Polyglandular syndrome (PGS) is a group of conditions in which multiple endocrine glands fail to produce adequate amounts of hormones. It is a common cause of hormone-related diseases, and can result in a wide range of disorders that can have serious implications for overall health.
There are three types of PGS, all of which involve the malfunctioning of multiple endocrine glands. These include type I PGS, type II PGS, and type III PGS.
Type I PGS is also known as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1). It is caused by genetic mutations that affect the immune system, leading to the production of autoantibodies that attack and destroy the endocrine glands. Symptoms of type I PGS can include hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, premature ovarian failure, and hypoparathyroidism.
Type II PGS is also known as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2 (APS-2). It is caused by genetic mutations that affect the immune system, leading to the production of autoantibodies that attack and destroy the endocrine glands. Symptoms of type II PGS can include hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, premature ovarian failure, and hypoparathyroidism.
Type III PGS is also known as polyglandular failure type 3 (PGF-3). It is caused by genetic mutations that affect the endocrine glands, leading to the production of inadequate hormones. Symptoms of type III PGS can include hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypoparathyroidism.
In addition to these three types, there are also two rare forms of PGS known as type IV and type V. Type IV PGS is caused by genetic mutations that affect the immune system, leading to the production of autoantibodies that attack and destroy the endocrine glands. Symptoms of type IV PGS can include hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, and hypoparathyroidism.
Type V PGS is caused by genetic mutations that affect the endocrine glands, leading to the production of inadequate hormones. Symptoms of type V