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This hormone excess often enlarges the hands and feet. Overactivity of the cortex of the adrenal gland, called Cushing’s syndrome produces a characteristic obesity with thin arms and legs, increased tendency to bruising, a hump on the back of the shoulders, and roundness of the face like a full moon. Reduced function of the adrenal cortex is called Addison’s disease. It is characterized by increase pigmentation of the skin, weakness, salt craving, weight loss, and low blood pressure. A rapid step towards the accurate diagnosis of these hormone problems has come with new laboratory tests, such as the radioimmunoassay. Most of the body’s endocrine hormones can be analyzed now. Although the tests are expensive they are available in most large cities. One single determination of the hormone level does not necessarily establish or exclude an endocrine abnormality. Wide fluctuations in hormone secretions are seen during a twenty-four hour period, Some disorders of the adrenal glands, particularly, may result from a loss of the normal cyclic 24-hour pattern. This is particularly seen in conjunction with disturbed sleep pattern, work schedules, and other tendencies toward irregularity. SYMPTOMS RELATED TO THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM We now present a few common symptoms and the possible relationships to specific endocrine diseases. Clinical experience is certainly important in interpreting these relationships. Nevertheless, the suspicion that there is something wrong is often the first step toward an accurate diagnosis. Weakness and increased fatigability are without doubt the most frequent symptom of adults seeking medical diagnosis. In the majority, these complaints derive primarily from emotional or psychological disturbances. When hormone abnormalities are suspected, one should inquire first whether the symptoms have been accompanied by weight loss. If so, insufficiency of the adrenal gland, overactivity of the thyroid, and diabetes mellitus should be considered. Adrenal insufficiency is usually accompanied by increased pigmentation, low blood pressure, and perhaps salt craving. Hyperthyroidism is suggested by goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), bulging eye changes, tremor, and heat intolerance. Sugar diabetes is usually accompanied by excessive urination and increased thirst. Without weight loss, but with symptoms of weakness and fatigability one could consider underactive thyroid, underactive pituitary gland, overactive parathyroid gland with high calcium levels, and hypersecretions of aldosterone, another hormone from the adrenal gland regulating the salt balance. The first of these are associated with hypoactive reflexes, intolerance to cold, dry skin. Hypopituitarism is suggested by delayed or absent menstrual cycle, impotence, decreased tolerance to cold,