IRON STORAGE DISORDERS

The amount of iron stored by the body is measured indirectly with measuring the ferritin levels. Ferritin is a body protein that is used to store iron. There are some tests that help us to evaluate the body’s iron stores such as ferritin test, iron binding capacity test ect.

Normal results for a ferritn test are 12-300 nanograms per milliliter of blood for males and 12-150 ng/ml for females.

High levels of ferritin can be indicative for hemochromatosis. This is genetic disorder in which there is excessive accumulation of iron in the body. There is  problem is with the absorption of iron from the intestines which is greater than the amount needed to replace losses. Normaly the body cannot increase iron excretion there for the absorbed iron accumulates in the body. The excess iron deposits in the heart, joints, testicles, liver and causes damage to these organs. So the sign and symptoms of hemochromatosis came from these organs. Women develop sign and symptoms 10 years later then man, because they lose the iron thanks to menstruation. Sign and symptoms of hemochromatosis are: fatigue, joint pains, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, sexual dysfunction and  darkening of skin. Also some chronic inflammatory conditions such as liver disease rheumatoid arthritis or some types o f cancer can be caused  from high ferritin levels.

When  the levels of ferritin are low we have iron deficiency. In these condition the body cannot produce sufficient  levels of hemoglobin (component of red cells that carries the oxygen)  and we have anemia. Sign and symptoms of anemia are: fast heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath and pale skin.

ASPERGER’s SYNDROME

This is neuro-developmental  disordes that effects individual’s behavior such as communication  and pattern of social interactions. Formerly this disorder was characterized as distinct autism spectrum disorder. It’s still disc as Asperger’s syndrome is separate clinical entity or high-functioning form of autism.  People with asperger’s syndrome normal to above-average intelligence but typically have difficulties with social interactions and often have pervasive, absorbing interests in special areas.

Dr. Hans Asperger first described this condition. Because the obsessive interests in and knowledge of particular subjects of this patients, he called them little professors. 

Positive characteristics of people with Asperger syndrome are:

 -The ability to work independently

 -The increased  ability to focus on details

 -Intensity and original way of thinking 

To give the diagnosis of asperger’s syndrome is impossible without direct testing and observation. It’s suggested that Thomas Jefferson, Mozart, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein had Asperger’s syndrome.

Symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome are:

 -Lack of interest in socializing/making friends

 -Avoiding eye contact 

 -Lack  of use of gestures

 -Lack of changing facial expression

 -Failure to respect interpersonal boundaries

 -Unusually sensitive to noises, touch, odors, tastes.

 -Repetitive motor patterns such as hand flapping or arm waving

The children with this syndrome have normal language development in contrast to other autistic conditions. However there is alteration in language skills such:

 -Changes in voice and speaking

 -They have difficulties with understanding the subtle use of language, such as irony or sarcasm.

 -Disorganized or not relevant to the discussion speech.

In some cases there is psychiatric and behavior disorders  like:

 -Anxiety disorder

 -Depression  or other mood disorders.

There should be multidisciplinary approach in treating this patients. Medical therapy is not effective but in some cases selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications are used for relief of anxiety or depression. There are a lot of behavioral and educational interventions that can be useful. The type of intervention depends of individual’s age and needs.

MENOPAUSE

Menopause is a natural part of aging in women that is characterized with cessation of the menstrual cycle. It occurs at an average age of 51. The official definition for menopause is absence of menstrual periods for 12 months caused by cessation of the function of the ovaries. The process of menopause does not occur overnight , but it’s gradual process. Menopause symptoms can include hot flashes, vagina bleeding vaginal and urinary changes and mood changes.

The ovary is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus and they have the size and shape of an almond. The function of the varies is producing eggs  and female hormones as estrogen. During the menstrual cycle one egg mature and leave the ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a fallopian tube to the uterus.

Female hormones are responsible for the female body characteristics such as the breast body hair and body shape. Other functions are regulation of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, protection of the bones. That’s way all of this can be changed during the menopause, because the lack of hormones.

Because the menopause is a normal part of life a therapy for the same is not required. However there is therapy associated with symptoms if they are uncomfortable or  dangerous for the woman. Your doctor can recommend you hormone therapy such as estrogen, progesterone, oral contraceptive pills, vaginal hormone and non hormone treatments. The therapy can also include antidepressant medication.