Part 1:
1. What hormonal problem could be causing these symptoms? Eric's symptoms include: large hands and feet, low thyroid activity, low cortisone levels, low testosterone levels, high growth hormone levels, and swelling in his right knee. Since most of Eric's symptoms are hormonal, he is clearly having an endocrine gland problem. Cortisone, testosterone, and growth hormone levels are being affected, it is likely that he his having a hormonal problem within his anterior pituitary gland, because all three of these hormones are regulated by a horomone that this gland secretes. Cortisone is controlled by ACTH, testosterone by LH and FSH, and growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland itself. Not to mention, the thyroid is regulated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is also released by the anterior pituitary gland.
2. Why would joint damage be associated with rapid growth and low testosterone levels? Rapid growth can lead to joint damage as the accelerated bone growth disrupts the supply of blood to cartilage. Joint damage can also be caused by low testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels play a role in a joint disorder called osteoarthritis.
Part 2:
1. Should Dr. Kidd tell Eric that he is probably sterile? Why would he be sterile? Yes, Dr. Kidd should tell Eric that he is probably sterile. Eric could potentially be sterile due to the low levels of testosterone. Low testosterone levels lead to a low sperm count, leading to being sterile.
2. Is there anything that they could try to do to stimulate spermatogenesis? Why is the absence of facial hair important? Eric could try follicle stimulating hormone in order stimulate spermatogenesis. The absence of facial hair is important because it may be related to a lack of gonadal stimulant which causes the condition called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which results in a decrease or loss of bodily hair. This can also affect