Endocrinology Risk Factors

Common risk factors of endocrinology disorders include:

• Autoimmune disease
• Family history of endocrine disorders
• High blood cholesterol
• Inactive lifestyle
• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Recent infection, injury or surgery

Risk factors for commonly diagnosed endocrinology disorders include:

• Adrenal gland disorders: The adrenal glands make hormones that regulate our blood pressure, metabolism, stress response and immune system. Adrenal disorders include Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and more. The cause of many adrenal disorders isn’t known, but some are linked to genetics and taking certain medications such as steroids.
• Diabetes: You are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, eat an unhealthy, unbalanced diet, and have a family history if the condition. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetic factors and cannot be prevented.
• Gut hormone disorders: Our gut plays a key role in regulating hormones so ensuring good gut health is important in the prevention of many health conditions. A poor diet, stress, environmental toxins and our age can all put us at an increased risk of an imbalance of gut microbiota which regulate the production of hormones which affect our mood, metabolism and more.
• Hirsutism: This condition is characterized by excessive hair growth in women, in response to the production of male hormones including testosterone. You are more likely to develop hirsutism if you are obese and have a family history of the condition.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormone disorder leads to irregular menstrual cycles and can cause infertility. High levels of the male hormone androgen, high insulin, family history, and lifestyle factors such as being overweight and inactive, may all increase the risk of developing PCOS.
• Obesity: Lifestyle factors are the main risk factors for obesity, such as being overweight, lack of physical activity, and eating a diet high in fat and sugar. Genetics, medications and living with other endocrine disorders, such as PCOS, Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism, also put you at risk.
• Pituitary gland disorders: Disorders of the pituitary gland can affect many things including growth, thyroid function, sexual development, and adrenal function. Most are caused by an over- or under-production of a specific hormone. They can also be caused by a tumor on a specific part of the gland.
• Reproductive endocrinology disorders: Disorders such as premature menopause and menopause symptoms in women, and low testosterone in men, can affect fertility and have an effect on cardiovascular, metabolic and bone health long-term.
• Thyroid and parathyroid gland disorders: These disorders develop when the glands produce too many or too few hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a common thyroid disorder (caused by an overactive thyroid) which can cause a wide range of symptoms. You are at risk of hyperthyroidism if you are taking certain medications, if you have nodules on the thyroid or if you suffer from Graves’ autoimmune disease.

The risk of many endocrine disorders can be reduced by adopting a healthier lifestyle. This includes:

• Eating a healthy diet, which includes plenty of protein, fiber and vegetables.
• Getting plenty of sleep.
• Reducing the amount of fats, refined carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods you eat.
• Reducing stress levels as much as possible.
• Taking lots of regular exercise, which not only helps you to maintain a healthy weight but will build strength.
• Quitting smoking

If you think you may be at risk of developing an endocrine disorder, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our experts. Our endocrinologists in Dubai are here to help you – book an appointment today.