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One of the rapidly growing areas of scientific research involving body processes is the specialty of endocrinology. This science deals with hormones and the related glands producing them. Interacting closely with all hormone mechanisms is the field of nutrition. Dealing primarily with the science of body chemicals, nutrition relates to foods and diseases produced by overabundance or lack of these specific nutrients. It is now generally agreed that hormones do not initiate new events in the complicated chemistry of metabolic processes, but rather produce their effect by regulating enzyme systems of the body. From this one may conclude that a true understanding of any disease and the factors regulating their production. Characteristically, abnormalities in the hormone or endocrine system arise from either an increased or decreased hormone secretion. This deviation from “normal” produces the characteristic syndromes of endocrine disease.

The suspicion that a hormone problem may play a role in the patient’ s illness often comes initially from the physical appearance of a patient. Hypothyroidism or myxedema often produces puffiness of the face and appearance of mental dullness, with drying of the skin, hair loss, and tendency to fluid retention. Overactivity of the thyroid gland, on the other hand produces just the opposite hyperthyroid state, with nervousness, tremor, weight loss, prominence of the eyes, and a continuous perspiration.

Dwarfs and giants are commonly produced from variation in pituitary glands secretions, particularly growth hormone. The adult form of giantism is called acromegaly and occurs after the normal body height has been reached.

This hormone excess often enlarges the hands and feet. Overactivity of the cortex of the adrenal gland, called Cushing’s syndrome produces a characteristic obesity with thin arms and legs, increased tendency to bruising, a hump on the back of the shoulders, and roundness of the face like a full moon. Reduced function of the adrenal cortex is called Addison’s disease. It is characterized by increase pigmentation of the skin, weakness, salt craving, weight loss, and low blood pressure.

A rapid step towards the accurate diagnosis of these hormone problems has come with new laboratory tests, such as the radioimmunoassay. Most of the body’s endocrine hormones can be analyzed now. Although the tests are expensive they are available in most large cities. One single determination of the hormone level does not necessarily establish or exclude an endocrine abnormality. Wide fluctuations in hormone secretions are seen during a twenty-four hour period, Some disorders of the adrenal glands, particularly, may result from a loss of the normal cyclic 24-hour pattern. This is particularly seen in conjunction with disturbed sleep pattern, work schedules, and other tendencies toward irregularity.

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