Polyglandular autoimmune syndromes

What can you tell me about polyglandular autoimmune syndromes?

- Judy / Tennessee

Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and men's health specialist Todd Nippoldt, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

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Endocrine system

Polyglandular autoimmune syndromes (PAS) are a group of disorders in which multiple endocrine glands secrete insufficient or excess amounts of hormones. The cause of PAS isn't known, but genetics may play a role. Endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas, and the ovaries and testes.

In polyglandular autoimmune syndromes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the endocrine system. Signs and symptoms depend on which glands are affected. A doctor may make a diagnosis by blood tests, which measure hormone output by the affected glands. There is no cure for these syndromes. Treatment is directed at managing the signs and symptoms and usually includes hormone replacement therapy.

Type of polyglandular autoimmune syndrome	People it typically affects	Characteristics of the disease
Type I	Children, usually around age 12	Underactive parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism) Underactive adrenal glands (Addison's disease) Chronic yeast infections
Type II (formerly known as Schmidt's syndrome)	Usually women, around age 30	Underactive adrenal glands Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Type 1 diabetes
Type III (likely a variant of Type II)	Usually women, around age 30	Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, premature menopause, pernicious anemia, alopecia, vitiligo, celiac disease and myasthenia gravis