The symptoms of thyroid disease are complex, so figuring out when to see a doctor can be tricky.
The work of many internal organs is also regulated by hormones – substances produced in the endocrine glands. An endocrinologist is involved in the treatment of their dysfunction. The leading position among the diseases that he is treated with is diabetes mellitus
Type 2 and obesity, which are increasingly common in young people and adolescents.
Svetlana Lukasheva, an expert, endocrinologist of the highest qualification category, told us about what symptoms should be paid attention to in order not to start the situation.
Endocrinologist of the highest qualification category. He is proficient in all conservative methods of treatment in endocrinology.
Among the common endocrine problems is thyroid pathology. These are formations in the gland itself, as well as a violation of its function. A considerable number of patients suffer from diseases of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland. Any disorders in the work of the endocrine system cannot be ignored.
The examination is often not limited to a blood test for hormones. If necessary, ultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography are prescribed.
See an endocrinologist if you notice any of the symptoms listed below.
Symptom: a constant feeling of thirst along with frequent urination (especially at night), hunger or, conversely, a lack of appetite, blurred vision, dry skin and mucous membranes.
Possible disease: diabetes.
Initial examination: analysis to determine the level of sugar in the blood.
Symptom: sharp weight gain or loss, accompanied by mood swings, drowsiness, brittleness, dryness, hair loss, sometimes edema, heart rhythm disturbances.
Possible disease: dysfunction of the thyroid gland. With a lack of her hormones, a person quickly gains weight, and with an excess, he loses weight literally before our eyes.
Initial examination: a blood test for thyroid hormones.
Symptom: bronze skin color along with low blood pressure or high blood pressure, which is slightly reduced with medication.
Possible disease: disruption of the adrenal glands.
Initial examination: blood test for hormones, magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity.
Symptom: headaches, visual disturbances, in women – menstrual irregularities and discharge from the mammary glands, and in men – an increase in the mammary glands. Increase (in adults) in shoe size in a short period, enlargement of facial features.
Possible disease: disruption of the pituitary gland (the endocrine gland, which is located in the brain).
Initial examination: analysis of the level of the hormone prolactin in the blood. X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.
Symptom: chronic fatigue.
Possible disease: disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine organs, vitamin D deficiency and a decrease in iron levels.
Initial examination: blood tests for vitamin D levels and a clinical blood test (an important indicator is ferritin).
Symptom: excess hair growth on the face and body, hirsutism.
Possible disease: increased production of male sex hormones in a woman’s body, adrenal dysfunction, adrenal tumors. Sometimes it occurs as a result of taking medications containing androgens, corticosteroids. Among the complications are infertility, menstrual irregularities.
Initial examination: blood test for hormones, further diagnostics based on the results of the analysis. Hormone replacement therapy is usually needed.
Symptom: menopause.
Possible disease: decrease in estrogen levels. There is a risk of developing hypertension and vascular pathologies.
Initial examination: examinations of the mammary glands, genitals and thyroid gland (you must contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist). Taking a family history before starting hormone therapy.