Welcome to Part 2 of our ongoing series covering Autoimmune Diseases. Today we’ll be learning about autoimmune diseases that specifically affect the endocrine system, and cause hormone imbalances which can upset the body’s natural functions.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system (normally responsible for fighting infections) mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. This misdirected response can cause inflammation, pain, fatigue, and damage to organs or entire systems. More than 80 autoimmune conditions have been identified by medical professionals, but some are far more common and better understood than others. While autoimmune diseases cannot currently be permanently “cured,” many of these conditions are highly manageable with medications, lifestyle adjustments, and early diagnosis.
Listed below are the most widely recognized/diagnosed endocrine autoimmune conditions. Read on to learn more about what triggers each of these conditions, how symptoms may manifest themselves and what treatments are commonly prescribed to those affected.
Endocrine (Hormone-Related) Autoimmune Diseases
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack and destroy thyroid tissue, causing the thyroid to become underactive, also known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid is an incredibly important gland in the endocrine system that produces hormones that control key bodily functions, such as heart rate, energy use and metabolism.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance and hair loss. Genetics are a key determiner in whether or not someone will develop hypothyroidism, but cases are also more common in women and middle-aged adults (45-55). People noticing these symptoms, or those who have a family history of hypothyroidism should think about having their blood tested at regular intervals to check hormones levels and for certain antibodies that could be markers of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Currently, the most prescribed and effective treatment for hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, which replaces the absent hormones to restore normal functions and manage symptoms. As this is a condition highly determined by genetics, future advances in gene therapy and analysis could address symptoms before they arise or even cure the disease entirely.
Graves’ Disease
Grave’s Disease is incredibly similar to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in that it causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland; but instead of causing hypothyroidism, it does the exact opposite. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the production of system regulating hormones, causing weight loss, anxiety and increased heart rate.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism is commonly done with antithyroid drugs, which aim to reduce and regulate hormone levels. Certain surgeries may also be advised, based on the seriousness of symptoms and potential long-term outcomes of undertreatment.
New research on Grave’s Disease is in progress, and opportunities to participate may be coming to Canada soon. Bookmark our Current Studies page to stay up to date on the latest trials looking for volunteers.
Type 1 Diabetes
One of the most recognized conditions that many people do not know is classified as an autoimmune disease is Type 1 Diabetes. A condition that is usually diagnosed at birth or during childhood, type 1 diabetes is characterized by the immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Similar to the other autoimmune diseases we’ve reviewed thus far, the exact cause is unknown but genetic predispositions and environmental factors are believed to contribute to its contraction.
Common short-term/acute symptoms of type 1 diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and fatigue or lack of energy. It is extremely important to monitor type 1 diabetes carefully; if left untreated, complications from poorly controlled type 1 diabetes include eye damage (retinopathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy) and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day via injection or pump, as the damage caused by immune attacks reduces the pancreas’ ability to produce its own insulin. It is also necessary to monitor blood sugar regularly, via finger prick tests or digital continuous glucose monitors (CGM). There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, so tight control of symptoms is the only way to prevent complications.
To find out if there are currently studies for type 1 diabetics happening in your area, you can click here to learn more.
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