The human body is fragile, and any number of things can happen. There are some signs that something is wrong, and with the help of a doctor, you can follow those symptoms to their source and find a diagnosis.
But it can become complicated when dealing with the body’s hormones and endocrine system; the symptoms are sometimes subtle and mimic the effects of other illnesses, making identification and diagnosis difficult. But learn the most common endocrine disorders to better determine whether you need to see an endocrinologist.
Diabetes
Diabetes, a condition many people are familiar with, is the most common of all endocrine disorders. But with how ubiquitous it is in society, about one-third of people do not realize they have it. Several health complications come with diabetes, but it stems from your pancreas not producing enough insulin to deal with the body’s glucose. This causes an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in a myriad of symptoms.
Signs To Look Out For
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Unexplained/rapid weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Thyroid
Roughly six percent of Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disorder, making it the second most common endocrine complication, right behind diabetes. The thyroid’s main purpose is to control your body’s metabolism, which determines the speed at which you absorb food and convert it into energy. You use this energy to power every other system in your body, whether it’s the beating of your heart or the neurons firing in your brain.
Signs To Look Out For
Thyroid issues typically fall into two categories: hypothyroidism, which means it metabolizes food slower than normal, and hyperthyroidism, which means it metabolizes food faster. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained/rapid weight gain
- Dry, coarse hair
- Intolerance to cold temperature
Hyperthyroidism signs are as follows:
- Anxiety, irritability
- Trouble getting to sleep
- Unexplained/ rapid weight loss
- Sensitivity to heat
Symptoms are usually mild at first, but you need to know the signs that your condition is progressing and getting worse. At this point, you must seek out medical intervention immediately.
Osteoporosis
More common in women and older individuals, osteoporosis can still affect men and younger people. This condition is noted for a gradual thinning of the bones and happens due to decreased estrogen levels in an individual’s bloodstream. Other complications that can lead to osteoporosis include hyperthyroidism, excess of the hormone parathyroid, and low testosterone levels in men.
Signs To Look Out For
- A gradual decrease in height
- Stooped posture
- Weaker bones that break more easily
- Back pain because of a fractured vertebra
Know Your Body
The human body is fragile and complex, but with the help of a doctor, you can identify your conditions and get them under control. Don’t hesitate to see a doctor; the sooner they see you, the sooner you can develop a treatment plan.
