Endocrinology Course

Lesson 1 • Overview of Endocrine System Organization

Introduces the distinction between endocrine and exocrine glands and systemic hormone distribution. Establishes the anatomical framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Adrenal Gland Zonation and Medulla

Describes cortical zones and medullary chromaffin cells with their distinct secretory products. Links structural zonation to functional steroid and catecholamine output.

Lesson 3 • Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland Structure

Covers follicular architecture of the thyroid and parathyroid cell populations. Connects gland microstructure to calcium and thyroid hormone synthesis capacity.

Lesson 4 • Hypothalamus and Pituitary Anatomy

Examines the hypothalamic-pituitary unit as the master regulatory axis. Details portal circulation and nuclei critical for downstream hormone control.

Lesson 1 • Hormone Transport and Binding Proteins

Examines carrier proteins such as CBG, SHBG, and TBG and their effect on free hormone availability. Explains how binding protein changes alter clinical hormone measurements.

Lesson 2 • Peptide Hormone Synthesis and Processing

Covers gene transcription, translation, and post-translational cleavage producing active peptide hormones. Illustrates prohormone processing using insulin and POMC as models.

Lesson 3 • Thyroid Hormone Synthesis and Iodine Metabolism

Explains iodide trapping, organification, and coupling reactions producing T3 and T4. Connects iodine availability and TPO activity to thyroid hormone output.

Lesson 4 • Chemical Classification of Hormones

Categorizes hormones as peptides, steroids, or amines and explains how structure determines solubility. Provides the chemical basis for understanding receptor binding and pharmacology.

Lesson 1 • Feedback Regulation and Signal Integration

Analyzes negative and positive feedback loops controlling hypothalamic-pituitary-target organ axes. Demonstrates how disrupted feedback produces hyper- or hyposecretory states.

Lesson 2 • Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pathways

Examines insulin and IGF-1 receptor autophosphorylation and downstream PI3K/MAPK signaling. Links RTK activation to glucose uptake, growth, and metabolic regulation.

Lesson 3 • Receptor Mutations and Endocrine Pathology

Identifies gain-of-function and loss-of-function receptor mutations causing endocrine syndromes. Bridges molecular receptor biology to clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Lesson 4 • G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling

Details cAMP and phospholipase C cascades activated by GPCRs in endocrine cells. Connects second messenger amplification to hormone-specific physiological effects.

Lesson 1 • Dynamic Testing of Pituitary Function

Explains stimulation and suppression protocols used to diagnose pituitary hypo- and hyperfunction. Interprets expected vs. abnormal responses to guide clinical decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Anterior Pituitary Hormones and Functions

Details ACTH, TSH, LH, FSH, GH, and prolactin secretion patterns and target organ effects. Connects pituitary hormone profiles to clinical presentations of excess or deficiency.

Lesson 3 • Hypothalamic Releasing and Inhibiting Hormones

Catalogs CRH, TRH, GnRH, GHRH, somatostatin, and dopamine and their pituitary targets. Establishes the hierarchical control structure for all downstream endocrine axes.

Lesson 4 • Pituitary Tumors and Hypopituitarism

Classifies pituitary adenomas by secretory status and mass effects and outlines hypopituitarism causes. Applies axis physiology to understand hormonal deficits and replacement priorities.

Lesson 1 • Thyroid Function Testing and Interpretation

Explains TSH, free T4, free T3, and antibody assays and their diagnostic hierarchy. Establishes a systematic approach to interpreting thyroid panels in clinical contexts.

Lesson 2 • Hypothyroidism: Causes and Management

Covers primary, central, and subclinical hypothyroidism etiologies and levothyroxine replacement principles. Addresses special populations including pregnancy and the elderly.

Lesson 3 • Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and Treatment

Differentiates Graves disease, toxic nodular goiter, and thyroiditis as causes of hyperthyroidism. Compares antithyroid drugs, radioiodine, and surgery as treatment modalities.

Lesson 4 • Calcium Regulation and Parathyroid Disorders

Explains PTH, vitamin D, and calcitonin interactions governing calcium homeostasis. Diagnoses hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Lesson 1 • Glucocorticoid Physiology and Cortisol Testing

Reviews cortisol secretion patterns, stress response, and HPA axis regulation. Introduces biochemical tests used to assess cortisol excess and deficiency.

Lesson 2 • Primary Aldosteronism and Mineralocorticoid Excess

Explains aldosterone-renin ratio screening and confirmatory testing for primary aldosteronism. Differentiates adenoma from bilateral hyperplasia to guide surgical vs. medical management.

Lesson 3 • Adrenal Insufficiency and Replacement Therapy

Differentiates primary from secondary adrenal insufficiency by clinical and biochemical features. Outlines glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement and sick-day rules.

Lesson 4 • Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

Covers catecholamine excess biochemistry, genetic syndromes, and imaging for pheochromocytoma. Outlines perioperative alpha-blockade and surgical management principles.

Lesson 1 • Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes

Applies diagnostic criteria for type 1, type 2, MODY, and gestational diabetes using fasting glucose, OGTT, and HbA1c. Distinguishes diabetes subtypes by pathophysiology and clinical features.

Lesson 2 • Insulin Therapy and Glucose Monitoring

Covers insulin pharmacokinetics, basal-bolus regimens, and correction factor calculations. Integrates continuous glucose monitoring data into insulin dose adjustment.

Lesson 3 • Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Physiology

Reviews insulin secretion phases, glucagon counter-regulation, and incretin effects on glucose control. Provides the metabolic foundation for understanding diabetes pathophysiology.

Lesson 4 • Acute Diabetic Emergencies

Diagnoses and manages diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state using fluid, insulin, and electrolyte protocols. Identifies precipitating factors and prevention strategies.

Lesson 5 • Pharmacotherapy for Type 2 Diabetes

Compares mechanisms, efficacy, and safety profiles of metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and insulin. Applies cardiovascular and renal outcome data to individualize treatment selection.

Lesson 1 • Bone Metabolism and Osteoporosis

Integrates PTH, vitamin D, estrogen, and mechanical loading in bone remodeling regulation. Applies DXA interpretation and fracture risk assessment to osteoporosis management.

Lesson 2 • Male Reproductive Endocrinology

Covers testosterone synthesis, spermatogenesis regulation, and hypogonadism classification. Applies biochemical testing and testosterone replacement principles to clinical management.

Lesson 3 • Endocrine Causes of Secondary Osteoporosis

Identifies glucocorticoid excess, hypogonadism, hyperparathyroidism, and hyperthyroidism as causes of bone loss. Applies targeted treatment of the underlying endocrine disorder to preserve bone density.

Lesson 4 • Menopause and Hormone Therapy

Describes the hormonal transition of menopause and its systemic effects on bone, cardiovascular, and cognitive health. Evaluates indications, risks, and regimens for menopausal hormone therapy.