Endocrine System

There are several general types of disabilities relating to the endocrine system, which may form the basis for the finding of disability under the Social Security Disability laws. Boca Raton Social Security disability attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq. categorizes the four major groupings as follows: thyroid disorders (hyperparathroidism and hypoparathyroidism); neurophypophyseal insufficiency; hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex; and diabetes mellitus.

Thyroid disorders are prevalent in the U.S. population. Some studies suggest that between 4-5% of the entire American population has undiagnosed thyroid disorders! In general, thyroid disease is an impairment caused by overproduction or underproduction of hormones, resulting in structural or functional changes in the body. When involvement of other organ systems has occurred as a result of a primary endocrine disorder, these impairment should be medically evaluated. Medical testing usually includes x-rays, CAT scans; MRI imaging; myleography and bone scans.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition which is common and impacts approximately 100,000 Americans each year. This condition is more likely to occur to post-menopausal women. There are many symptoms associated with the condition, including muscle pain and weakness; bone fractures; nausea and loss of appetite. This condition is almost always treated by surgery, which has a very large success rate. Bone weakness and fragility, can lead to permanent impairment and inability to work.

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition brought on because of decreased activity of the parathyroid gland and a resulting decrease of serum calcium. Common symptoms include numbness and tingling in different parts of the body; cataracts; seizures and brittle fingernails. Treatment is usually done via oral calcium and special formulations of Vitamin D. These treatments can have side effects, including chronic kidney disease.

Neurohypophyseal Insufficiency: This condition stems from issues related to the pituitary gland, resulting in abnormally large amounts of water being lost from the body. A person with this illness suffers from dehydration, causing weakness and decreased stamina.

Hyperfunction of the Adrenal Cortex: Many types of disabilities can result from this disorder of the adrenal glands. These include diabetes; obesity, hypertension, wasting of muscle; thinning of the skin and bone and a myriad of psychiatric disorder including psychosis.

Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes is the most prevalent of all hormonal disorders. Diabetes can have impact on the entire body, in varying degrees of severity. Progressive dysfunction of the peripheral nerves (neuropathy) is a common symptom of diabetes. Another common issue is acidosis or retinitis proliferans. Some diabetics, with proper treatment have no residual functional capacity which prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful employment.

Adrenal Cortical Insufficiency: A number of diseases of conditions may result in insufficient cortisol production. Addison ’s disease usually is the result of an individual’s immune system targeting the adrenal glands. Addison ’s disease can be the byproduct of infection; vascular disorder or surgeries.

Hypoglycemia: Almost the opposite of diabetes, this disease is characterized by an insufficient level of glucose. Symptoms are varied, but include nausea; dizziness and weakness.

South Florida Social Security Disability Attorney and Lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq. represents individuals with thyroid disorders in Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.