What are autoimmune endocrinopathies?

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body in a variety of ways and some well-known examples include alopecia, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Endocrine refers to the body’s glands, such as the ovaries and the testes as well as the pancreas, pituitary and thyroid glands. These glands all secrete different hormones that affect many parts of the body and its functions. Endocrine conditions are a group of disorders where the function of one of these glands is ineffective in some way which has knock-on effects in various parts of the body. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and osteoporosis are both examples of endocrine disorders.

Endocrine disorders have many causes, including genetic disorders, cancerous growths or dysfunction in the gland itself. Endocrine disorders can also occur when the body mistakenly attacks one of its own hormone glands. This is referred to as an autoimmune endocrinopathy. Some examples of autoimmune endocrine disorders are:

• type 1 diabetes
• Addison disease
• polyglandular syndromes

Some of the most common autoimmune endocrinopathies are related to the thyroid gland, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

How are autoimmune endocrinopathies diagnosed?

Autoimmune endocrinopathies have a wide range of forms and as such have very wide ranging symptoms. As they are related to hormones, doctors can use blood tests as well as the patient's medical history to make a diagnosis. In some cases, imaging tests or a thyroid biopsy can also help with the diagnosis.

How are autoimmune endocrinopathies treated?

The specific treatment plan depends on the condition present but most treatment for autoimmune endocrinopathies is related to regulating hormone levels with medication, reducing any inflammation and relieving symptoms particular to each disorder.

In the case of autoimmune endocrinopathies that cause serious damage to the body’s own tissues and organs, slowing or stopping the deterioration is a priority.

What type of doctor treats autoimmune endocrinopathies?

Specialist rheumatologists and endocrinologists treat autoimmune endocrinopathies.