Diseases of the pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands

The pituitary gland, parathyroid glands and adrenal glands play a key role in the hormonal regulation of the body. Their pathologies lead to serious disorders of metabolism and the functions of the reproductive system.

Diseases of the parathyroid gland

The parathyroid glands are small organs located in the front of the neck. An adult usually has four, but sometimes due to genetic or intrauterine factors (infections, maternal diabetes, autoimmune disorders), their number changes. In rare cases, the parathyroid glands are missing or in the wrong place - for example, in the chest or soft tissue of the neck.

Of all the pathologies of these glands, the most common are:

  • Metabolism problems. The accumulation of substances (calcium, iron, amyloid and fat) disrupts the functioning of the gland. This usually results in a decrease in the number of active cells. Against this background, the functioning of the entire body deteriorates.
  • Pathological change in size. This occurs due to general exhaustion of the body, aging, or the rapid progression of diabetes. Also, the glands can enlarge due to disruption of the functioning of other organs (in particular, the thyroid gland or adrenal glands).

In some cases, a parathyroid adenoma is diagnosed. This is a benign tumor that actively produces hormones. Its appearance leads to hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which calcium levels in the blood increase.

Definition of parathyroid diseases

To see the structure and condition of the parathyroid glands, doctors refer the patient for an ultrasound. This research method gives a general idea of themselves, their size and location.

Scintigraphy in two stages using iodine and technetril allows you to find out about the activity of the glands. A CT scan of the neck shows the presence of tumors or other pathologies. Angiography helps to visually assess the blood supply to the glands.

If you suspect problems with the parathyroid glands, it is important to consider their effect on the body as a whole. In particular, they affect the condition of the skeletal system. For a detailed diagnosis of bones, radiography or densitometry is prescribed. The kidneys, which are actively involved in the regulation of calcium, are checked using ultrasound, CT and excretory urography.

If abnormalities are detected during the previous stages of diagnosis or if the patient has additional symptoms, he is referred for a comprehensive examination of parathyroid hormones. Additionally, he is prescribed a consultation with a neurologist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist and ENT specialist.

Complex treatment of parathyroid gland disorders

Parathyroid hormone regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Disturbances in its functioning lead to changes in its level in the blood. In women in particular, this is manifested by muscle spasms, weakness and deterioration of the skin and hair. To avoid these and many other problems, it is important to start treatment correctly and in a timely manner.

Surgical correction is required when problems are caused by the presence of space-occupying formations (tumors) in the glands. However, the main goal of treatment is still the correction of hormonal balance. If there is a lack of hormones from these glands, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements is recommended. This helps maintain proper phosphorus-calcium metabolism, which plays an important role for the health of bones and many other body systems. Disorders of the parathyroid glands are often accompanied by cramps and abdominal pain. To cope with these manifestations, the doctor prescribes magnesium sulfate, antispasmodics and sedatives.

Clinical manifestations of adrenal dysfunction

The adrenal glands are small organs responsible for the production of a number of vital hormones. What are the adrenal glands responsible for? They are involved in the regulation of metabolism and help develop “immunity” to stress and inflammatory reactions. Any disruption of their work leads to serious consequences and is manifested by a number of clinical symptoms.

Against the background of excess adrenal function, hypercortisolism develops - the result of excessive secretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex. The most well-known manifestations of this condition are associated with Cushing's syndrome. In particular, the symptoms of hypercortisolism include:

  • Excessive fat deposition in the upper body.
  • The appearance of bruises on the skin.
  • Weakening of muscle mass.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Osteoporosis.

Adrenal insufficiency (hypocortisolism) occurs due to a lack of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. One form of this pathology is Addison's disease. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include fatigue and weakness, weight loss, skin pigmentation, low blood pressure and abdominal pain.

Diagnostics of the function and structure of the adrenal glands

At the initial appointment, the endocrinologist analyzes complaints and medical history. Then the doctor prescribes general clinical blood and urine tests. These simple tests provide a basic understanding of the body's health and adrenal function.

To assess the anatomy and identify possible formations in the glands, instrumental diagnostic methods are used:

  • Computed tomography. This method is used for a detailed study of the adrenal cortex. For better visualization, a contrast agent is injected.
  • MRI. This method is indicated for suspected tumors rich in adipose tissue.
  • Ultrasound. The method helps to assess the overall structure of the adrenal glands and the presence of changes in them. Diet adjustments are often required before this study.

During the diagnostic process, it is important to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and inform him about all the medications you are taking, as some of them affect the test results.

Ways to correct adrenal function: how to treat adrenal glands

Therapy methods are based on the causes of adrenal dysfunction. How to treat adrenal glands in women? The therapeutic strategy looks like this:

  • Selection of hormonal drugs. If there is a deficiency of certain hormones produced by the adrenal glands, replacement therapy is prescribed.
  • Diet. Proper nutrition plays an important role in the functioning of the adrenal glands. A balanced intake of essential microelements, especially sodium, significantly improves the functioning of these glands.
  • Detoxification procedures. They are prescribed for the adverse effects of toxic substances or drugs on the body.
  • Correction of stressful conditions. Various relaxation methods, psychotherapeutic sessions and the use of sedative medications are recommended.
  • Surgical intervention. It is indicated in the presence of tumors, cysts or other structural changes in the adrenal glands. After the operation, long-term restoration of gland function and constant medical supervision are required.

During periods of significant physiological changes (pregnancy, menopause), you should be especially careful about the functions of the adrenal glands. The doctor applies appropriate corrective measures.

Pituitary gland diseases

The pituitary gland is a brain appendage. It is also called the pituitary gland. What is the pituitary gland and what is it responsible for? It is responsible for regulating the production of hormones, as well as controlling the growth and function of other endocrine glands.

A common pathology is the adenohypophysis. These are benign tumors originating from cells of the anterior lobe of the gland. A pituitary tumor in women causes a number of specific symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, weight changes and blurred vision. According to the growth pattern, adenomas are diffuse and sinusoidal.

Other diseases caused by pituitary gland disorders:

  • Simmonds disease. This is a rare pathology that leads to sudden weight loss. Most patients are young women, often after childbirth. The cause of the disease is often damage to blood vessels in the pituitary gland.
  • Pituitary dwarf growth. In this condition, children grow slower than their peers due to a lack of growth hormone. Their body develops proportionally, but the genitals remain underdeveloped.
  • Diabetes insipidus. The main signs of this disease include constant thirst and a large amount of urine released when visiting the toilet. This condition is associated with insufficient release of vasopressin by the pituitary gland.
  • Itsenko-Cushing's disease. The main problem here is the overproduction of cortisol. Characteristic signs include weight gain in the upper body, a moon-shaped face, and high blood pressure. Women experience menstrual irregularities, men have problems with potency.
  • Babinski-Froelich disease. This rare diagnosis is characterized by obesity and underdevelopment of the genital organs, caused by disorders in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the pituitary gland are also detected. The main one is hypophysitis. This condition leads to significant disruption of the gland. When its cells begin to die, pituitary necrosis is diagnosed. This process is often the result of trauma, hemorrhage, or an infectious process.

Diagnostics of pituitary gland diseases

Diagnostics begins with an initial examination, identifying symptoms and clarifying the medical history. One of the first research methods is skull radiography. It helps to exclude some infectious diseases of the brain and determine the presence of tumor formations.

If there is a suspicion of a tumor or other pathologies of the pituitary gland, doctors recommend an MRI or CT scan. These high-precision methods allow you to see a detailed image of the pituitary gland, find out its size, structure and possible changes.

Treatment of pituitary gland diseases

In the presence of large tumors that put pressure on neighboring brain structures, surgical intervention is indicated. The tumor is removed through the nasal passages or a bone passage in the skull. After this, the access site is reconstructed.

Drug therapy is both an adjunct to surgery and the main method. In both cases, the patient is prescribed thyrotropin inhibitors or dopaminergic drugs. These medications help control hormone levels and slow tumor growth.

To reduce the size of the tumor and regulate hormone levels, treatment uses radiation therapy (radiotherapy), which uses ionizing rays for this purpose. In some cases, especially after surgery, it is used to prevent further growth of the tumor.

The results of therapy and possible complications depend on the type and size of the tumor, the chosen treatment method and the characteristics of the patient’s body. With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable. Sometimes side effects occur after therapy - decreased vision, problems with hormonal balance and infectious complications.

Make an appointment

To make an appointment at our medical center, fill out the form provided: you need to indicate your full name and contact phone number. After this, our staff will contact you and offer a convenient appointment time.

If you have any questions, please contact us at the telephone number provided. The administrator will provide you with all the necessary information.

Service record