Identifying Endocrine Disruptions

• The goal is to determine which gland is affected and the nature of the problem (underproduction or overproduction).

Blood Tests

• Measure circulating hormone levels in the blood.
• Useful for assessing the function of specific hormones:
  • Example: Blood glucose levels for insulin and glucagon activity.
  • Blood calcium levels for parathyroid and thyroid function.
• Indicate whether hormone production is adequate or abnormal.

Urine Tests

• Monitor hormone metabolites and glucose levels.
• Hormones and their breakdown products are excreted in urine.
• Elevated urine glucose is a key indicator of diabetes.

Stimulation and Suppression Tests

• Used to evaluate hormone secretion dynamics:
  • Example: Administering growth hormone to see if levels normalize.
  • Or, using medication to block excess hormone secretion and observe if symptoms improve.

Imaging Techniques

• Detect tumors or structural issues:
  • Ultrasound
  • X-ray
  • CT scan
  • MRI
• Helpful for locating tumors, scarring, atrophy, or inflammation.

Biopsy

• Sample tissue from gland or tumor.
• Determine presence of cancer or pathological tissue.
• Can also observe physical changes, like swelling or size, indicating disease.

Clinical Clues and Symptoms

• Excess ADH can cause edema (swelling in feet and legs).
• Hyperthyroidism may cause neck bulging (enlarged thyroid).
• Changes in appearance can give clues about gland size or tumor presence.

Treatment Strategies

a) Treatment for Hormone Deficit

• Replacement therapy:
  • Administered as hormones or drugs mimicking natural hormones.
  • Example: Thyroid hormone supplements for hypothyroidism.

b) Treatment for Excess Hormone Production

• Tumor removal:
  • Surgical excision of tumors producing excess hormones.
• Hormone blocking medications:
  • Drugs that inhibit hormone synthesis or secretion.
  • Aim to restore hormone levels to normal.

Summary

• Accurate diagnosis involves a combination of blood/urine tests, imaging, and biopsy.
• Restoration of hormonal balance is achieved through:
  • Replacing hormones when deficient.
  • Suppressing overproduction through medical or surgical interventions.
• Proper management prevents or alleviates symptoms, maintaining homeostasis.