8 facts an endocrinologist wants you to know – TheHealthSite

Dr Sanjay Kalra enlightens us on 8 facts that you should know

While hormones are the sneaky monsters which can be blamed for anything and everything; right from weight gain to crazy hunger, acne and hair loss, it is only a specialized endocrinologist who can help you diagnose a hormonal condition. Three most common diseases you can have in case of hormonal imbalance is diabetes, thyroid problems and osteoporosis. But an endocrinologist is the one who also specializes in infertility, menopause and hypertension. Dr Sanjay Kalra, Consultant Endocrinologist Bharti Hospital Karnal, Vice President South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, enlightens us on 8 facts that you should know:

1.Theres a risk in taking Human growth hormone without a doctors prescription: The pituitary gland is a structure in our brain that produces different types of specialized hormones, including growth hormone (also referred to as human growth hormone or HGH). In case of a deficiency, doctors may prescribe a synthetic growth hormone to help children reach their full height. This type of therapy is administered before a childs bone growth plates have fused or joined. Once the growth plates have fused, growth hormone should not be given as that might be harmful for the child. They may also prescribe it to adults suffering from a deficiency.It is important to remember that human growth hormones must always be taken under the supervision of a medical practitioner. Excessive and unwarranted use can trigger hypertension, diabetes, and obesity and may even predispose a person to cancer.

2.After menopause, you can continue with Hormone Replacement Therapy: In both men and women, with advancing age, there is a gradual decline in sex hormones testosterone in males and estrogen in women. This is a normal phenomenon that typically does not warrant medical treatment. However, in a small section of the population, a dip in the levels of sex hormones can be problematic. In women, it can manifest as hot flashes, osteoporosis and mood disorders and in men it can cause fragile bones, increased body fat and fatigue. In such cases, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is indicated. Modern HRT is safe and effective provided that it is taken under the able guidance of an endocrinologist or a gynecologist. Self-medication can be dangerous and must be discouraged.

3.No effective herbal remedies are available to address the symptoms of male menopause:In fact, women can benefit from the consumption of soybean supplements. However, one must be mindful of the fact that excessive use of soy reduces the absorption rate of the thyroid hormone. Thus, patients taking thyroxine tablets must not consume soy for breakfast.

4.Your endocrinologist is likely to feel around the front of your neck to check for a nodule or lump: Thethyroid gland is anendocrine glandin theneck, consisting of twolobesconnected by anisthmus. It is found at the front of theneck, below theAdams apple. The thyroid gland secretesthyroid hormones, which primarily influence themetabolic rateandprotein synthesis. Given the high incidence of thyroid disorders in India and the impact of the ailment on a persons physical and mental health; it is the duty of every endocrinologist to examine his/her patients to ensure timely detection and treatment.

5.Detecting thyroid disease before or during pregnancy is also of utmost importance: Given that it significantly increases the risk of fetus and child mortality. A child born to a mother suffering from thyroid disorder during her pregnancy may have a lower IQ. Ensuring optimal thyroid health before conception is needed to pave way for an Intelligent India.

6.Smoking directly linked to our hormone health: Smoking has a negative impact on all our hormones and bodily functions. It worsens vascular health, increases complications in people with diabetes, triggers strokes, cardiovascular disease, nephropathy and neuropathy. Smoking also significantly worsens the outcome of eye disease associated with hyperthyroidism (also known as Graves ophthalmopathy). When one smokes or inhales tobacco, carbon monoxide is produced, which lowers the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and makes crucial organs and tissues of the body oxygen deficient. The carbon monoxide produced also increases platelet stickiness and causes atherosclerosis, a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries.Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows a persons arteries leading to peripheral vascular diseases, which can lead to diabetic foot infections or gangrene in some cases. If the affected person is a smoker, chances of recovery are grim. Heart attacks, strokes and peripheral disease fall under the category of macrovascular diseases. Amongst the microvascular diseases, smoking severely affects the kidneys, nerves, and eyes.

7.Severe or not, hot flashes shouldnt be a cause of worry: Hot flashes should not cause panic given that they are a physiological phenomenon and occur due to hormonal changes. The good news associated with hot flashes is that they are a normal part of life. Hormone Replacement Therapy may be advised in some cases for condition management. These however are not required to be taken on an indefinite basis and are given for a few weeks/months post which the body adjusts to the changes on its own. Women living with hot flashes and their immediate families must be made aware of the condition, its effects and ways to cope. Empathetic and supportive family members and support from peer groups mitigate the effect of the symptoms. Soybean has been found to lower the frequency of hot flashes in some women.

8.Severe hormonal issues increase your risk of Osteoporosis, Hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism: Osteoporosis, Hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism are severe hormonal disorders. A balance of anabolic (a metabolic process that builds molecules the body needs) and catabolic (a metabolic process that breaks down large molecules into smaller molecules) factors is essential for good bone health. In children, anabolic factors are dominating, in the youth, there is a balance between both and in old age catabolic factors precede the anabolic ones. In some people, the catabolic factors may start dominating the system earlier than others.

Published: April 14, 2017 12:55 pm | Updated:April 14, 2017 12:58 pm

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8 facts an endocrinologist wants you to know - TheHealthSite