Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT162

Introduction: Stress is a non-specific response to a stressor. Stress is universal, affecting plants, animals, and humans. It can be acute or chronic. The stressor in humans covers a variety of situations such as physical activity, extreme temperature, noise, workload, unemployment, financial difficulties, food insecurity, divorce, racism, harassment, fear, violence, injury, disease, war, and death of a loved one. Stress can have multiple effects on physiology and behavior, impact child development, and cause several medical disorders. This review presents an update on endocrine and metabolic diseases associated with stress.

Methods: A systematic search of literature was conducted using the search terms stress, stressors, hormones, endocrines diseases, and metabolic diseases.

Results: During stress, the release of several hormones is affected (increased or decreased release). The hormones that are increased include corticotropin-releasing hormone, arginine vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, cortisol, catecholamines, and neuropeptide Y. The hormones that are decreased include gonadotropin-releasing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and insulin. Some of these hormonal changes may be necessary for a short-term protection but chronic stress can induce or potentiate several endocrine and metabolic diseases. Studies have reported that subjects with Cushing’s disease (but not Cushing’s syndrome), hyperprolactinemia (prolactin adenoma or idiopathic hyperprolactinemia), and Graves’ disease (onset or relapse) have been exposed more to stressful life events than their matched controls. Stress in early life may be a risk factor for the development of type 1 diabetes. Gonadal function can also be impacted by stress resulting in oligospermia and impotence in men and menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and amenorrhea in women. Through multiple and complex biochemical changes, stress can induce abnormalities in food intake behavior and fat storage, causing weight gain (overweight, obesity) or weight loss (underweight). Decreasing the incidence of stressors and the reaction to them can prevent the occurrence of stress-related disorders. Several tools can be used. They include creation of a stress-free environment, relaxation techniques (soft music, yoga, and meditation), creative arts therapies (art, music, dance, and drama), herbal products (lemon balm and lavender), and medications (benzodiazepines).

Conclusion: Stress is a challenging experience with multiple effects on physiology and behavior and impact on child development. The abnormal release of several hormones during stress can cause endocrine and metabolic diseases. Stress is a significant global health issue imposing substantial societal costs. Establishing effective programs to reduce the incidence of stressors can help preventing the occurrence of stress-related endocrine and metabolic diseases.