Whew. Ok, so… day before yesterday I went into ADHD Research Mode and info dumped quite a bit… mostly so that I could have a place where I’ve documented what I was looking for and not forget. Also, to deep dive further. Here is the continuation of my rabbit hole-ing…

I left off with the “cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme family” search. At the end of that, it mentioned “endocrine disorders” and that’s where I decided to go next.

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Google Search: “endocrine disorders“

Endocrine diseases involve hormonal imbalances and are categorized by the affected gland, including thyroid disorders (like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), adrenal gland disorders (such as Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease), diabetes (like Type 1 and Type 2), pituitary disorders (such as gigantism or acromegaly), parathyroid disorders, and reproductive disorders like PCOS. Causes range from genetic factors and infections to autoimmune conditions, injury, and tumors that disrupt hormone production or function. 

Common Endocrine Diseases by Gland

• Thyroid Gland:
  • Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. 
  • Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones, causing weight loss, anxiety, and a rapid heart rate. 
  • Graves’ Disease: An autoimmune condition that causes an overactive thyroid. 
  • Hashimoto’s Disease: An autoimmune condition that leads to an underactive thyroid. 
• Adrenal Glands:
  • Cushing’s Syndrome: High cortisol levels, leading to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other symptoms. 
  • Addison’s Disease: Adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones, resulting in fatigue and low blood pressure. 
• Pancreas:
  • Diabetes: The most common endocrine disease, where the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin. Types include Type 1 (autoimmune) and Type 2 (insulin resistance). 
• Pituitary Gland:
  • Acromegaly/Gigantism: Caused by excess growth hormone, leading to enlarged body parts. 
  • Pituitary tumors: Growths on the pituitary gland that can disrupt hormone production. 
• Reproductive Glands (Ovaries and Testes):
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal disorder in women, characterized by irregular periods and infertility. 

Causes of Endocrine Diseases

• Genetic factors: Inherited conditions can predispose individuals to certain endocrine disorders. 
• Autoimmune conditions: The body’s immune system attacks its own endocrine glands. 
• Infections or diseases: Illnesses can sometimes affect endocrine glands. 
• Injury: Trauma to an endocrine gland can impair its function. 
• Nodules or tumors: Growths within the endocrine system can lead to hormonal imbalances. 

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Thoughts: Oooooh, buddy. Here’s some fun stuff, because I’ve gone into “gland” research in the past, trying to figure out wtf is wrong with me in previous ADHD Research Modes. This is an area where my brain cogs turn pretty rapidly, making an attempt to connect A to B to C, or whatever there might be – based off symptoms I experience and the scientific evidence for what makes these things tick. For instance, “Trauma to an endocrine gland”? I have suspected pituitary gland issues in the past. The brain’s “ball sack” (if you will):

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The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is a small endocrine gland responsible for producing and releasing hormones that control various bodily functions. 

Functions of the Pituitary Gland: 

• Growth: Produces growth hormone, which regulates body growth and development. 
• Reproduction: Secretes hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which control the menstrual cycle and sperm production. 
• Thyroid function: Releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which controls the thyroid gland’s production of thyroid hormone. 
• Adrenal gland function: Produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which regulates the adrenal glands’ production of cortisol. 
• Lactation: Secretes prolactin, which stimulates milk production in women after childbirth. 
• Water balance: Releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which controls water reabsorption in the kidneys. 
• Stress response: Produces oxytocin, which plays a role in social bonding and stress response. 

In summary, the pituitary gland acts as the “master gland” by coordinating and controlling the release of hormones that regulate numerous vital bodily functions, including growth, reproduction, metabolism, and water balance. 

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There’s that “metabolism” stuff again. Hmmmmmm.

So, yeah… this is another rabbit hole that I’ve already delved into, but still relevant… come along, if you wish:

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Continued Rabbit Hole Google Search: “adrenocorticotropic hormone (acth)“

Definition:

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol and other hormones. 

Function: 

• Regulates the production and release of cortisol, a hormone essential for stress response, metabolism, and immune function. 
• Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release other hormones, such as DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) and androstenedione. 

Mechanism of Action:

ACTH binds to receptors on the surface of adrenal cortical cells, triggering a cascade of events that leads to the production and release of cortisol and other hormones. 

Clinical Significance: 

• High ACTH levels: Can indicate Cushing’s syndrome, a condition caused by excessive cortisol production. 
• Low ACTH levels: Can indicate Addison’s disease, a condition caused by adrenal insufficiency. 

Measurement: 

• ACTH levels can be measured in a blood sample. 

Treatment: 

Treatment for ACTH disorders depends on the underlying cause. For example, Cushing’s syndrome may be treated with medications that block cortisol production, while Addison’s disease may be treated with hormone replacement therapy. 

Additional Information:

• ACTH is also known as corticotropin. 
• The normal range for ACTH levels is 9-52 pg/mL. 
• ACTH is a key component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a system that regulates stress response. 

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Thoughts: Oh… what’s this? “Regulates stress response”? You mean, the decades of trauma and subsequently living in PTSD mode could have something to do with my brain’s function? How very interesting…

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Next Rabbit Hole Google Search: “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction“

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysfunction

The HPA axis is a complex endocrine system that plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s response to stress. It consists of three main components: 

• Hypothalamus: Located in the brain, it releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). 
• Pituitary gland: Situated at the base of the brain, it secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to CRH. 
• Adrenal glands: Located on top of the kidneys, they produce cortisol, a hormone that helps the body cope with stress. 

Causes of HPA Axis Dysfunction

HPA axis dysfunction can be caused by various factors, including:

• Chronic stress: Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to an overproduction of cortisol, which can suppress the HPA axis. 
• Trauma: Traumatic experiences can also disrupt the HPA axis, leading to increased or decreased cortisol levels. 
• Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to HPA axis dysfunction. 
• Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, and pituitary tumors can affect the HPA axis. 
• Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and antidepressants, can interfere with the HPA axis.

Symptoms of HPA Axis Dysfunction

Symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the dysfunction. Some common symptoms include: 

• Fatigue ✅
• Anxiety ✅
• Depression ✅
• Irritability ✅
• Insomnia ✅
• Weight gain ✅ or loss
• Difficulty concentrating ✅
• Increased susceptibility to infections ❓
• Metabolic problems ❓

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose HPA axis dysfunction, a doctor may perform a physical exam, ask about medical history, and order blood tests to measure cortisol levels. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may include: 

• Stress management techniques: Exercise, yoga, meditation, and other relaxation practices can help reduce stress levels.

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Thoughts: Aight. I see some common symptoms listed, even checked the ones I know for sure that I suffer from, but what happens if we ask for MORE symptoms?!

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NEXT: “Symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction“

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, including:

Physical Symptoms:

• Fatigue and exhaustion ✅
• Muscle weakness and aches ✅
• Joint pain ✅
• Headaches ✅
• Dizziness ✅
• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., bloating, constipation, diarrhea) ✅
• Slowed metabolism and weight gain ✅
• Increased susceptibility to infections ❓

Mental and Emotional Symptoms:

• Anxiety and depression ✅
• Irritability ✅ and mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating and memory problems ✅
• Reduced cognitive function ✅
• Increased stress sensitivity ✅
• Substance abuse tendencies ❌

Hormonal Imbalances:

High or low cortisol levels, Thyroid hormone imbalances, and Adrenal insufficiency. 

Other Symptoms:

• Sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia, nightmares) ✅
• Autoimmune disorders ❓
• Chronic pain conditions ✅
• Sexual dysfunction ✅

It’s important to note that the symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction can vary widely depending on the specific underlying cause and the severity of the dysfunction. Additionally, some symptoms may overlap with other conditions, such as depression or chronic fatigue syndrome. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

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Thoughts: Well now… I suppose the next order of business would be to ask my doctor for a referral to an endocrinologist, no? I’ve been to one in the past and had one round of blood tests done for Autoimmune Disorders, but was told that (despite some numbers being sus) I was fine and summarily dismissed. All the same, I believe that some brain scanning shit (something I’ve wanted for years now) may also be in order. And guess what? This is something an endocrinologist can order.