Adenohypersthenia is a medical term that refers to an excessive functioning of the glandular system. The word is pronounced as /əˌdiː.nəʊˌhaɪ.pərˈsθiː.niə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word's spelling is derived from its Greek roots, 'aden' meaning gland, 'hyper' meaning excessive, and 'sthenia' meaning strength. This term is used primarily in endocrinology and can be useful for physicians when diagnosing hormonal imbalances. Despite its complex spelling, adenohypersthenia is used relatively frequently in the medical field due to its specificity in describing certain glandular conditions.
Adenohypersthenia refers to a medical condition characterized by excessive functioning or overactivity of the adenohypophysis, which is the anterior part of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland situated at the base of the brain, often referred to as the "master gland" due to its crucial role in regulating various body functions through the release of hormones.
In adenohypersthenia, the adenohypophysis becomes highly hyperactive, leading to an abnormal increase in the secretion of hormones. This excessive activity can disrupt the delicate balance of hormone production and release, leading to a variety of symptoms and dysfunctions within the body.
Symptoms of adenohypersthenia may vary depending on the specific hormones that are excessively produced. Common symptoms associated with this condition may include unexplained weight loss or gain, fatigue, changes in appetite, increased or decreased heart rate, menstrual irregularities (in females), excessive sweating, mood swings, and changes in sexual drive.
The causes of adenohypersthenia are not well understood, but it may be linked to certain genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or tumors within the pituitary gland. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, physical examination, and hormonal testing. Treatment options may depend on the underlying cause and can include medication to regulate hormone production, surgical removal of tumors if present, or radiation therapy.
Overall, adenohypersthenia represents an abnormal state of heightened activity within the adenohypophysis, which results in an excessive release of hormones and subsequent disruption of the body's normal balance.
Excessive functional activity of a gland or set of glands.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "adenohypersthenia" is a combination of three different parts: "adeno-", "hyper-", and "-sthenia".
1. "Adeno-" comes from the Greek word "aden" meaning "gland". It refers to an organ or a structure that secretes a substance.
2. "Hyper-" also comes from Greek and means "over" or "excessive". In medical terminology, it is often used to indicate an abnormal increase or overactivity of something.
3. "-Sthenia" is derived from the Greek word "stenos" meaning "strength" or "force". commonly used as a suffix in medical terminology to indicate a condition or state of weakness or lack of strength.
Thus, when combined, "adenohypersthenia" refers to a condition characterized by excessive or overactive glandular secretions leading to a state of weakness or lack of strength.