Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

Book excerpt: The disorders of the endocrine system are known as endocrine disorders. Major endocrine glands are the pineal and the pituitary glands, the thymus, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, the pancreas and the ovary and the testes. Endocrine disorders include endocrine gland hypersecretion that leads to excessive hormone production, endocrine gland hyposecretion which leads to hormone deficit, and benign or malignant tumors of the endocrine glands. When abnormal chemical reactions occur in the body and alters the normal metabolic process of the body, it results in a metabolic disorder. It is an inherited genetic condition that creates an enzyme deficiency. The symptoms of metabolic disorders can be categorized as acute, progressive general, late-onset acute and permanent. Some common symptoms are weight loss, lethargy, seizures and jaundice. This book contains some path-breaking studies related to endocrine and metabolic disorders. It unravels the recent studies in the diagnosis, prevention and management of these disorders. For all readers who are interested in these domains, the case studies included in this book will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding.