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What is insulin resistance? The pancreas produces the hormone insulin. Because it helps the body’s cells absorb glucose from the blood and lowers glucose production in the liver, it is released into the bloodstream when blood glucose levels rise after eating, preventing blood sugar levels from rising too high. Insulin resistance occurs when muscle, fat, and liver cells do not react appropriately to insulin, which impairs their capacity to absorb blood glucose. To get the desired result, a higher insulin concentration will be required. Insulin resistance and prediabetes are typically diagnosed and treated by medical professionals with expertise in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Prognosis of insulin resistance Insulin resistance typically causes the body to produce more insulin to compensate – a condition known as hyperinsulinaemia. Moreover, it is a driving factor behind the development of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Symptoms of insulin resistance There are usually no symptoms of insulin resistance when the condition first develops; symptoms manifest later as a knock-on effect of high blood glucose levels, including: Medical tests to diagnose insulin resistance A blood test for elevated insulin levels can be used to diagnose insulin resistance. However, because some of the most effective tests, like the euglycemic clamp, are too costly and complex to perform in a doctor’s office, doctors hardly ever perform tests expressly for insulin resistance. Since prediabetes rarely develops without insulin resistance, it is most frequently identified during blood tests for the condition. What are the causes of insulin resistance? The causes of insulin resistance are not completely understood, but several risk factors that could contribute to its development have been identified: Treatments for insulin resistance To manage insulin resistance and even reverse it in some cases, you can make straightforward lifestyle changes: Diet adjustments: Consider low-carb, low-calorie, or ketogenic diets. These help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the need for your body to produce too much insulin. Regular physical activity: Start with a simple 30-minute daily walk. This can improve how your body responds to insulin. You can also increase your exercise levels by going to the gym or participating in physical activities you enjoy. Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Losing excess weight, especially around your belly, can make your body more sensitive to insulin.   Medical options: In some cases, like severe obesity, weight loss surgery might be an option. These surgeries not only help with weight loss but can also improve how your body uses insulin, leading to better blood sugar control. Remember, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian to create a plan tailored to your specific needs when addressing insulin resistance.

What is hypopituitarism? A condition known as hypopituitarism occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough of a particular hormone. The hypothalamus is linked to the pituitary gland, which is situated beneath the brain. It is in charge of making several hormones, such as growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Endocrinologists treat hypopituitarism. Prognosis: Treatment for this illness must be ongoing. However, if they are properly managing their condition, patients can lead normal lives. Symptoms of hypopituitarism In most cases, the symptoms develop gradually, hence they may not be noticed for a while. Moreover, the symptoms depend on which hormones are lacking. The most common symptoms include:   How is hypopituitarism diagnosed? A physical examination of the thyroid gland, sex organs, and eyes is part of the testing process for hypopituitarism in order to identify symptoms of the condition and indications of hormone deficiency. To ascertain the amount of hormones in the blood, blood tests might also be necessary. To ascertain whether specific hormones, primarily growth hormone or cortisol, are lacking, a stimulation test may occasionally be performed. Urine testing may also be performed because it may reveal an antidiuretic hormone deficiency. What are the causes of hypopituitarism? Some of the possible causes are as follows:   Can it be prevented? This disease cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis may help in managing it correctly and reducing the number of symptoms experienced. Treatments for hypopituitarism There are different types of treatment, including:   Medications for hypopituitarism The following drugs may be prescribed for a hormone deficiency:

What are adrenal gland disorders? A class of illnesses known as adrenal gland disorders affects the endocrine glands that sit above the kidneys, the adrenal glands. Numerous hormones, including corticosteroids, steroid hormones like androgens, and adrenaline, are produced by these glands. These hormones aid in blood pressure regulation, fat burning, blood sugar regulation, and the body’s response to stress (such as injury or illness). Therefore, an endocrine condition may arise from dysfunction of the adrenal glands. Adrenal gland disorders come in different forms, including What causes adrenal gland disorders? Adrenal gland disorders may occur for several reasons. In many disorders, hormone production is either too little or too high, causing an insufficiency or an abnormal abundance. Adrenal gland disorders can be a result of the following: What are the symptoms? As there are various types of adrenal gland disorders, symptoms will vary depending on the condition. Cushing’s Syndrome Addison’s Disease Congential adrenal hyperplasia symptoms can be mild or more serious, and symptoms may even be so mild that they do not cause the individual problems. Symptoms of mild CAH Symptoms of more serious or severe CAH Pheochromocytoma symptoms include Are adrenal tumours common? Adrenal tumours are quite common. 2-3% of adults experience adrenal tumours in their life. There are certain hormones that are dangerous if overproduced by the tumour. These hormones are aldosterone, cortisol and catecholamines (also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine; adrenaline) and sex-steroid hormones (androgens and estrogens). If the tumour produces too many of these hormones, then it is referred to as ´fuctional´, due to its overfunctioning nature; it is producing too many hormones. Functioning adrenal tumours must be removed because excess of these hormones is considered to be toxic and causes damage to the body. Some tumours do not produce hormones, but damage the pituitary and do not allow it to secrete the right level of hormones. As a result, the adrenal glands will not function as they should. How are adrenal gland disorders diagnosed? There are various ways in which adrenal gland disorders can be diagnosed. Some tests which doctors may use to test hormone levels are: Doctors may also look for tumours via: What is the treatment? Treatment depends on the adrenal gland disorder affecting the individual, but generally treatment will be surgical or medical. Treatments include: Can you live without adrenal glands? It is possible to survive without adrenal glands. Because they release too many or too few hormones, which indicates that they aren’t functioning properly, adrenal glands may need to be removed. An adrenalectomy is the process of removing the adrenal glands. Typically, only one adrenal gland is surgically removed; the function of the removed adrenal gland is replaced by the other. Hormone replacement therapy might be required temporarily until the other adrenal gland starts to function normally again if one of the glands was removed because of an excess of one hormone. But occasionally, both glands are removed. Hormone replacement therapy is necessary for the remainder of your life if this is the case. The reason the adrenal glands were removed determines how you feel following an adrenalectomy. It is safe to swiftly resume a regular diet and level of activity. Light exercise, like walking, is advised to speed up the healing process. It typically takes two to four weeks to recover from an adrenalectomy.

What is hypothyroidism? Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a disorder that affects the thyroid gland and results in insufficient thyroid hormone production. The thyroid hormone has a significant impact on metabolism and other bodily functions. The metabolic system functions more slowly in people with hypothyroidism, which leads to a number of issues. Women are ten times more likely than men to suffer from hypothyroidism. Children may also develop the condition.  What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? As hypothyroidism develops, symptoms may not be noticeable, as they are often a natural result of ageing. For example, weight gain and fatigue. However, as the condition progresses, further signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may develop, including: What causes hypothyroidism? There are several reasons why the thyroid gland may not produce enough thyroid hormone, such as: How can it be prevented? Hypothyroidism can happen to anyone and cannot be avoided. Nonetheless, there are some risk factors, and knowing the symptoms can aid in a prompt diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is more common in women over 60 and six months after giving birth or pregnancy.The likelihood of getting thyroid disease or autoimmune disease can also be raised by a family history of the condition. Individuals who have had thyroid surgery to remove or partially remove the thyroid gland, as well as those who have received radiation therapy in the upper chest or neck region, are also more vulnerable. What is the treatment for hypothyroidism? The goal of treatment for hypothyroidism is to increase thyroid hormone levels. Hormone replacement therapy, which is typically taken for the rest of one’s life, is typically used to accomplish this. However, patients can lead normal, healthy lives with hormone replacement therapy. Correct treatment of hypothyroidism is crucial. Medical complications like heart disease and goitre (enlarged thyroid) may result from the condition if treatment is not received. How is hypothyroidism diagnosed? The most reliable method of determining whether you have hypothyroidism is to have a blood test that measures your hormone levels. It examines blood levels of thyroixine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). If your blood TSH level is high and your T4 level is low, it may indicate that your thyroid is underactive. You may be at risk of developing an underactive thyroid in the future if the blood test results indicate that your TSH level is elevated but your T4 level is normal.  What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? Hormone levels are the primary distinction between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hormone production rises in hyperthyroidism and falls in hypothyroidism. Patients with hyperthyroidism may feel anxious rather than depressed, have more energy rather than less, and lose weight rather than gain it. The symptoms of hypothyroidism, on the other hand, include a slowed metabolism, fatigue, weight gain, and a reduction in body functions. Is hypothyroidism genetic? Hypothyroidism may run in families and be inherited. Congenital hypothyroidism is the term for it when it is inherited. About five days after birth, all newborns in the UK are examined for congenital hypothyroidism. The condition affects about 3,500 newborns and is more common in girls than in boys. What is the prevalence of hypothyroidism? According to estimates from 2019, 2% of UK citizens suffer from an underactive thyroid. It was discovered that postmenopausal women had the highest incidence. Which specialist treats hypothyroidism?  Hypothyroidism is diagnosed and treated by endocrinologists, thryroidologists, and certain general practitioners.

What is hypogonadism? When the body’s sex glands—the ovaries in women and the testicles in men—produce little to no sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone), it is called hypogonadism, also referred to as gonadal deficiency or testosterone deficiency. Secondary sexual traits like the development of breasts in women and the growth of facial and pubic hair in men are regulated by the sex glands. They are also important for the menstrual cycle and sperm production. How serious is hypogonadism? Hypogonadism typically has a good prognosis because its symptoms can be treated in a variety of ways. What are the symptoms of hypogonadism? Depending on when the condition manifests, hypogonadism symptoms can vary: How do you diagnosis hypogonadism? To diagnose hypogonadism, a series of tests can be performed, including: What are the causes? The origins of this disorder can vary and may include hereditary factors, some types of surgery, autoimmune diseases, kidney or liver problems and infections. We generally differentiate between two types: It is possible to suffer primary and secondary hypogonadism at the same time. How can hypogonadism be prevented? In order to prevent hypogonadism, we usually try to address some of its risk factors while maintaining healthy eating and exercise habits. Treatment for hypogonadism Hormone-based drugs can be used to treat hypogonadism in females. Additionally, some women may receive oestrogen therapy, which involves using pills or injections to induce ovulation. Radiation therapy or surgery might be required in specific circumstances. Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment for men. This kind of treatment is available as an injection, patch, gel, or lozenge. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone injections may accelerate sperm production and/or encourage puberty. Which type of specialist treats hypogonadism? Specialist urologists and endocrinologists treat hypogonadism.

What are thyroid disorders? Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid, a vital gland in the body. Numerous body processes, including metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature, are regulated and impacted by these hormones. There are numerous causes of thyroid disorders, which can interfere with the thyroid’s normal synthesis of these hormones. This can have a negative impact on the body’s metabolic processes. Globally, thyroid conditions are more common in women than in men. Thyroid disorders are treated by specialist endocrinologists, but your general practitioner may also be involved in your ongoing care. If they experience any complications from their thyroid conditions, some thyroid disease patients also consult with other specialists, such as ophthalmologists. What kinds of thyroid disorders are there? The thyroid and its associated body functions can be impacted by a variety of conditions.   What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders? Because there are numerous varieties of thyroid disorders, there are also a wide range of symptoms that differ depending on the patient’s specific condition. Because thyroid disorders impact the metabolic system and other body processes, symptoms may include: Symptoms vary depending on the type of thyroid disorder, and doctors will take a medical history and assess the symptoms displayed in order to correctly diagnose the type of thyroid condition affecting the patient.   What causes thyroid disorders? Numerous conditions, such as autoimmune disease, inflammatory disorders, certain medications, radiation therapy (for example, cancer), pregnancy, iodine deficiency, and congenital diseases, can cause thyroid disorders. Anybody can get a thyroid condition, and there are many different causes. Among the risk factors are: Can thyroid disorders be prevented? Although there is no real way to prevent thyroid disorders, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and maintain a healthy thyroid.Certain toxins in cigarettes can affect the thyroid and cause thyroid disease, and smokers are more likely to develop thyroid eye complications linked to Graves’ disease. A special collar that covers the thyroid and lowers the risk of radiation exposure can be worn during X-rays.   How are thyroid disorders treated? Since thyroid disorders come in a variety of forms and each case needs to be evaluated separately, there are different treatments available. A doctor must first conduct an investigation, obtain a medical history, and measure thyroid hormone levels in order to properly diagnose the thyroid condition. To determine the type of care required, a medical evaluation is necessary. Medication to reduce, enhance, or stop hormone production is one treatment option. Another is thyroid gland removal surgery, which is occasionally recommended for patients with cancer or very large goitres.   When is surgery indicated? Thyroid disorders do not always require surgery, and the best course of action will be decided case-by-case based on the patient’s unique condition, symptoms, and reaction to conservative treatment. Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland may be necessary if it is overactive, has become very large, or has tumors, cysts, or nodules. In order to replace some of the original functioning lost when the gland is removed, patients who have thyroid removal surgery will need to take specific medications for the rest of their lives.  

What is Graves’ disease? An autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease makes the thyroid gland overactive. In the UK, 2% of women and 0.2% of men suffer from Graves’ disease, the primary cause of an overactive thyroid. What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease? The following are the most typical signs of Graves’ disease: Graves’ disease can also affect your mood in a number of ways, including:   What effects might Graves’ disease have on the body? In addition to the usual symptoms, some Graves’ disease patients may experience the following related conditions:Thirty percent of patients with Graves’ disease have thyroid eye disease, which can cause double vision, bulging eyes, pain or pressure in the area of the eyes, and light sensitivity.   Is Graves’ disease serious? Graves’ disease rarely poses a threat to life, but if untreated, it can occasionally lead to complications. If Graves’ disease is left untreated, it can result in:    What causes Graves’ disease? When your body attacks healthy cells because it believes they are dangerous, it is known as an autoimmune disorder. The immune system of the body creates antibodies in Graves’ disease, which leads to the growth and hyperactivity of the thyroid gland. The causes of autoimmune disorders are poorly understood. Given that Graves’ disease tends to run in families, there seems to be a genetic component to the condition.   What can trigger the onset of Graves’ disease? Stressful situations or illness can cause Graves’ disease or other autoimmune conditions to develop in people who are genetically predisposed to them. The onset of Graves’ disease symptoms may also be linked to pregnancy and recent childbirth. How is Graves’ disease diagnosed? The doctor will first inquire about your medical history and symptoms. They might perform a physical examination to look for any indications of a tremor, an enlarged thyroid gland, or Graves’ eye disease. After that, a blood sample will be drawn to check for any rise in the thyroid gland’s hormone T4. The hormone TSH is suppressed, and this is transformed into T3 in the peripheries. This is typically sufficient to diagnose Graves’ disease, but in certain situations, imaging tests like a neck CT scan or MRI may be required.   How is Graves’ disease treated? Medication is the primary treatment for Graves’ disease. Beta blockers may be prescribed to you in the short term to counteract the effects of an overactive thyroid gland if you are diagnosed with Graves’ disease and exhibit severe symptoms. Over time, your doctor will recommend medication that prevents the thyroid gland from producing hormones. You will initially be prescribed a high dosage of medication, which will be lowered on occasion if your symptoms have been managed. The goal is to gradually restore normal thyroid function and eventually wean yourself off of medication. To combat the thyroid gland, several medications are available. It’s crucial to talk to your doctor about the various risks and side effects associated with each. Your doctor may suggest more invasive procedures to shrink the thyroid gland if medication is unable to return it to normal. One such procedure is radioactive iodine therapy, which entails taking iodine orally. Some of the thyroid cells are destroyed by the iodine’s radioactivity. Some Graves’ disease symptoms may initially worsen as a result of radioactive iodine therapy, but these are usually transient. If you are nursing a baby or may be pregnant, it is not advised.   What type of doctor treats Graves’ disease? Specialist endocrinologists treat Graves’ disease as the condition is linked to hormone function. Patients who go on to develop complications related to the eye, such as thyroid eye disease, may also be referred to an ophthalmologist.

What is menopausal hormone therapy? Taking medicine to replenish the oestrogen lost during the menopause is known as menopausal hormone therapy, or more precisely, hormone replacement therapy. Among the various forms of hormone replacement therapy is menopausal hormone therapy.Additionally, hormone replacement therapy can be provided to:   Why is menopausal hormone therapy done? As women approach the menopause their levels of oestrogen fall, leading to a number of uncomfortable symptoms such as: Hormone replacement can help to maintain the levels of oestrogen in the body, and combat some of these symptoms. It’s particularly recommended in women who experience an early menopause, as they are at a higher risk of heart disease, anxiety, depression, or parkinsonism if their oestrogen levels are too low. Finally, hormone replacement therapy has also been found to help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fragility fractures. Hormone replacement therapy is not likely to be recommended if you have a history of womb, ovarian or breast cancer, or if you have a history of blood clots. What does menopausal hormone therapy involve? Hormone replacement therapy entails consistent medication use. The drug can be taken in a variety of forms, such as a skin patch, cream, or pill. Additionally, you can take the drug continuously or in cycles. In order to lower your risk of uterine cancer, you will probably need to take progesterone in addition to estrogen unless you have had a hysterectomy. Before deciding, it’s crucial to have a thorough conversation with your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of hormone replacement treatment. Hormone replacement therapy has numerous advantages (as mentioned above), but it also raises your risk of stroke and breast cancer. Some possible side effects are:   What are the alternatives? If you ultimately feel that the risks and side effects for you outweigh the benefits, there are alternative ways of tackling menopause symptoms you can consider: What are the risks of HRT? Hormone replacement therapy can come with some risks, however in most cases these are outweighed by the benefits. The risks include: The risks of HRT vary a lot depending on factors such as: Before beginning your hormone replacement therapy, your doctor will discuss all of these risk factors with you in detail. How does HRT work for transgender women? HRT for transgender women, also referred to as feminizing hormone therapy, is the use of hormone medication, primarily oestrogen, to help transgender women feel as though their bodies more closely reflect their gender identity. Additionally, it aids in preventing the male hormone testosterone from being produced.The patient will eventually begin to notice several changes in their body as a result of the oestrogen component of the hormone therapy, including: Anxiety and mood swings may also result from it.Blocking the body’s ability to produce testosterone is another aspect of feminizing hormone therapy. Changes like decreased libido, smaller testicles, less facial and body hair, decreased muscle mass, and fewer erections and ejaculations will result from this.Although it may take up to three years to notice the effects, the aforementioned changes typically begin to take effect after about a month.    Why do transgender women undergo HRT? HRT is used to help transgender women better match their gender identity with their physical appearance. According to studies, it can significantly enhance transgender people’s psychological wellbeing by reducing the symptoms of psychological distress linked to gender dysphoria.

What is amenorrhoea? The lack of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age is known as amenorrhea. During puberty, menopause, pregnancy, and lactation, it may be physiological. Aside from that, a number of gynecological disorders can result in amenorrhea.There are two types of amenorrhea:Females under 16 who have not yet experienced their first period but already exhibit other puberty-related characteristics, such as enlarged breasts and body hair, may experience primary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea: the lack of menstruation for three months in women whose periods were never irregular, or for nine months in women who have experienced oligomenorrhea (a menstrual period that is four or more days late) and who are not pregnant, nursing, or going through menopause. What is the prognosis of amenorrhoea? The cause of secondary amenorrhea has a significant impact on the prognosis. The prognosis is usually favorable if the underlying cause can be addressed. However, the prognosis is worse if the underlying cause is incurable or if the condition is extremely severe (e.g., womb cancer). What are the symptoms of amenorrhoea? Based on the cause of amenorrhoea, some of the symptoms may include the following How is amenorrhoea diagnosed? To formulate an accurate diagnosis of what is causing amenorrhoea, you may have to do one or more of the following: What causes amenorrhoea? There are many potential causes for amenorrhoea, which can be associated with: How can amenorrhoea be prevented? Only if the factors that cause it, such as anorexia nervosa, overtraining, malnutrition, stress, or obesity, can be controlled or avoided will amenorrhea be avoided. How can amenorrhoea be treated? Treatment options include: • Following a specific diet to lose weight or to get to a normal weight if you have bulimia or anorexia nervosa; Reducing your exercise regimen if overtraining is the root cause; stopping any medications that might be contributing to your amenorrhea Which doctor should I talk to? You must see a specialist gynecologist in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for amenorrhea.

What is it? In a condition known as acromegaly, the pituitary gland overproduces growth hormone (GH), which leads to excessive and rapid bone growth. Around age 40, this condition typically affects both men and women equally. It is difficult to detect it before any symptoms appear because of its gradual progression. Prognosis Acromegaly takes time to develop. In order to prevent potentially fatal complications, it is imperative that prompt action be taken. Once you begin treatment, you will, in most cases, return to your pre-condition state. But later on, your quality of life might suffer.   What are the symptoms? You might not experience any acromegaly symptoms for years. The primary symptom of this condition is abnormal hand and foot growth, which you may notice if your shoes or rings no longer fit.A change in appearance, with enlarged lips, nose, jaw, and forehead (which can also result in occlusal disorders), is another common symptom.Other signs and symptoms could be: While men may suffer from erectile dysfunction, women may also notice changes in their menstrual patterns, including amenorrhea. How is it diagnosed? Clinical testing and physical examinations can be used to diagnose acromegaly. An MRI scan and CT scan may be helpful in identifying pituitary tumours; growth hormone levels and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels testing can determine whether there is an actual growth hormone overproduction. The most accurate test to confirm an acromegaly diagnosis is a GH suppression test performed after an oral glucose load. If GH levels don’t go down after the glucose load, that means you actually have this condition. What causes it? Acromegaly is caused by a persistent overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain behind the nose. In children, growth hormone is responsible for the proper development of bones, while in adults, it preserves the functionality of bones and muscles. An excess of growth hormone is typically caused by a malignant tumor of the pituitary gland, which results in the symptoms listed above. In rarer cases, a tumor affecting the adrenal gland, pancreas, or lungs may release a hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland, which causes the pituitary gland to release more growth hormone. In still rarer cases, this condition can be linked to using drugs to gain muscle mass, particularly in body-builders. How is it treated? Acromegaly treatment consists in lowering GH levels, as well as in removing the pituitary gland tumour. Endonasal transphenoidal surgery (that is, through the nose) is a successful procedure to eliminate the tumour cells in the pituitary gland. Should there be other tumour cells after the surgery, you may have to get started on radiotherapy – one of the secondary effects also being a decrease in GH levels. However, it may take a few years to start seeing the results of radiotherapy, which could also have some side effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–somatotropic axis (HPS axis). Which doctor should I talk to? If you think you may have acromegaly, you should see an endocrinologist. Should you need to have surgery, you’ll also need to see a surgeon.