Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

leads to acne, hirsutism (excess growth of hair in inappropriate areas, such as the chin), virilization, thinning of hair on the head, and non-functioning of the reproductive system. Two major androgens present in the human body are testosterone and androsteredione. Women suffering from high levels of testosterone suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in which they suffer from irregular menstrual periods, infertility, disorders of blood sugar, acne, obesity, and excess growth of hair. Further, high androgen levels cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Pheochromocytoma Pheochromocytoma is a rare benign tumor developed in the center of the adrenal gland. The human body contains two adrenal glands above the kidneys, which are responsible for releasing hormones. In case of pheochromocytoma, the hormones released cause hypertension, which can be episodic or even persistent. Tumors in the adrenal gland generally erupt in specialized cells called chromaffin cells, which are located in the center of the adrenal glands. Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma include hypertension, rapid and forceful heartbeat, profound sweating, severe headaches, tremors, pale face, shortness of breath, weight loss, constipation, pain in the abdomen, and a sense of doom. Drug-Induced Alteration Drugs, such as oral corticosteroids, have side effects causing serious health problems. These drugs impact the entire body and the complications depend on the dosage of the drug. Common complications of steroids include glaucoma, fluid retention, hypertension, alterations on psychological effects, obesity, and deposits of fats. The oral intake can cause cataracts, high blood sugar, increased risk of infections, osteoporosis and fractures, suppression of the production of adrenal gland hormones, and the thinning of skin. When corticosteroids are inhaled, they can lead to hoarseness and fungal infection in the mouth. Topical use of corticosteroids can cause thinness of skin, red lesions on the skin, and acne. Finally, injected corticosteroids can cause skin thinning, color loss in the skin, facial flushing, insomnia, and high blood sugar. 7.11 Female Reproduction System Endometriosis Endometriosis is a disorder that causes immense pain as the endometrium tissue, which should grow inside the uterus, grows outside the uterus, known as endometrial implantation. This disorder involves various organs of the reproductive system including the ovaries, bowel, and lining of the pelvic tissues. It may even affect beyond the pelvic area. Endometriosis is characterized by the normal growth of displaced endometrial tissue such that it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds along with the menstrual cycle. It is also possible that cysts are formed when endometriosis includes the ovaries. This leads to irritation of the surrounding tissues, which causes scar tissues and adhesions. Endometriosis is caused due to retrograde menstruation, embryonic growth of cells, surgical scar implantation, and endometrial cells transport and disorder of the immune system. Signs and symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, pain during intercourse, pain while urinating or

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