The Failure of the Endocrine System and the Consequences of Hormone Deficiency

By SWA

Introduction

My understanding of hormonal dysfunction dates back to 1979, when I was diagnosed with low cortisol levels at the age of 30 at the Erlangen Clinic. This diagnosis finally explained my long-standing symptoms of persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, and declining metabolic and immune function. Additionally, my son has been diagnosed with acromegaly, further deepening my awareness of endocrine disorders.

Despite the available scientific literature and advancements in medical knowledge, it took nearly three decades before another endocrinologist in New Mexico ordered an ACTH test in 2007. This personal journey underscores a broader issue in the medical community: the lack of awareness and timely diagnosis of endocrine disorders.

The endocrine system and function

 

What is a Primary Endocrine Disorder?

A primary endocrine disorder occurs when one endocrine gland stops working correctly. In contrast, a secondary endocrine disorder arises when a master gland (such as the pituitary gland) that regulates other glands malfunctions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Common Endocrine Disorders

  • Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
  • Addison's Disease: A disorder in which the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol and aldosterone, resulting in symptoms such as weight loss, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure.
  • Diabetes: A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance.
  • Cushing's Syndrome: A condition caused by excessive cortisol production, leading to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health issues. https://swaresearch.blogspot.com/2023/09/addisons-disease-vs-cushing-syndrome.html
  • Obesity: Often linked to hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism and appetite regulation.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, leading to irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity.
  • Osteoporosis: A condition where decreased hormone levels (like estrogen in women) lead to weakened bones and increased fracture risk.
  • Pituitary Disorders: Conditions affecting the pituitary gland can lead to multiple hormonal imbalances, impacting various bodily functions.

Hypopituitarism Symptoms

  • ACTH Deficiency: Symptoms include fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, weakness, depression, nausea, or vomiting (WebMD).
  • TSH Deficiency: Symptoms include constipation, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, decreased energy, and muscle weakness or aching (WebMD).

Impact of Endocrine Disorders on Hemostasis

Endocrine disorders can influence the hemostatic balance. Abnormal coagulation test results have been observed in patients with abnormal hormone levels. Additionally, unprovoked bleeding or thrombotic events have been associated with endocrine diseases (PubMed).

Specific Endocrine Disorders and Symptoms

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

  • Nonclassic CAH: Symptoms include rapid growth in childhood and early teens but shorter height than both parents, early signs of puberty, acne, irregular menstrual periods, fertility problems, excess facial or body hair in women, male-pattern baldness, and enlarged penis in males (NICHD).
  • Classic CAH: Low cortisol and aldosterone levels may lead to low appetite, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and adrenal crisis (Hopkins Medicine).

Dwarfism

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD, or pituitary dwarfism) is a rare condition where the pituitary gland doesn't release enough growth hormone, affecting infants, children, and adults. Children with GHD are shorter than expected with normal body proportions (Cleveland Clinic).

Hyperaldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, affecting the balance of potassium and sodium in the body (Cedars-Sinai).

Hypoparathyroidism

A disorder in which the parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormone, affecting calcium and phosphorus balance in the body (Penn Medicine).

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)

Multiple endocrine neoplasia causes overgrowth or tumors on one or more endocrine glands, which may be benign or cancerous (Penn Medicine).

Turner Syndrome

In girls with Turner syndrome, the ovaries do not function properly, leading to issues with puberty and fertility (NHS).

Amenorrhea

This condition occurs when the hypothalamus slows or stops releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to a lack of menstrual cycles (NICHD).

Acromegaly and Gigantism

Disorders of growth hormone hypersecretion, often due to a pituitary adenoma, leading to excessive growth (NCBI).

Goiter and Thyroid Disorders

A goiter can occur with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or euthyroidism, indicating abnormal thyroid growth (Thyroid.org).

Hormonal Impact on Muscles and Mitochondria

Hormonal imbalances, such as those involving cortisol and angiotensin II, can accelerate muscle atrophy and affect mitochondrial function (ScienceDirect, ScienceDirect).

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar can be caused by issues with the pituitary, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, or liver (MedBroadcast).

Hypopituitarism

This condition, where the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones, affects various bodily functions. These include growth, blood pressure and the ability to have children, among others. (Mayo Clinic).

Metabolic Disorders

A metabolic disorder occurs when improper hormone levels alter metabolism, impacting bodily function. The disorders arise from the effects caused by too little or too much secretion of a hormone or problems with receiving the hormone.[ (Physio-Pedia).

Pseudohypoparathyroidism

A condition characterized by symptoms like numbness, muscle spasms, and cramps due to hormone resistance. Paracrine Epo/EpoR systems that are independent of the endocrine erythropoietic system (kidney/bone marrow) have been found in the central nervous system and uterus. (NIH).

Cardiovascular Effects

Endocrine disorders can lead to cardiovascular issues through mechanisms like inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic effects. The hormonal systems such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system leads to increased cardiac injury and dysfunction which predispose to congestive heart failure. (NCBI).

Pituitary Hormones and Blood Circulation

The pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating other glands and maintaining bodily functions through hormone release into the bloodstream (ScienceDirect).

Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)

A rare disorder characterized by inadequate secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland (NORD).
Ghrelin: Ghrelin's hallmark functions are its stimulatory effects on food intake, fat deposition and growth hormone release regulates glucose hemostasis by inhibiting insulin secretion and regulating gluconeogenesis/glycogenolysis.

Psychological Symptoms and Thyroid Disorders

Abnormal thyroid hormone levels can cause anxiety, depression, mood swings, concentration difficulties, and memory lapses (Thyroid.org).

Pineal Gland and Hormone Deficiency

The pineal gland plays a crucial role in melatonin secretion. Dysfunction can lead to sleep disruptions and other hormonal imbalances (Healthline, BYJU's).

Blood Vessel Regulation

Hormones like angiotensin II, vasopressin, and noradrenaline regulate blood flow by influencing muscle tone. It is widely recognized that cardiovascular disorders contribute to the pathogenesis of several complications of liver disease, including variceal bleeding, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatopulmonary syndrome. (ScienceDirect).

Epigenetic Effects of Hormones

Hormones interact with enzymes regulating epigenetic modifications, affecting behavior and hormone sensitivity. Stimulus-induced changes in gene expression are vital for establishing long-lasting behavioural modifications (McClung and Nestler, 2008) and as such, understanding factors that regulate transcription is critical for understanding behaviour. (ScienceDirect).

Explaining Long COVID: A Pioneer Cross-Sectional Study Supporting the Endocrine Hypothesis
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10801829/

Growth hormone treatment for neurologic symptoms of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11187940/

Sensitivity and specificity of six tests for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11994342/

Recommendations for Patients and Healthcare Providers

For Patients

  1. Be Informed: Educate yourself about the endocrine system and the symptoms of hormone deficiencies.
  2. Advocate for Yourself: If you suspect a hormone deficiency, request specific tests such as cortisol levels, thyroid function tests, and other relevant hormone assessments.
  3. Seek Specialist Care: If your primary care physician is not responsive, consider consulting an endocrinologist.

For Healthcare Providers

  1. Increase Awareness: Stay updated on the latest research and guidelines regarding endocrine disorders.
  2. Routine Screening: Include hormone level tests in routine screenings, especially for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and metabolic issues.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approach: Collaborate with specialists to ensure comprehensive care for patients with suspected hormone deficiencies.

Conclusion

The failure of the endocrine system and the resulting hormone deficiencies can have profound effects on a person's health. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing these conditions effectively. It is essential for both patients and healthcare providers to be aware of the symptoms and importance of hormonal balance to ensure timely and appropriate medical care.

 © 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander.
All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fifty-year copyright.
Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742
ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9 

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