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Myopathies Due to Endocrine Abnormalities
Malfunctioning glands producing either too much or too little hormones can cause a myopathy. Carried by the blood, hormones are chemical messengers that regulate muscle activity. Problems hormone production can therefore lead to muscle weakness.
Hyperthyroid (Endocrine) Myopathy (HYPTM)Hyperthyroid Myopathy is an autoimmune disease and occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues; in this case it attacks the thyroid gland. This causes an overproduction of the hormone thyroxine. Although the cause of the disease is unclear, researchers suspect viruses or bacteria might trigger the autoimmune response and patients may begin to show symptoms anywhere from childhood to adulthood. These symptoms include muscle weakness, some muscle wasting in the hips and shoulder, problems with controlling eyes and eye lids and possible periodic paralysis. Fortunately, the progression of the disease can be almost completely alleviated by restoring normal thyroxine levels. This is done through surgery or medication.
Hypothyroid (Endocrine) Myopathy (HYPOTM)Hypothyroid Myopathy is also an autoimmune disease; however, in this case it attacks the thyroid gland causing an underproduction of the hormone thyroxine. It too is brought on anywhere from childhood to adulthood and the cause is unclear. Symptoms include weakness of muscles (specifically of the arms and legs), general stiffness and cramps. HYPOTM can also cause rhabdomyolysis, or severe breakdown of muscle tissue.
