endocrine system

Topic 8 DQ 1

Choose a medical condition from the endocrine system and explain the pathophysiology changes that may occur. What patient education would need to be included related to this disorder? Make sure that you select a different medical condition than your peers. Include the name of the medical condition in the subject line so that the medical condition can be followed. Include your references in APA style.

Sample student response 1

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Being involved in women’s health care, polycystic ovarian syndrome is something we see very often. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine system that affects women of reproductive age. According to Patel (2018), “PCOS is a polygenic, polyfactorial, systemic, inflammatory, dysregulated steroid state, autoimmune disease, manifesting largely due to lifestyle errors” (p. 27). PCOS is the leading cause of hyperandrogenism and ovulation disorders which cause impaired fertility. It is estimated between 9 and 18% of women experience PCOS with the highest rate belonging to western societies (Patel, 2018).

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown however factors that may play a role include excess androgen, heredity, excess insulin, and low-grade inflammation. Androgen (male hormone) causes the ovaries to produce abnormally high levels resulting in hirsutism and acne. Research has also shown that women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce more androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.

Due to the hormonal imbalances, the follicles in the ovaries do not grow properly and form pearl-sized cysts which again causes a hormonal imbalance (DHHS, 2019). It is a vicious cycle. Clinical symptoms of PCOS may include irregular bleeding and infertility. It also may cause an increased risk of a wide range of endocrine and metabolic disorders including insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, acanthosis nigricans, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, visceral obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and endometrial cancer. Polycystic ovarian syndrome cannot be prevented but early diagnosis and treatment help prevent some long-term complications as listed above.

Treatment of PCOS may include medications, certain procedures, self-care, and nutrition (DHHS, 2019). Medications include birth control pills which help alleviate pain, regulate the menstrual cycle, and reduce the level of male hormones like testosterone. Anti-androgens (Spironolactone) help brings down levels of androgen. One procedure that has helped with PCOS is laparoscopic electrocauterization of ovarian stroma (LEOS). It is also called laparoscopic ovarian cauterization or ovarian drilling.

It is important to educate women while PCOS cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed, and it is possible to still become pregnant. Medication should be taken as prescribed, and self-care such as exercise and weight loss is an important part of management.

Order now and get a professionally written discussion post in as little as 4 hours

Reference

Patel S. (2018). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an inflammatory, systemic, lifestyle endocrinopathy. The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology, 182, 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.04.008

U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (2019). Polycystic ovary syndrome. Office of Secretary of Health, Office of Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

Sample student response 2

One endocrine system disorder is secondary amenorrhea, or the cessation of menstruation in a woman of childbearing age. Primary amenorrhea would be when an individual never starts menstruating. According to Northwell Health (2022), secondary amenorrhea “occurs when a woman experiencing normal menstrual cycles stops menstruating for a period of six months or more. This also includes abnormal or irregular periods in menstruation”. There may be multiple common causes of secondary amenorrhea. The first condition to rule out is pregnancy. Additional causes may originate in the uterus itself, such as hysterectomy or endometrial ablation of adhesions.

Other common causes are “chromosomal abnormalities, hypothalamic dysfunction, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, and ovarian failure” as well as extreme lack or excess of body fat (McCance and Huether, 2018, p. 760). Overall, the different reasons for secondary amenorrhea originate from imbalances in communication or secretion between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries. These five endocrine glands must collaborate to achieve a delicate balance between multiple hormones including Prolactin, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Estrogens, and Progesterone.

References:

McCance, K.L., & Huether, S.E. (2018). Pathophysiology (8th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Northwell Health. (2022). Endocrine disorders and female reproduction. Northwell.Edu. https://www.northwell.edu/endocrinology-diabetes-metabolism/conditions/endocrine-disorders-female-reproduction

Order full class management. GUARANTEED A, 100% CONFIDENTIALITY. Let us help you PASS your class.

Topic 8 DQ 2

Select a medication used in evidence-based treatment guidelines for the condition chosen in the first discussion question. Share the mechanism of action of this medication and hints for monitoring, side effects, and drug interactions of which one should be aware. Make sure that you select a different medication than your peers. Include the name of the medication in the subject line so that the medications can be followed. Include your references in APA style.

Sample student response 1

Ketoconazole

It is an antifungal that inhibits gonadal and adrenal steroid hormone synthesis. It is plasma mainly albumin bound and partially erythrocyte bound. Within animal studies there shows a binding to cytochrome P450. It is mainly excreted in feces after extensive metabolism of metabolites occurs (Ogasawara et al., 2020). It inhibits the adrenal 11 beta-hydroxylase and 17, 20-lyase. It prevents the expected rise in ACTH secretion (Loli et al., 1986)

Side effects can include itching, stinging, burning or irritation. May cause anaphylaxis call your doctor or emergency services right away if you notice any difficulty in breathing. Patient education is to include to avoid wearing socks that are made of wool or synthetic material, wear sandals or well-ventilated shoes, use talcum powder between the toes.

Drug interactions that can be possible while using ketoconazole would be with acetaminophen liver function needs to be evaluated. Some medications that can affect the elimination of ketoconazole are isoniazid, nevirapine, rifamycins, and St. John’s wort. While those medications affect the elimination of ketoconazole there are some medications that have their elimination affected by ketoconazole. These medications include benzodiazepines, phenytoin, and simvastatin (WebMD, n.d.)

References

Loli. P., Berselli, M. E., & Tagliaferri, M. (1986). Use of ketoconazole in the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome. Journal Clinical Endocrinol Metabolism, 63(6), 1365-1371. doi: 10.1210/jcem-63-6-1365.

Ogasawara, K., Xu, C., Kanamaluru, V., Palmisano, M., & Krishna, G. (2020). Effects of repeated oral doses of ketoconazole on a sequential ascending single oral dose of fedratinib in healthy subjects. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 85(5), 899-906. DOI:10.1007/s00280-020-04067-3

WebMD. (n.d.). Ketoconazole – uses, side effects and more. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11593/ketoconazole-oral/details#:~:text=Ketoconazole%20interacts%20with%20drugs%20such,heart%20rhythm%20(QT%20prolongation).

Unbelievable Deal! 20% Off your First Order

Sample student response 2

Somatostatin analogs

Acromegaly is an isidious and often overlooked condition, with many different treatment methods. “Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that develops when your pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood. When you have too much growth hormone, your bones increase in size. In childhood, this leads to increased height and is called gigantism. But in adulthood, a change in height doesn’t occur. Instead, the increase in bone size is limited to the bones of your hands, feet and face, and is called acromegaly” (Mayo, 2021).

For Acromegaly, there is not always a cure, but there are numerous routes one can take for treatment. “To help lower your GH and IGF-1 levels, treatment options typically include surgery or radiation to remove or reduce the size of the tumor that is causing your symptoms, and medication to help normalize your hormone levels” (mayo, 2021).

For this discussion, I will review a medication that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms. 

Somatostatinanalogsare“the medicines most often used to treat acromegaly are called somatostatin analogs (SSAs). These drugs curb the release of GH and may also reduce the size of the pituitary tumor. Several studies have shown that these drugs are safe and effective for long-term treatment. The medicines are delivered by injection, but scientists are currently studying other options, such as pills.

The most common side effects of SSAs are cramps, gas, and diarrhea. These effects are usually mild and go away over time. Some people may develop gallstones that usually do not cause symptoms. Hair loss is possible and, in rare cases, permanent. Control of blood sugar usually improves but, rarely, may worsen” (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2020). 

References 

Mayo Clinic. (2021, February 16). Acromegaly – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/symptoms-causes/syc-20351222 

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020, January 24). Acromegaly. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/acromegaly