Glucocorticoids are known as hormones of the adrenal cortex. They regulate so many of the most important functions of the human body that they can rightfully be considered one of the key hormones responsible for our life. Thus, glucocorticoids provide adaptation of the body during injuries, infections, severe stress, mobilizing its defenses, affect immunity, regulate the state of bone tissue, and take part in metabolic processes. Experts note that disorders in the work of the adrenal glands and, accordingly, in the synthesis of glucocorticoids, can be determined by the condition of the skin and even by the characteristics of body fat - read how they manifest themselves on estet-portal.com.
Glucocorticoids and their role in the body's metabolic processes
Glucocorticoids have a strong influence on almost all types of metabolism in the body - carbohydrate, protein, and fat. So, these hormones are normally responsible for the synthesis of glycogen and its absorption in tissues. If the production of glucocorticoids is increased, then the level of glucose in the blood rises - up to the development of steroid diabetes mellitus, there is an accumulation of glucose in the liver. With reduced hormone production, glucose levels drop and the person complains of feeling weak.
An excess of glucocorticoids may also be indicated by weight loss of the limbs in combination with muscle weakness.
Weakness and weakness can occur because hormones are able to inhibit protein synthesis and accelerate their catabolism. This can be manifested by increasing flabbiness and atrophy of the skin, slow healing of any skin lesions.
A visual change in the figure due to the redistribution of fat becomes a particularly clear sign of a violation of the synthesis of glucocorticoids in the body. If hormones are produced in excess, there is increased lipolysis in the tissues of the upper and lower extremities and the accumulation of fat in the face, upper body. The patient has:
- a distinctive moon face,
- a "buffalo-like" figure,
- thin limbs.
In addition, with impaired production of glucocorticoids, severe swelling of the face and extremities develops due to the retention of water and sodium in the body during their reabsorption in the renal tubules. If these hormones are not enough in the body, the skin and mucous membranes become dry, hair brittle, all organs and tissues suffer from dehydration.
Effect of glucocorticoids on skin and hair
The relationship between the production of glucocorticoids and the course of metabolic processes in the body affects the condition of the skin and hair. So, with their increased synthesis and an increase in the amount of cortisol in the blood, one can observe:
- greater hair,
- manifestation of seborrhea,
- acne rashes on the skin.
These symptoms can manifest themselves, for example, during severe stress and even during long-term travel, as stressful situations stimulate increased production of glucocorticoids.
Another important external manifestation of failures in the synthesis of corticosteroids is flabbiness and dryness of the skin, brittle and falling hair.
The fact is that with an increased level of these hormones, they have a destructive effect on proteins, including collagen, which, under the influence of cortisol, is no longer synthesized in the skin. This is manifested, first of all, by the appearance of stretch marks, loss of skin elasticity. With a low level of glucocorticoids, the skin becomes dehydrated, becomes dry and flabby.
Thus, if the patient complains of muscle weakness, swelling, the appearance of striae, hair loss, changes in skin quality, as well as characteristic changes in the contours of the face and body, the cosmetologist should recommend an endocrinologist consultation in order not to miss a possible failure in the production of glucocorticoid hormones and prescribe adequate procedures.
Share:
Add a comment