Endocrine Disorders

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  • Endocrine disorders of the reproductive system encompass a wide range of conditions that affect hormonal balance and reproductive function.

Common Endocrine Disorders of the Reproductive System:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
    • Description: PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.
    • Symptoms: Irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and polycystic ovaries.
    • Impact: Can lead to infertility, insulin resistance, weight gain, and increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
    • Treatment: Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), hormone therapy (birth control pills), and medication to manage symptoms.
  • Endometriosis:
    • Description Endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes infertility.
    • Symptoms: IPelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and infertility.
    • Impact: Can affect quality of life, fertility, and may require surgery or hormone therapy for management.
  • Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gondola Axis Disorders:
    • Description Disorders affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads (ovaries or testes), leading to hormonal imbalances.
    • Examples: Hypothalamic amenorrhea (due to stress or excessive exercise), pituitary tumors affecting hormone production (e.g., prolactinoma), and primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause).
    • Impact: Disruption of menstrual cycles, infertility, and potential systemic effects due to hormone deficiencies or excesses.
  • Hyperprolactinemia:
    • Description: Elevated levels of prolactinoma, a hormone that stimulates milk production, due to pituitary gland disorders or medications.
    • Symptoms: Irregular menstrual periods, milk production (galactorrhea) not related to breastfeeding, and infertility.
    • Impact:Medications to lower prolactinoma levels, treating underlying causes like pituitary tumors.
  • Ovarian Disorders (Other than PCOS):
    • Description: Includes ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors (benign or malignant), and ovarian hormone production disorders.
    • Symptoms: Can affect fertility, menstrual regularity, and may require surgical intervention depending on the type and severity of the disorder.

Diagnosis and Management:

  • Diagnosis: Often involves hormone level testing (e.g., FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone), imaging studies (ultrasound, MRI), and sometimes genetic testing.
  • Management: Treatment is tailored to the specific disorder and individual needs, ranging from lifestyle modifications to medications (hormonal therapy, fertility drugs) and surgical intervention.
  • For individuals seeking expert care for endocrine disorders affecting reproductive health, Dr. Shreya Sharma's specialized knowledge and compassionate approach ensure comprehensive and effective management.