Endocrine Conditions (Chronic)

Question 1

Describe Addison’s Disease by identifying:

The gland responsible, what hormone is too high/low,

and the key Signs & Symptoms

Answer 1

ADDISONS DISEASE:

Gland= Adrenal

Hormone= Low cortisol levels

Signs & Symptoms= Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, low BP, appetite/weight loss, hyperpigmentation

Question 2

Describe Cushing’s Syndrome by identifying:

The gland responsible, what hormone is too high/low,

and the key Signs & Symptoms

Answer 2

CUSHINGS SYNDROME:

Gland= Adrenal

Hormone= High cortisol level

Signs & Symptoms= Increased weight, high BP, high BGL, decreased muscle

Question 3

Describe Phaeochromocytoma by identifying:

The gland responsible, what hormone is too high/low (and what causes this),

and the key Signs & Symptoms

Answer 3

PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA:

Gland= Adrenal

Hormone= Tumour on the adrenal gland causes high levels of Adrenaline

Signs & Symptoms= High anxiety/panic/agitation, sweating, headache, high BP, high HR

Question 4

Describe Hyperaldosteronism by identifying:

The gland responsible, what hormone is too high/low,

and the key Signs & Symptoms

Answer 4

HYPERALDOSTERONISM:

Gland= Adrenal

Hormone= High levels of Aldosterone

Signs & Symptoms= High BP, Low Potassium (hypokalaemia)

Question 5

Describe the difference between Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism by identifying:

The gland responsible, what hormone is too high/low,

and the key Signs & Symptoms

Answer 5

HYPOTHYROIDISM:

Gland= Thyroid

Hormone= Low levels of thyroid hormone (thyroxin)

Signs & Symptoms= Increased weight/appetite, Low HR, constipation, low energy (=fatigue, depression), reduced tolerance to cold

HYPERTHYROIDISM: (Thyrotoxicosis)

Gland= Thyroid

Hormone= High levels of thyroid hormone (thyroxin)

Signs & Symptoms= Decreased weight/appetite, High HR, diarrhoea, high energy (=Anxiety), reduced tolerance to heat

Question 6

Describe Hyperparathyroidism by identifying:

The gland responsible, what hormone is too high/low (and what then becomes elevated in the blood),

and the key Signs & Symptoms

Answer 6

HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:

Gland= Parathyroid

Hormone= High levels of parathyroid hormone result in elevated calcium levels in the blood (Hypercalcemia)

Signs & Symptoms= Parathyroid hormone effects the bones, kidneys, intestines. So symptoms include:

Bone- Joint pain (from reduced calcium WITHIN the bones)

Kidneys- Increased thirst/urination, kidney stones

Intestines- Constipation, nausea/vomiting

Question 7

Describe Gestational Diabetes by identifying:

The gland responsible, impact on insulin,

and the key Signs & Symptoms

Answer 7

GESTATIONAL DIABETES:

Gland= Pancreas

Impacts on Insulin= Causes insulin resistance (theres enough insulin produced but the cells cant use it effectively ) as a result of hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy (estrogen, progesterone, cortisol)

(insulin is still produced normally, but the fat cells are unable to use the insulin to take in the glucose and reduce glucose levels in the blood, resulting in high BGL)

Signs & Symptoms= High BGL during pregnancy

Question 8

Describe the difference between Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (in terms of underlying cause and insulin status), and the Signs & Symptoms of diabetes mellitus generally

Answer 8

TYPE 1 DIABETES:

Cause- Autoimmune destruction of Beta cells in pancreas

Insulin Status- Absolute insulin deficiency- No insulin production due to pancreas damage

TYPE 2 DIABETES:

Cause- Lifestyle factors- poor diet, smoking, alcohol. As well as obesity- High levels of adipose tissue- even at full production of insulin, levels aren’t adequate to facilitate all cells

Insulin Status- Either:

a) Insulin Deficiency (Unable to make enough insulin as beta cell size/amount decreases as a result of being so sensitive to the state of chronic hyperglycameia)

or b) Insulin Resistance (Enough insulin produced but cells aren’t able to effectively utilise it- Can’t illicit the necessary response to activate GLUT4)

Signs & Symptoms= Increased thirst & urination, Increased hunger (but decreased weight), blurry vision, fatigue

Question 9

Describe Diabetes Insipidus by identifying:

The gland responsible, what hormone is too high/low,

and the key Signs & Symptoms

Answer 9

DIABETES INSIPIDUS:

Gland= Posterior Pituitary Gland

Hormone= Low levels of Anti-diuretic hormone (Vasopressin)

Signs & Symptoms= Extreme thirst, Increased urination due to kidneys being unable to retain water