adrenal

Basics: The Role of Endocrinology in Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Diabetes

MaryO Basic Info , , , , , , ,

Introduction to Endocrinology

Endocrinology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to hormones. Endocrinologists are experts in managing and treating diseases related to the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders, and other conditions related to hormones. Endocrinologists also specialize in reproductive health and fertility issues, including PCOS.

Endocrinology is a complex field that requires a deep understanding of the endocrine system and its role in regulating the body’s hormones. Endocrinologists must be able to interpret laboratory tests and understand the underlying causes of endocrine disorders. They must also be able to develop individualized treatment plans to address the specific needs of each patient.

Diagnosing PCOS and Diabetes

Endocrinologists are experts in diagnosing and managing PCOS and diabetes. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, and it is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess facial and body hair, and infertility. To diagnose PCOS, an endocrinologist will perform a physical exam and order laboratory tests to measure hormone levels. The endocrinologist will also ask the patient about her symptoms and family history to determine if PCOS is the cause.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to process sugar. To diagnose diabetes, an endocrinologist will perform a physical exam and order laboratory tests to measure blood sugar levels. The endocrinologist may also order imaging tests to check for signs of diabetes-related complications.

Treating PCOS and Diabetes

Once the endocrinologist has diagnosed PCOS or diabetes, they will develop an individualized treatment plan to address the patient’s specific needs. For PCOS, the endocrinologist may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes to help manage symptoms. The endocrinologist may also prescribe medications to regulate hormone levels and improve fertility.

For diabetes, the endocrinologist may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes to help manage blood sugar levels. The endocrinologist may also prescribe medications to help regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, the endocrinologist may recommend regular check-ups to monitor the patient’s progress and to adjust the treatment plan if needed.

Conclusion

Endocrinology plays an important role in managing PCOS and diabetes. Endocrinologists are experts in diagnosing and treating these conditions, and they are trained to develop individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient. By working with an endocrinologist, patients can get the help they need to manage their PCOS or diabetes and achieve their health goals.

Endocrinology is a complex field that requires a deep understanding of the endocrine system and its role in regulating the body’s hormones. An endocrinologist can help patients with PCOS and diabetes manage their conditions and achieve their health goals. By working with an endocrinologist, patients can get the help they need to manage their PCOS or diabetes and achieve their health goals.

From https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/the-role-of-endocrinology-in-managing-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-and-diabetes/

Basics: Diagnostic Procedures in Suspected Adrenocortical Carcinoma

MaryO Basic Info , , ,

Patients with suspected adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) may also undergo additional tests to identify excess sex steroids and steroid precursors, mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.

Table 2 provides a summary of the tests recommended by the European Society of Endocrinology in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors in patients with suspected ACC.10

Table 2. Diagnostic work-up in patients with suspected or proven adrenocortical carcinoma. Reproduced from Fassnacht et al., 2018,10 with permission under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
ACTH: adrenocorticotropic hormone; DHEA-S: dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate; CT: computed tomography; FDG-PET: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging.
  • Click image to enlarge

Webinar: “Navigating Adrenal Health”

MaryO Interviews, Meetings and Conferences , , ,

 

Join NADF for the first annual virtual conference for patients and caregivers, “Navigating Adrenal Health”. With talks on topics ranging from research updates to accessing patient resources to EMS standards and expectations, participants can prepare for a wealth of information for patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike.

​Register today – FREE for all!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2ND

NADF at 40 Years
Paul Margulies, M.D., FACP, FACE
NADF Medical Director

Adrenal Crisis and EMS: Standards and Expectations
Joshua Stilley, M.D.
Emergency Medicine
Chair of the Missouri State Advisory Council on EMS

Recreating Human Adrenal Gland In Dish: Toward Endocrine-Level Reconstruction
Kotaro Sasaki, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor at The University of Pennsylvania
Member, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Resources & Tips for Navigating Insurance, Financial, & Legal Issues
Joanna Fawzy Doran, Esq.
CEO, Triage Cancer®

Imaging adrenal adenomas with [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor
Liza Lindenberg, M.D.
Molecular Imaging Branch
National Cancer Institute

My AI Registry and Emerging Trends in Treatment Strategies
Elizabeth A, Regan, M.D., Ph.D.
Physician-Researcher at National Jewish Health
Principal Investigator, My AI (Adrenal Insufficiency) Registry
 
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD

Adrenal Insufficiency: An Overview
Smita B. Abraham, M.D.
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Montefiore Medical Center

Emergency Preparedness: Solu-Cortef Injections for Adrenal Crisis
AJ Connor BSN, RN, BME
Addison’s disease patient
NADF Pennsylvania Support Group Leader

Everything You Need to Know about Adrenal Insufficiency in Youth in 30 Minutes or Less
Mitchell E. Geffner, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Ron Burkle Chair in the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism

Cushing’s talk – details forthcoming

Introduction to Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Daily and Emergency Treatment
Selma Feldman Witchel, M.D.
Professor Emerita University of Pittsburgh
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

NADF Resources for patients and caregivers
Vanessa O’Rourke
Community Engagement Manager
NADF

💉 Helpful Doctors: Ohio

MaryO Five Star, Helpful Doctors, Ohio , , , , ,

 

Many people on the message boards see Dr. Kirschner.  Here’s a short adrenal video:

 

 

When it comes to adrenal cancer care, expertise is critical. The James at Ohio State expert Dr. Lawrence Kirschner explains what you should look for and why.

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute is located at 460 W. 10th Ave. on the Ohio State campus. (43210). To learn more about the OSUCCC – James visit: https://cancer.osu.edu/

HOME | Sitemap | Abbreviations | Adrenal Crisis! | Glossary | Forums | Bios | Add Your Bio | Add Your Doctor | MemberMap

ℹ️ Basics: Cushing’s Syndrome Overview

MaryO Cushing's Awareness Challenge , , , , , , , ,

Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs when the body is exposed to too much cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the body and is also used in corticosteroid drugs. Cushing’s syndrome can occur either because cortisol is being overproduced by the body or from the use of drugs that contain cortisol (like  prednisone ).

Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands in response to the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary. One form of Cushing’s syndrome may be caused by an oversecretion of ACTH by the pituitary leading to an excess of cortisol.

Cortisol has several functions, including the regulation of inflammation and controlling how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Corticosteroids such as prednisone, which are often used to treat inflammatory conditions, mimic the effects of cortisol.

Stay tuned for more basic info…

ℹ️ Basics: Adrenal Surgery: One Patient’s Experiences

MaryO Basic Info , , , ,

​Extracted and adapted from this series: https://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/51040-on-my-way-to-getting-well/

Post 1) I was officially diagnosed with Cushing’s yesterday. I have a CT scan to check on my adrenal tumor and a meeting with my surgeon tomorrow. Hopefully they will schedule surgery for Monday or Tuesday. I have suffered over a year with this, been in congestive heart failure, and believe this cortisol caused my son to be stillborn in March. It’s been the year from hell. Please pray that all goes well tomorrow and that I will be cured of this once and for all!!

Post 2) Surgery set for the 23rd!!!!! He is planning a right adrenaltectomy. I am so darn excited…

Post 3) I’m almost two weeks out of adrenal surgery. He removed the tumor & my gland. This has been the hardest and most painful two weeks of my life. I am already noticing little changes in my body. My skin is getting texture, my hair is not as brittle, my swelling goes down each day, and my nails are white instead of yellow and are stronger. I am getting hair back on my arms, legs, & feet too. I can’t wait to continue to get well. I am ready to be able to get out and about. I am pretty much housebound now because of the pain of the withdrawal from the cortisol. I stay on my painkillers and rest in my recliner. Hubby bought it for me because I can’t sleep in the bed comfortably. He’s the best. He’s been sleeping on our air mattress in the living room with me for almost 2 weeks now. He is always there to help me get out of the recliner when I need to. He is amazing. Just wanted to update you all. Getting better everyday.

Post 4) I am on 40mg Hydrocortisone daily right now. I will have my first wean close to Christmas. I have an appt. on the 21st with my endo. She is fantastic and saved my life from this stuff. I am so blessed. Today is a rough day. I did have 2 good days in a row which was a huge blessing. Thanks for thinking of me!

Post 5) Well, I just survived month 1 of recovery. It was HORRIBLE. I have never had so much pain in my life. I am still on 40 mg and my endo. wants me to wean 10 mg starting on the 27th. We’ll see how it goes. I have so much pain, shaking, chills, no sleep NOW. I can’t imagine how its going to be on a lower dose. My cortisol level was SO HIGH (2107) before surgery. I knew this withdrawal was going to be terrible. SHe had never seen a level as high as mine before. The lab actually tested my urine twice because they didn’t believe it the first time. I am doing a lot of resting right now. I am very nervous about my mother leaving on New Year’s Day. I don’t know how I am going to handle my 3 year old on my own. I hurt so badly and my vision isn’t the greatest yet. Thanks for thinking of me and writing me back.

Post 6) We have another call into my endo about my suffering. I have done nothing but shake uncontrollably all day so far. I hurt so badly. I am up every hour at night writhing in pain. I refuse to suffer like this anymore. I want some relief. Thank you so much for all of the advice. It means the world to me. Great news is that I am off my BP meds as of today!! Cardiologist’s office said I could quit them. I am thrilled. Now to get this pain under control.

Post 7) Endo said we can do whatever I can tolerate. I am now doing 20/20/10 instead of 20/10/10. I am still in pain, but it’s a little more tolerable. She said if I am just miserable and can’t take the pain, then I can do a bedtime dose. I am going to try melatonin to help me sleep per her suggestion. She wants to see how I do on this new dose and start a slow wean in a few weeks.

Post 8) Things have been getting better by the week. New years day was my best physical and mental day so far. I can actually feel my old self returning! !! Today I have lots of bone/muscle pain. Its better than a few weeks ago by far. Yesterday I was able to enjoy my son and play with him for the first time in a long time. I could even dance a little with him. He was so happy. I am down to 20/17.5/10& am handling it well. The pain is tolerable. My hump is almost gone, my stomach is mushy and shrinking, skin is peeling and improving, hair is growing in normally. I will be six weeks out this Wed.

 

​

ℹ️ Basics: Cushing’s Syndrome vs Cushing’s Disease

MaryO Basic Info , , ,

What is Cushing’s syndrome?

Any condition that causes the adrenal gland to produce excessive cortisol results in the disorder Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing syndrome is characterized by facial and torso obesity, high blood pressure, stretch marks on the belly, weakness, osteoporosis, and facial hair growth in females.

Cushing’s syndrome has many possible causes including tumors within the adrenal gland, adrenal gland stimulating hormone (ACTH) produced from cancer such as lung cancer, and ACTH excessively produced from a pituitary tumors within the brain. ACTH is normally produced by the pituitary gland (located in the center of the brain) to stimulate the adrenal glands’ natural production of cortisol, especially in times of stress.

When a pituitary tumor secretes excessive ACTH, the disorder resulting from this specific form of Cushing’s syndrome is referred to as Cushing’s disease.

As an aside, it should be noted that doctors will sometimes describe certain patients with features identical to Cushing’s syndrome as having ‘Cushingoid’ features. Typically, these features are occurring as side effects of cortisone-related medications, such as prednisone and prednisolone.

ℹ️ Cushing’s Basics: The Endocrine System

MaryO Basic Info , , , ,

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs. It uses hormones to control and coordinate your body’s metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and mood. The following are integral parts of the endocrine system:

 

  • Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain, near the optic chiasm where the optic nerves behind each eye cross and meet. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite, and blood pressure.
  • Pineal body. The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, in the middle of the brain. It produces the hormone melatonin, which helps the body know when it’s time to sleep.
  •  Pituitary . The pituitary gland is located below the brain. Usually no larger than a pea, the gland controls many functions of the other endocrine glands.
  • Thyroid and parathyroid. The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid plays an important role in the body’s metabolism. The parathyroid glands play an important role in the regulation of the body’s calcium balance.
  • Thymus. The thymus is located in the upper part of the chest and produces white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells.
  •  Adrenal gland . An adrenal gland is located on top of each kidney. Like many glands, the adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The adrenal glands make and release corticosteroid hormones and epinephrine that maintain blood pressure and regulate metabolism.
  •  Pancreas . The pancreas is located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas plays a role in digestion, as well as hormone production. Hormones produced by the pancreas include insulin and glucagon, which regulate levels of blood sugar.
  • Ovary. A woman’s ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, below the opening of the fallopian tubes (tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries). In addition to containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone.
  • Testis. A man’s testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside the male body. The testes produce testosterone and sperm.

📽 Video: How an Emergency Injection works!

MaryO Uncategorized , , , , , , , , ,

What should you do if an Addison crisis threatens? How do you prepare an emergency injection and how do you administer it?

If you have a gastrointestinal infection, accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, there is a big risk of an Addison crisis.

Always discuss with your specialist what you have done and what else needs to be done. Explain to your family, colleagues and friends what illness you have, and what they should do if necessary.

Show them the animated clip below.

🎬 Video: How the Body Works: The Adrenal Cortex and Medulla

MaryO Cushing's Awareness Challenge , , , , , , ,

The adrenal glands sitting above the kidneys are richly supplied with blood and with sympathetic nerve endings. Block sections show the blood supply and cellular arrangement of the adrenals.

Two different regions are distinguishable–the cortex, controlled by the pituitary hormone ACTH, produces hormones which maintain body chemistry, and the medulla, which secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline to increase body activity.