducts to
particular areas. Examples of exocrine glands include the salivary
glands and the sweat glands. The endocrine glands, on the other hand,
secrete the hormones they produce directly into the bloodstream. Most
endocrine glands are controlled by trophic (stimulating) hormones
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secreted by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, in turn, is
controlled by hormones secreted by the hypothalamus in the brain.
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Acromegaly
What is acromegaly?
Acromegaly is the Greek word for
"extremities" and "enlargement." When
the pituitary gland produces excess
growth hormones, this results in
excessive growth -- called acromegaly.
The excessive growth occurs first in the
hands and feet, as soft tissue begins to
swell. Acromegaly affects mostly middleaged adults. Untreated, the disease can
lead to severe illness and death.
What are the symptoms of acromegaly?
Symptoms of acromegaly vary
depending on how long the patient has
had the disease. The following are the
most common symptoms. However,
each individual may experience
symptoms differently:
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1-
swelling of the hands and feet
2- facial features become coarse as
bones grow
3- body hair becomes coarse as the skin
thickens and/or darkens
4- voice deepening
5- enlarged lip, nose, and tongue
6- thickened ribs (creating a barrel
chest)
7- joint pain
8- degenerative arthritis
9- enlarged heart
10- enlargement of other organs
11- strange sensations and weakness in
arms and legs
12- snoring
13- fatigue and weakness
14- headaches
15- loss of vision
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16- irregular menstrual cycles in women
17- breast milk production in women
18- impotence in men
The symptoms of acromegaly may
resemble other conditions or medical
problems.
How is acromegaly diagnosed?

blood tests to check the growth
hormone level
Treatment for acromegaly:
Treatment of acromegaly depends on
the cause of the disease. Ninety percent
of acromegaly cases are caused by
benign tumors on the pituitary gland.
Because the tumor is compressing the
pituitary gland, the hormone production
can be altered. Some other acromegaly
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cases are caused by tumors of the
pancreas, lungs, or adrenal glands.


The goal of treatment is to restore
the pituitary gland to normal function,
producing normal levels of growth
hormone.
your opinion or preference
Treatment may include removal of the tumor,
radiation therapy, and injection
of a growth hormone blocking drug.
Left untreated, acromegaly can lead to
diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
The disease also increases a patient's risk for
cardiovascular disease and
colon polyps that may lead to cancer.
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Diabetes Insipidus
FACT:
Though produced by the hypothalamus, the
portion of the brain that stimulates the
pituitary gland, the antidiuretic hormone, is
actually stored and released into the blo ction
of the antidiuretic hormone by the
hypothalamus, the portion of the brain that
stimulates the pituitary gland. Normally, the
antidiuretic hormone controls the kidneys'
output of urine. Diabetes insipidus causes
excessive thirst and excessive production of
very diluted urine.
Causes of diabetes insipidus:
Diabetes insipidus can be caused by several
conditions, including:









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malfunctioning hypothalamus
malfunctioning pituitary gland
damage to hypothalamus or pituitary
gland during surgery
brain injury
tumor
tuberculosis
blockage in the arteries leading to the
brain
encephalitis
meningitis

sarcoidosis (a rare inflammation of the
lymph nodes and other tissues
throughout the body)
What are the symptoms of diabetes
insipidus?
The following are the most common
symptoms. However, each individual may
experience symptoms differently:



excessive thirst
excessive urine production
dehydration
The symptoms of diabetes insipidus may
resemble other conditions or medical
problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.
How is diabetes insipidus diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and
medical examination, diagnostic procedures
for diabetes insipidus may include:



urine tests
blood tests
water deprivation test (to observe if
dehydration occurs)
Treatment of diabetes insipidus:
Treating diabetes insipidus depends on what
is causing the disease. Treating the cause
usually treats the diabetes insipidus. Specific
treatment for diabetes insipidus will be
determined by your physician based on:
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


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your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications,
procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the
disease
your opinion or preference
Treatment may include modified antidiuretic
hormone drugs or drugs to stimulate the
production of the antidiuretic hormone.
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