Types, Symptoms, Causes, and More

Endocrine disorders occur when an endocrine gland makes too many or too few hormones. It can also happen when your body can’t respond to the hormones well enough. For example, some people with type 2 diabetes make enough insulin, but their bodies don’t use it the right way.

Tumors, autoimmune disorders, and infections can also lead to endocrine disorders.

Risk Factors

Some people have a higher risk of endocrine disorders based on factors such as:

• Family history: You may be more likely to have a condition if you have a relative with that disorder.
• Genetics: Some endocrine disorders may be inherited (passed down through families).
• Age: Different endocrine disorders are more common in older or younger people. Type 1 diabetes, for example, is more common in children and young adults, but type 2 diabetes is more common after age 45. 
• Sex: Some endocrine diseases are linked to your biological sex, including sex hormone disorders, thyroid disease, and hyperparathyroidism.
• Environmental exposure to chemicals: Some experts believe repeated exposure to certain chemicals can affect your body’s hormones over time. 
• Other health conditions: People with chronic health conditions like obesity or hypertension (high blood pressure) are more likely to develop certain endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease or diabetes.

Healthcare providers diagnose each endocrine disorder differently, as different tests show signs of different disorders. In addition to your medical history and a physical exam, tests healthcare providers may use to diagnose an endocrine disorder include:

Many treatments are available for endocrine disorders. Some disorders may be cured with surgery, while others require ongoing treatment with medication or lifestyle changes. Each treatment option aims to help the body function as close to normal as possible. 

Medications

Prescription medication can help many people manage their endocrine disorders. Medications differ depending on the condition.

Some examples include insulin injections and metformin, which help maintain blood sugar levels. Your healthcare provider may also recommend hormone medications, which can help increase or decrease the production of different hormones.

Surgery

A surgeon can remove glands that don’t work correctly or have tumors. Surgery is commonly used for certain endocrine disorders, such as problems with the adrenal, pituitary, parathyroid, and thyroid glands.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle approaches may help improve symptoms for many endocrine disorders. These approaches include exercising regularly, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, and not smoking or drinking alcohol. That said, you may still need to take medication or undergo surgery to keep your disorder from affecting your health.

Some health conditions are more likely if you have an endocrine disorder, including:

• High blood pressure: Some endocrine disorders may trigger high blood pressure.
• Fertility problems: Some endocrine disorders can negatively affect ovulation, menstruation, and sperm quality or production. This can make pregnancy more challenging.
• Neurological conditions: The endocrine system is related to your nervous system, which controls many of your body’s daily tasks. People with endocrine disorders are more likely to have headaches, vision changes, and muscle pain or weakness. 

Endocrine disorders can be dangerous or life-threatening for some people, especially if left untreated. Untreated endocrine disorders may also increase your risk of infections, poor heart health, depression, and certain cancers.

Most endocrine disorders are treatable, with many people experiencing few symptoms or complications. It’s essential to get treatment and work with a healthcare provider to help manage your disorder.