Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (2024)

Palmetto Endocrinology Blog Bruises

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (1)

Happy Thanksgiving!

This month we are talking about black and blue discolorations. Bruises, also called contusions, form when an injury damages your blood vessels and makes them leak. It can happen to anyone at any age, and it typically takes a hard blow or a serious fall to generate enough pooling blood to create purple, blue, or black bruises.

If you’re getting bruises easily from seemingly minor bumps, it’s time to figure out why. A few medical conditions make bruising more likely. For example, bleeding disorders, vitamin C or K deficiencies, low blood platelet count, liver disease, and cancer can make you more prone to bruising.

Some medications, such as blood thinners and even OTC pain relievers, if you take them often, are also known to increase bruising.

One of the lesser-known conditions responsible for excessive bruising is Cushing’s syndrome. Our team at Palmetto Endocrinology can help you take a closer look at Cushing’s syndrome, what causes it, and how treat it.

Cushing’s syndrome 101

Cushing syndrome occurs when your body produces too much of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a heavy lifter that’s responsible for:

  • Keeping inflammation at bay
  • Regulating your blood pressure
  • Making sure your heart and vascular system function properly
  • Converting proteins, carbs, and fats into usable energy

Cortisol also helps you respond to stressful situations by enabling your body to flee from danger or stay and fight. In short spurts, heightened cortisol levels are essential for survival. But over time, elevated cortisol can cause health issues such as:

  • Unexplained weight gain, especially in your face, midsection, and upper back
  • Increased stretch marks
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • Acne
  • Bruising and thin, fragile skin

As time goes on, untreated Cushing’s syndrome can lead to severe fatigue and muscle weakness, mental health issues, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, infections, and bone loss. 

Causes of Cushing’s syndrome

Several conditions can throw your cortisol production out of whack, which is why you need our team to diagnose the underlying cause. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Corticosteroid medications

If you take an oral steroid to treat an inflammatory disease like arthritis or asthma, the medication may be triggering an overproduction of cortisol. Injectable corticosteroids for back and joint pain can have the same effect. 

Pituitary adenoma

A tumor on your pituitary gland, which is located at the base of your brain, may trigger a flood of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This pituitary disorder sends a message to your adrenal glands to pump out more cortisol. 

This tumor, a pituitary adenoma, is a specific type of Cushing’s syndrome called Cushing’s disease. While the similar-sounding names can be confusing, the difference is quite simple.

Cushing’s syndrome can stem from internal or external sources of excess cortisol, and Cushing’s disease specifically involves a tumor on the pituitary gland.

Primary adrenal gland disease

Sitting just above your kidneys, your adrenal glands produce both cortisol and sex hormones. An adrenal disorder can stimulate excess cortisol and result in Cushing’s syndrome. Sometimes, benign tumors cause this type of adrenal disorder; in rare cases, adrenal tumors are cancerous. 

ACTH-producing tumor

Although it rarely happens, it is possible for a tumor, either benign or malignant, to form in your thyroid, lungs, pancreas, or thymus gland and begin producing ACTH, even though the organs it’s invading don’t naturally produce it. If this happens, it can result in Cushing’s syndrome.

Treating Cushing’s syndrome

Depending on what’s causing your Cushing’s syndrome, we may treat it with prescription medication to improve your symptoms or by reducing your usage of corticosteroids. 

When Cushing’s syndrome involves the presence of a tumor, you may need surgery to have it removed. In some cases, we may recommend radiation therapy instead of or in addition to surgery to minimize the tumor. 

To find out if your frequent bruising may be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome or Cushing’s disease, schedule an appointment with us. Call to book a consultationtoday.

Author

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (2) Joseph Mathews, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU, CCD Joseph W. Mathews M.D., a board certified Endocrinologist and Medical Director of Palmetto Endocrinology, was born and raised in South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston, Cum Laude. He then achieved his M.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.Dr. Mathews is also a Fellow of both the American College of Endocrinology and the American College of Physicians, holds an Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) and is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD). He has extensive experience performing ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies. His practice includes a range of specializations including prescribing and fitting patients with insulin pumps.Dr. Mathews' practice has drawn patients from out of state to benefit from his expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes, cortisol problems and their Endocrine disorders.

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FAQs

Does an endocrinologist treat thyroid and diabetes? ›

Endocrinology is a specialty that offers advanced training in the endocrine system, which includes various glands and organs that secrete hormones such as the thyroid, pancreas (diabetes), testes, and adrenal glands, among others. Endocrinologists also commonly treat osteoporosis.

What is a thyroid doctor called that specializes in diabetes? ›

An endocrinologist can specialize in the treatment of different kinds of diabetes and other metabolic conditions such as obesity. Thyroid disease: Many conditions can affect your thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. An endocrinologist could specialize in these conditions specifically.

Do diabetes and thyroid problems go together? ›

Research suggests a close association between the autoimmune response that causes type 1 diabetes and autoimmune-induced thyroid dysfunction (AITD). An estimated 17–30% of adults with type 1 diabetes also have AITD. Additionally, 25% of children with type 1 diabetes have autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Should diabetics have an endocrinologist? ›

Your regular doctor can treat diabetes, but they might refer you to an endocrinologist when: You've just been diagnosed with diabetes and need to learn how to manage it. They don't have a lot of experience treating diabetes. You take a lot of shots or use an insulin pump.

Why is it so hard to see an endocrinologist? ›

The reasons for this national shortage of diabetes specialists are manifold: Endocrinologists receive the lowest compensation of all internal medicine (IM) specialties — lower even than practicing general internists — and 76–89% of medical students graduate with astronomical debt.

How can I control my thyroid and diabetes? ›

By managing insulin resistance with medications, diet, and exercise, you may be able to avoid diabetes as well as complications of thyroid disease. By managing hyperthyroidism with medications, diet, and exercise, you may also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Why does an endocrinologist look at your hands? ›

"It used to be common for doctors to look at the hands for important clues to overall health," says endocrinologist Kenneth Blanchard. “Hands can tell you a great deal about circulation, hormones, and thyroid function."

What is the best doctor to see for thyroid problems? ›

If your tests show signs of a thyroid disorder, your primary care physician may refer you to an endocrinologist, a physician who specializes in hormone conditions.

What will an endocrinologist do on a first visit? ›

The endocrinologist will take a detailed medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and review any previous test results. This process aids in understanding your overall health status and the nature of your endocrine-related concerns.

Does your thyroid affect your A1C? ›

Hypothyroidism is associated with a faulty increase in Hemoglobin A1C levels. Hypothyroidism causes many metabolic abnormalities as well as multiple clinical symptoms. Some studies suggest that blood sugar may be affected in hypothyroidism and levels may increase.

Can hypothyroidism cause a big belly? ›

Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.

When should I see an endocrinologist for A1c? ›

If your condition worsens or you begin having trouble managing it, it may be time to see an endocrinologist for help with the treatment and management of your diabetes. Your endocrinologist can help with pharmacological interventions like adjusting medication and insulin doses to better manage your condition.

What is the most common disease treated by an endocrinologist? ›

The most common diseases treated by an endocrinologist include diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2, Thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter.

What is the best doctor for diabetes? ›

Endocrinologist. An endocrinologist is a doctor who has special training and experience in treating people with diabetes. You should see yours regularly.

Does endocrine cover diabetes? ›

Endocrinologists and diabetologists treat conditions such as: diabetes mellitus. thyroid disease. lipid disorders.

Is diabetes an endocrine disorder? ›

In the United States, the most common endocrine disease is diabetes. There are many others. They are usually treated by controlling how much hormone your body makes. Hormone supplements can help if the problem is too little of a hormone.

What type of doctor do you see for thyroid issues? ›

But there are situations in which you may need to have an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in the endocrine system, oversee your care. An endocrinologist is particularly knowledgeable about the function of the thyroid gland and the body's other hormone-secreting glands.

References

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