The endocrine system is a vital component of the human physiology, essentially a group of glands that help maintain the balance of hormones and their function within the body. The hormones themselves are responsible for the growth and proper development of an individual, and any disorders in the endocrine system can result in major health issues, with some or most of the body’s functions shutting down.
The glands secrete special hormones to control different chemical activities within the body, and any imbalance in the levels of secreted hormones may have severe health consequences. Over or under production of the endocrine hormones results in a range of different endocrine disorders, like diabetes mellitus, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, parathyroid diseases, hypo and hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s Syndrome, and ovarian dysfunction.
Many people seek help from the best doctors to help maintain the production of hormones within their body at optimal levels. With the relevant treatment procedures getting increasingly expensive in the US, many seek consultation from specialized physicians in Mexico.
Causes of Endocrine Disorders
Many endocrine diseases and disorders are caused by the imbalance of key hormones in the body which are responsible for the growth, development and proper working of other body organs. The imbalance can set off some troubling symptoms in the human body.
The hormones of the endocrine system assist the body in a number of functions, which include processes like converting calories into energy within the body, providing power for body cells and other organs to function.
The workings of the endocrine system have a direct impact on the heartbeat of an individual, the growth of bones, tissues and muscles, as well as the ability to conceive. Any external environmental or internal factor which affects the normal production of hormones can bring about serious chronic diseases that are categorized under the umbrella of endocrine disorders.
The endocrine glands within the body include the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid and thymus glands, hypothalamus, ovaries, testes, pineal, and parathyroid glands. All of these are located in different parts of the body and are responsible for producing specific hormones, each of which play an important part in the proper growth and development of an individual.
Let’s take a look at common endocrine disorders that result from the imbalance of hormone production in the body.
Diabetes Mellitus
It is a disease in which all or a certain part of the body’s immune system attacks the pancreatic cells, affecting the body’s ability to produce insulin. When the pancreas stop producing insulin, the body cannot maintain stable glucose levels, which leads to a condition called diabetes mellitus. Low insulin production can cause high glucose levels in the blood, which results in symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss.
It is crucial for the body to maintain suitable levels of blood glucose; dangerously high or low levels of blood glucose levels can prove disastrous for a patient.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a disease which is caused by high levels of cortisol in the body. The symptoms of this disease include a round shaped face with prominent weight gain in the upper body area, and skin that is prone to easy bruising. Purple and pink stretch marks on the skin, irregular menstrual cycle, and a fatty hump in between the shoulders are other symptoms of Cushing’s disease.
One of the main reasons for increased cortisol levels in the body may be oral cortisteroid medication. The span of treatment is typically long and quite expensive, that is why many patients prefer visiting endocrinologists or experienced physicians in Mexico for quality yet affordable treatment.
Acromegaly
It is a growth disorder caused by elevated production of the growth hormone in the body. The growth hormone (GH) is produced by the pituitary gland, and higher-than-normal levels can lead to excessive growth.
This is a very rare endocrine disorder, with only 3 to 4 people in every million diagnosed with the disorder each year. Acromegaly is apparent with the symptoms of overgrowth and the hands and feet of a patient are the first to show signs of heightened growth hormones in the body.
Hashimoto’s Disease
It is a common disorder characterized by the inflammation within the thyroid gland and is very common in the American population. This disorder is also known as the autoimmune thyroiditis and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and affects around 14 million Americans every year.
In this disorder, the immune cells attack the healthy thyroid cells causing an inflammation of the gland. Women are 7 times more likely to suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis compared to men.
Affordable and high quality specialized treatment is the need of every patient who suffers from any kind of endocrine disorder. That is why, every year, a large percentage of the American population prefer medical travel to get easy healthcare across the border in Mexico.
The physicians in Mexico offer the same quality healthcare as in other developed countries of the world, yet at affordable prices. Many patients with insurance find it more convenient to get treatment in Mexico rather than pay the high deductibles on their healthcare insurance. That is why physicians in Mexico are the first choice of many for the treatment of any endocrine disorders.
Sources:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10937409809524541#.Vhr4KRN_Oko
http://endocrinology.medicine.ubc.ca/endocrine-conditions/diabetes-mellitus/
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/acromegaly/acromegaly-overview
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hashimotos-thyroiditis/hashimotos-thyroiditis-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushing-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20032115
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