The endocrine system is made up of glands that release hormones that control growth, tissue function, metabolism, internal temperature and body development. These hormones also play a role in determining a person's mood. When endocrine diseases affect the glands in this system, hormone production and function can be disrupted, resulting in a number of bothersome symptoms.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism is also known as an underactive thyroid. Symptoms of this condition include constipation, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, weakness, unintentional weight gain, and thin, brittle nails and hair. Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland. This condition results in an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can cause fatigue, nervousness, heat intolerance, hand tremors, weight loss, diarrhea, muscle weakness and mood swings. Thyroiditis is an inflammation or enlargement of the thyroid gland. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, subacute thyroiditis can cause painful inflammation of the thyroid, while silent thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis cause enlargement of the gland without causing pain.
Parathyroid Disorders
The main function of the parathyroid glands is to regulate calcium levels in the body. Hyperparathyroidism is the production of too much parathyroid hormone, which can cause the levels of calcium in the blood to increase. Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a problem with the parathyroid glands. Possible causes of primary hyperparathyroidism include enlargement of benign growths, cancerous tumors or enlargement of two or more of these glands. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs as a result of other medical conditions. Possible causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism include chronic kidney failure, severe Vitamin D deficits and severe calcium deficits. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can cause kidney stones, abdominal pain, bones that break easily, depression, excessive urination, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Addison's disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. This condition develops when the adrenal cortex is damaged by infections, tumors, blood thinners, blood loss and autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of Addison's disease include chronic diarrhea, paleness, unnaturally dark hair in some areas, extreme weakness, mouth lesions, salt cravings, unintentional weight loss, changes in blood pressure, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, slow movement and vomiting. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This can occur as a result of taking steroid hormones for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and other inflammatory diseases. Signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include weak muscles, severe fatigue, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, irritability, increased thirst and a fatty hump between the shoulder blades.
Pituitary Gland Disorders
According to the University of Pittsburgh Neurosurgery Department, the pituitary gland is often referred to as the master gland of the body. This gland produces and secretes hormones that control ovulation, growth, urine production, thyroid activity, body temperature and testosterone production.
Acromegaly is a pituitary gland disorder that results from an overproduction of growth hormone. According to the Pituitary Network Association, 98 percent of acromegaly cases are caused by benign tumors that cause the pituitary gland to produce too much growth hormone. Signs and symptoms of acromegaly include the thickening of the soles of the feet and the palms of the hand, enlargement of the forehead, hand enlargement, oily skin, arthritis, excessive sweating, carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, headaches, loss of vision and colon polyps.
Prolactinoma is a benign pituitary tumor that causes an overproduction of prolactin. This hormone is responsible for stimulating milk production during pregnancy. In women, this condition can cause menstrual changes, absence of menstruation and infertility. Men with prolactinomas may experience erectile dysfunction, followed by eye problems or severe headaches if the tumor presses on the optic nerves.
