Endocrinal diseases
Polycystic ovary
syndrome
Polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that affects females in the reproductive age. The
condition is highly prevalent amongst older women, though it also occurs in
teenagers and young adults. In PCOS, the ovaries generate a lot of androgens (a
male hormone), an aspect considered the condition’s first sign. Hence, the
ovarian cells get filled with fluids, cysts, causing their enlargement and
inability to produce ova (eggs). The historical examination comprises
information on weight gain and changes in the menstrual cycle. A physical
investigation will include checking for acne, insulin resistance, and excess
hair growth. Symptoms of the disease include enlarged ovaries, missed, light or
irregular periods, and skin tags (Franks, 2018).
Thin or dark skin
patches at the back of the neck and weight gain around the belly are also
symptoms of the disease. The risk factors are infertility, uterine cancer, type
2 diabetes, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and hypertension. Additional
examinations comprise blood tests to measure, hormone, glucose, and cholesterol
levels. An ultrasound may also be conducted to outline the uterine membrane
thickness and ovary appearance. Drugs like Clomiphene, Metformin, and
Letrozole, which sensitize insulin, also get administered. (Franks, 2018). In
reducing hair growth, a doctor may recommend Spironolactone and Eflornithine.
Lifestyle changes in managing the disease include weight loss with moderate
exercise and low-calorie diet.
Leiomyomata (uterine
fibroids)
Uterine fibroids are
regular, non-cancerous growths present in the uterine walls. Ovarian hormones
and individual generic make-up are some of the presumed causes of the disease.
Fibroids are often detected during the regular pelvic examinations. The
symptoms get depicted depending on the types of fibroid. For instance,
submucosal fibroids present through heavy or prolonged periods with cases of
clots leading to cramps (Mettler et al., 2017). Subserosal and intramural
fibroids cause chronic pressure, lower back pain, frequent urination, pain
during sex, and pelvic ache. Risk factors of fibroids include high blood
pressure, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, family history of the disease, and
intake of soybean milk.
In diagnosing the
disease, tests like ultrasound and complete blood count can get conducted.
Additional criteria include hysteroscopy, Contrast hysterosonography,
Hysterosalpingography, and Magnetic resonance imaging are used to diagnose the
condition. A permanent solution in treating fibroids is total hysterectomy.
However, simpler mediums would include the administration of birth control
pills like Synarel and Lupron. Endometrial ablation can also become used to
reduce excessive bleeding alongside Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
agonists (Mettler et al., 2017).
Endometritis
Endometritis is an
inflammatory condition that affects the uterine lining, identified through a
pelvic examination. Causes include tuberculosis, Sexually Transmitted
Infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Infection following the regular vaginal
bacteria mix-up may also cause Endometritis. Risk factors are uterine
scrapping, hysteroscopy, and Intrauterine Device placement (Valbuena Perilla,
2017). The symptoms comprise fever, abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge,
constipation, and pelvic pain. Bowel movement discomfort and abdominal swelling
are also symptoms of the disease.
Regarding diagnosis, the
doctor conducts a physical and pelvic examination in the cervix, uterus, and
abdomen for discharge or tenderness. Endometrial biopsy, laparoscopy, or using
a microscope to check the release can also get used, alongside a blood test.
The blood tests include the White Blood Cell count. Erythrocyte Sedimentation
Rate tests can also get conducted. Primarily, Endometritis gets treated using
antibiotics, tissue removal, treating the abscess, and intravenous fluids in
severe or complicated cases (Valbuena Perilla, 2017).
Adenomyosis
In Adenomyosis, cells
growing outside the uterine lining curves or grows towards the muscles of the
uterus. The risk factors of the disease become lined with age as it gets
experiences among women aged 40-50 years. Additional risks include uterine
surgery and pregnancy. Symptoms include heavy mensuration that also occurs
between periods and pelvic pain. Bowel movement difficulties and pain during
sex are also manifestations of the disease (Berlanda et al., 2015). The uterus
may also become tender and enlarged alongside worsening crumps.
Diagnosis occurs through
an ultrasound, MRI, and endometrial biopsy. Extra examinations may also include
viewing the uterus through a microscope. In treatment, one can receive
anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Others include hysterectomy, injectable
medications, and hormonal medications. The hormonal therapies comprise
contraceptive pills Depo-Provera injections, progestin Intrauterine Device.
However, the disease is not life-threatening and disappears after a woman
attains menopause (Berlanda et al., 2015).
References
Berlanda, N., Buggio,
L., & Vercellini, P. (2015). Current Treatment for
Adenomyosis. Uterine Adenomyosis, 169-182. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13012-5_12
Franks, S. (2018).
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Encyclopedia
of Endocrine Diseases, 451-
- https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-801238-3.03910-6
Mettler, L.,
Deenadayal-Mettler, A., & Alkatout, I. (2017). Uterine Fibroids and Effect
on
Fertility. Uterine
Fibroids, 49-86. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58780-6_2
Valbuena Perilla, D.
(2017). Sensibility and specificity of the molecular vs. classical
diagnosis of chronic Endometritis. https://doi.org/10.26226/morressier.5912d9e9d462b80292386d99