#Endocrine

[er-cryptid]

Classification of Hormones

-- hormones can be chemically classified into four groups

Amino Acid Derived -- made from modified amino acids

Polypeptide and Protein Hormones -- chains of amino acids -- normally about 100 amino acids long -- some are glycoproteins -- glycoproteins contain glucose or other carbohydrate groups

Steroid Hormones -- lipids synthesized from cholesterol -- characterized by four interlocking carbohydrate rings

Eicosanoids -- lipids synthesized from fatty acid chains of phospholipids -- fatty acid chains of phospholipids are found in the plasma membrane

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[thechronicpaingame]

It is so frustrating having appointments not come in. I saw neuro 2 years ago, he said he'd see me again after 3 months. I saw cardio in February, he said he'd see me again in 3 months (and my GP won't start my POTS medication because my endocrine team haven't even responded to whether I can take the medication they want me on (fludrocortisone) - like, surely they can at least try and communicate with each other. One email. So now I'm going to have to ring endocrine nurses (I do feel like I need another synacthen test anyway) and find out whether I can take fludro, and then either try and get my GP to start based on that OR chase up cardio. Why is having ill health a full time job?

[creepyvintagescreamsart]

All Hail the Zombie Queen Goolia

[clatterbane]

I am feeling greatly vindicated about now, in a way that I am very aware is probably verging on bitchiness on this end too. But, some people just affect me that way.

What do we have here, through the portal? Starting cortisol levels toward the lower end of normal for that time of day. And also well within the normal range? The cortisol-stimulating hormone which is what goes screwy and gets overproduced to make your adrenal glands pump out too much cortisol, if the problem is on the pituitary end.

The point of this overzealous testing?

The dexamethasone suppression test is used to diagnose endogenous Cushing syndrome by assessing the lack of suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to exogenous corticosteroids.[1] The first use of dexamethasone for diagnosing Cushing syndrome was in 1960 by Liddle; he developed a test based on the non-suppressibility of endogenous cortisol production in Cushing syndrome versus the physiological suppression in nonaffected individuals achieved by dexamethasone.[2]

So yeah, if you give someone even a single dose of dexamethasone (never mind the sledgehammer 8-dose multiday protocol they hit my endocrine system with!), their body should cut way back on its own cortisol production to compensate. If the regulating mechanism is borked, it will just keep pumping out the ACTH and then a bunch of cortisol anyway.

What happened in this case?

Whoosh!

Straight down within the expected time frame, from totally fine levels starting out. The usual low single-dose test would have more than done it, without fucking my blood sugar up or giving me its own version of the Prednisone Crazies to anywhere near the same extent. They are apparently looking for at least a 50% reduction in levels, and we have more than met that goal!

(Yeah, they are close enough drugs to have similar effects. I've unfortunately had to take courses of prednisone multiple times, mostly for particularly nasty allergic skin reactions. But dexamethasone is stronger stuff and the effects apparently last longer. 👿 I am very relieved to be done taking the shit as of like 6:30 this morning. Probably a few more days of lingering fun to look forward to.)

It was a dramatic enough drop during that first day, that the nurse actually went ahead and reassured us this morning that things were obviously perfectly fine there when I went in for the second steroided-up blood draw.

Gotta say the lab was quick! They drew the samples just before 8:30 again today, and the results were up on the portal when I logged in somewhere around noon. That clinic is right in the university medical center complex, but still.

They took so much blood the first time because the endo also decided to throw in All The Tests while she was at it. Including a bunch of the diabetes-standard ones that she already ordered before the recent routine check-in appointment where she sprung this xenophobic concern-trolling bullshit on me in the first place. Also got expanded kidney and liver panels, what seemed like every other major hormone in my body checked, and a whole new battery of tests prompted by the chronic anemia. A lot of those repeats of what primary care just recently ordered (and she could see the results of) after she kicked that over to their side. At least it was just two tubes for the cortisol and ACTH today.

But yeah, at least nothing out of that huge battery of tests came back looking weird in unexpected ways! I am still slightly anemic, my sodium and potassium levels are still running just barely under range, and a couple of kidney indicators are still looking borderline wonky in a very diabetic way.

(Which seems to be staying pretty stable for years now, not even far off enough that anyone has seemed to feel like it's needed treatment--and it's frankly a miracle that my renal function isn't way more thrashed than that, after the number of years of earlier negligence and uncontrolled blood sugar. Ruined kidneys was honestly one of my big nagging worries while all of that was still going on.)

Anyway, one thing I WAS actually glad and somewhat relieved to see while scrolling through that huge mess of reports:

Because it was primarily a pituitary prolactinoma that I got removed back in high school. And especially with the healthcare mess back in the US? I am not aware of that ever having been checked again within the past 30 years. My family ended up uninsured within a year or two of the surgery, and the last follow-up probably happened in 1992-93. The symptoms thankfully did go away over time--along with the freaking cortisol side bonus staying distant history!

(None of which was the endo aware of when she decided I looked weird enough to constitute a medical problem, I just can't restrain myself from emphasizing again.)

The little fuckers do have a distressing tendency to come back sometimes. But yeah, BTDT and I am pretty confident that I would have noticed if that were causing problems. But, I am still glad for the confirmation that my prolactin levels are fine now.

This whole thing was, indeed, uncalled for. And I am still perversely gratified to be proven right about this, when it's been taking up so much rent-free space in my head. (Thanks, PTSD!) And also to see that I am honestly looking healthier across a whole slew of bloodwork measures than I was half-afraid I might.

[registerednursern]

Cushing's Disease/Syndrome NCLEX Questions

Cushing’s is the result of excessive level of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. As the nurse you want to be familiar with the pathophysiology of Cushing’s, signs/symptoms, causes, and treatments. These Cushing’s quiz questions will help prepare you for nursing exams. Don’t forget to watch the lecture (coming soon) on Cushing’s before taking the quiz…

[drpreetityagilecturers]

ENDOCRINE PANCREAS PART-2. (In Hindi). Insulin Structure, Synthesis, S...

[glamstudynotes]

Endocrine - Clinical Pathology

[quietly-collecting-spoons]

Trying to figure out if insurance would explode at me for having two endocrine people

One for t1d one for hrt because my t1d endocrinology people only do t1d but it’s still technically the same field

[grunge-feelings]

Endocrino me tiene pa la mierda, elimíname universo plis

[ahhvernin]

It's important to remember certain medications and treatments can be used and applied to many different health concerns and issues. Therefore its important to keep medications accessible because if you have a vendetta against a drug because of ONE application, you are potentially taking the medication away from people who use it for MANY OTHER reasons besides the one you are unhappy about, and other applications could easily be things like staying healthy, reducing future occurrence and entering remission and/or staying alive. If you don't like the medication, don't take it, but you should not prevent someone else from accessing it. That's between them and their doctor, just as your care is between you and your doctor.

Yes, you can still answer if you are cisgender. I encourage everyone to vote!

Please reblog for a bigger sample size!

[thechronicpaingame]

Not doing so well at the minute so apologies for my quietness. Nausea has been so bad the last few months I feel like I'm floating through every day trying not to be sick (unsuccessfully). I've also been getting intermittent like purple, hot, burning rashes(?) on my cheek(s), my period just didn't come again, GI is all messed up. My fatigue is all time high I'm falling asleep sat fully upright. Like cannot keep myself awake. Not really sure what's going on, have an endocrinology appt next week so interested to see what they say. But yeah, apologies!

Attached photo of one of my cheek episodes. It's much darker much more purple in person.

[thinkingbeyondscience]

The Role and Function of Hormones in the Endocrine System

When you move your arm, a nerve impulse is sent from your brain to the muscles in your arm through a series of nerves. While the contraction of a muscle cell is very physical, other cellular activities that need regulation, such as metabolism, are chemical in nature. Therefore a second communication pathway, known as the endocrine system, is needed. This brings about changes in the body using…

[fingertipsfingertipsfingertiiips]

Even when you remove the butterfly boy, he still wins.

reposting now that I've fixed privacy settings

[best-multi-speciality-hospital]

Advanced Endocrine Surgery in Madurai: A Gateway to Precision and Health

Endocrine surgery has become a crucial specialty in modern healthcare, tackling a range of hormonal disorders that arise from glandular issues. As health technologies advance, the capabilities of endocrine surgery have transformed, offering patients minimally invasive solutions and more precise treatment methods. For residents of Madurai, Preethi Hospitals stands as a leading center for advanced endocrine surgery, providing expert care tailored to complex hormonal conditions. This blog explores the impact and benefits of advanced endocrine surgery and why it’s vital for effective treatment.

Understanding Endocrine Surgery and Its Purpose

The endocrine system regulates critical bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and mood, through hormones secreted by various glands. Endocrine surgery primarily focuses on removing or treating abnormalities within these glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, parathyroid glands, and pancreas. Advanced endocrine surgery employs cutting-edge techniques to address these glandular issues, offering greater precision, shorter recovery periods, and less post-operative discomfort for patients.

Common Conditions Treated Through Advanced Endocrine Surgery

Advanced endocrine surgery can treat several conditions, including:

Thyroid DisordersDisorders like thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer often require surgical intervention when other treatments prove ineffective. Advanced techniques allow surgeons to perform thyroidectomies with minimal incisions, promoting faster recovery and reduced scarring.

Adrenal TumorsThe adrenal glands play a significant role in managing stress, metabolism, and immune response. Abnormalities like adrenal tumors can disrupt these processes, sometimes necessitating surgical removal. Advanced endocrine surgery offers laparoscopic methods for adrenalectomy, allowing for minimally invasive tumor removal.

Parathyroid DiseaseHyperparathyroidism, caused by overactive parathyroid glands, can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis and kidney stones. Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery helps patients find relief from these symptoms with minimal discomfort.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)Pancreatic NETs can affect hormone levels and digestion. Advanced endocrine surgery enables surgeons to precisely target these tumors, preserving surrounding pancreatic tissue and ensuring a higher quality of life post-surgery.

How Advanced Techniques Elevate Surgical Success

Preethi Hospitals, Madurai, employs a range of advanced techniques to improve the safety, efficacy, and comfort of endocrine surgery. Some noteworthy methods include:

Minimally Invasive and Robotic-Assisted SurgeryMinimally invasive approaches, including robotic-assisted surgery, allow for enhanced precision with smaller incisions. This approach not only reduces scarring and pain but also shortens hospital stays, enabling a faster return to daily activities.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)During surgeries involving the thyroid and parathyroid glands, preserving nerve integrity is critical. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) helps monitor nerve activity during the operation, safeguarding against nerve damage and improving overall outcomes.

Targeted Imaging TechniquesAdvanced imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and CT scans, help locate abnormalities accurately before surgery. These images act as a map, allowing surgeons to precisely target problem areas without affecting surrounding tissues.

Rapid Intraoperative Pathology (Frozen Section)During endocrine surgeries, especially for tumors, rapid intraoperative pathology (also known as a frozen section) allows for real-time assessment of tissue samples. This immediate feedback helps confirm the extent of tumor removal, minimizing the chance of repeat surgery.

Why Choose Preethi Hospitals, Madurai, for Endocrine Surgery?

Preethi Hospitals, Madurai, stands out for its commitment to patient-centric care combined with advanced surgical expertise. Here’s what makes the hospital a leading choice for endocrine surgery:

Experienced Specialists: The hospital’s endocrine surgery team is skilled in treating complex hormonal issues with personalized care. Their experience enables accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans for each patient’s unique needs.

Advanced Infrastructure: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Preethi Hospitals ensures patients have access to the latest surgical advancements, such as robotic-assisted surgery and intraoperative neuromonitoring.

Holistic Patient Care: From pre-operative consultation to post-operative recovery, Preethi Hospitals provides comprehensive care, focusing on a smooth recovery and optimal patient outcomes.

Benefits of Advanced Endocrine Surgery

Opting for advanced endocrine surgery brings several benefits for patients, including:

Reduced Pain and Faster Recovery: Minimally invasive techniques mean smaller incisions, which leads to reduced pain and quicker healing.

Enhanced Surgical Precision: With robotic assistance and advanced imaging, the precision of gland and tumor removal is significantly improved, reducing risks and recurrence rates.

Lower Risk of Complications: Advanced tools such as intraoperative neuromonitoring help minimize the risk of complications, particularly in surgeries involving delicate areas like the neck and abdomen.

Conclusion: A Future-Ready Choice for Endocrine Health

The strides in endocrine surgery have made it a safer and more effective treatment option for a wide range of hormonal disorders. For patients in Madurai, Preethi Hospitals offers a reliable and progressive approach to endocrine health, blending modern surgical techniques with compassionate care. Advanced endocrine surgery at Preethi Hospitals not only addresses the root cause of glandular issues but also restores patients’ quality of life, marking a new era of health and wellness in Madurai.

[registerednursern]

Cortisol Negative Feedback Loop Mechanism

Cortisol is a hormone that plays a crucial role in our body’s response to stress. Understanding how cortisol is produced can help differentiate between Cushing’s syndrome and Cushing’s disease and explain why specific lab work is ordered for these conditions. The process begins with the interaction of several key structures: the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands (specifically the…

[health-fitness777]

Proactive Management of Endocrine Diseases for Healthier Pregnancies

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found a significant link between endocrine diseases and an increased risk of miscarriage. This discovery has profound implications for understanding and managing pregnancy in women with familial endocrine disorders. Let’s dive into what this means for patients and healthcare providers alike. Understanding Endocrine Diseases Endocrine diseases encompass a…