When the helmsman weakens
A metabolism that gets out of hand at some point makes you sick. The same applies to hormones and enzymes if they do not function properly as control elements of numerous processes in the body. Probably the best known example of a metabolic disease involving hormones is diabetes mellitus, which is assuming epidemic proportions in so-called civilised countries. The main causes are an unhealthy lifestyle and genetic disposition. Many metabolic or hormone disorders can be detected with laboratory tests, often before clinical signs appear. You can find a selection here. You will find all our analyses in the test list.
Thyroid problems
Thyroid gland diseases are among the most common metabolic diseases that should be clarified and treated. Unusual weight gain or loss and also cardiac arrhythmia can be indications of thyroid disorders. Whether thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter or thyroid carcinoma - we have the right diagnostics for you - also for genetically caused thyroid diseases. Please contact us.
Adrenal glands
Any unusual weight gain or high blood pressure? The symptoms can also be caused by diseases of the adrenal glands. Hypercortisolism, also called Cushing's syndrome, is caused by an excess of the stress hormone cortisol. Weight gain and strong hair growth are among the typical signs. If too little cortisol is present, doctors speak of hypocortisolism, an adrenal insufficiency. Patients are often chronically tired and weak. If the salt and potassium levels in the body are not correct, this indicates a primary hyperaldosteronism or an excess of catecholamines. The result can be high blood pressure. We have the appropriate diagnostic tests to clarify a disease of the adrenal glands. We would be pleased to advise you.
Amino acids and organic acids
Many rare diseases in children are based on disturbed metabolic pathways. They lead to the fact that, for example, individual amino acids are not produced or broken down. Since several diseases are usually possible in the affected children, laboratory diagnostics are indispensable. By means of gas chromatography, a wide variety of amino acids or organic acids are visualised in the urine. Characteristic findings for various syndromes can be read from the pattern of excreted substances. We are one of the few laboratories in Germany that offer this complex diagnostics. We would be happy to answer your questions or discuss a case with you.
Hereditary metabolic diseases
Compared to other hereditary diseases, genetic metabolic disorders are quite common in their sum: more than 700 are known to date. These include, for example, familial hypercholesterolemia, MODY, cystic fibrosis, alpha 1 trypsin deficiency or haemochromatosis. In addition, there are numerous metabolic diseases that are less well known. Typical for all of them: they are usually hidden behind unspecific symptoms and a creeping course of the disease, can occur at any time and with varying intensity. This makes their diagnosis a challenge. We provide support with our genetic diagnostics as well as counselling to clarify the situation.