Primary care
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Endocrine emergencies encompass a group of conditions that occur when hormonal deficiency or excess results in acute presentation. If these endocrine disorders are not rapidly identified or if specific treatment is delayed, significant complications or even death may occur. ⋯ It discusses various causative factors, diagnostic approaches, and treatment modalities, emphasizing the significance of preventive measures. This article is aimed at guiding health care professionals, and this overview seeks to enhance understanding and improve patient outcomes in managing endocrine emergencies.
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Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease that is highly prevalent in the United States. Obesity is typically classified by body mass index and the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all patients 6 years or older for obesity. Evaluation includes a thorough history and physical examination as well as laboratory tests including hemoglobin A1c, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach including nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral therapy as well as pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery when appropriate.
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Metabolic bone diseases encompass a group of disorders characterized by abnormalities in bone metabolism, structure, or mineralization. These disorders negatively impact overall health and quality of life and place individuals at high risk for fracture, which may increase morbidity and mortality. Clinicians should understand who is at risk for these disorders, select individuals who warrant further workup, determine appropriate laboratory and imaging evaluation, interpret results in a clinical context, and choose an optimal management strategy based on the individual patient.
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Disequilibrium of hormonal intercommunication between the maternal brain and the developing fetal-placental unit increases morbidity and mortality risk for the mother-baby dyad. As a novel yet temporary endocrine organ, the placenta serves as a physical and immunologic barrier that facilitates exchange of nutrients and elimination of fetal waste. Steroid and peptide-based hormones secreted by the placenta and other neuroendocrine organs induce adaptations in maternal physiology accommodating fetal growth and development and enabling lactation postpartum. Human placental growth hormone, a peptide hormone continuously secreted at increasing concentrations throughout pregnancy, is a primary determinant of maternal insulin resistance and gestational diabetes.
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This article is a summary of normal menstrual bleeding and how to recognize abnormalities based on patient's symptoms as well as identify possible causes in order to direct treatment. This article discusses abnormal uterine bleeding including the definition, etiology, evaluation, and treatment. It also discusses primary ovarian insufficiency, transgender medicine, and menopause.