Ayumetrix Labs

6 months into the COVID19 pandemic, we are still learning new things about this deadly virus. For example, COVID19 infections are now linked to varying symptoms from gastrointestinal distress like diarrhea to chilblains, inflammatory itchy irritations or sores on the hands and feet [1]. There are even reports that a number of COVID19 survivors, who and are still experiencing long term effects from the infection, are noticing hair loss [2].   With COVID19 having such a far reaching detrimental effect on the body and virtually all of its organ systems, it is warranted to take a deeper look into how a COVID19 infection can affect the endocrine system, especially the master gland of metabolism, the thyroid.   The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck which is responsible for the production of powerful hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are responsible for many processes in the body, namely maintaining optima...

  What is stress?   The study of stress dates back to the early 1900s when Claude Bernard claimed the importance of keeping internal state constant when facing a changing environment. The term homeostasis was coined in 1929, which meant the body pursues equilibrium, or makes sure all physiological processes are balanced. It wasn’t until the 1950s that “stress” was termed as anything that disrupted homeostasis. The perceived threat was coined “the stressor” and the response to the stressor was named the “stress response”. (1)   Stress can be something as small as dropping your coffee or as traumatic as losing a loved one. Either way the body responds in the same way. The parts of the body that mediate the stress response include the hypothalamus (part of the brain), the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. This trio of anatomical structures are collectively called the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. In response to a stressor, the hypothalamus secrete...

  As SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as COVID-19,   continues to make headlines across the globe , scientists and healthcare providers are working diligently to tease out the specifics of how this virus affects key physiological functions within the human body. Though much of this research is geared towards the respiratory system, we are learning more and more about how other physiological systems are influenced, with implications spanning various populations both here and abroad. One population, just starting to be looked at more closely, has the potential if infected, to have incredibly important short and long-term outcomes, affecting the generations to come. Namely, pregnant women.                 With quarantine mandates still in effect, many joke about the “COVID Baby Boom” to be expected nine or so months from now. But, whether this is an urban myth or there’s some truth in the matter, it does...

The COVID19 crisis continues as the world is still held captive by the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As this crisis unfolds, more research continues to elucidate the mechanisms by which COVID19 wreaks such havoc on its victims. For the most part, research has been focused on the effects of the virus on the respiratory system, and with good reason, since COVID19 primarily causes respiratory infections.   But, as more cases are discovered and more research continues, it is clear that COVID19 has a more systemic and   significant effect on other systems of the body as well, namely the endocrine system.   Does COVID19 cause hormonal imbalance?   Hormonal imbalance can be defined simply as a malfunction of production and/or secretion of one or more hormones in the body whether it be too little hormone produced and/or secreted or too much. The human endocrine system needs to work within a delicate balance for it to function optimally and a hormonal imbalanc...

  We’ve learned a lot about the SARS-CoV-2 virus since the emergence of COVID19 worldwide   in the early months of 2020. As cases continue to rise across the US and in certain parts of the world, it is wise to understand how this virus works. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 can help to provide better care for those who are suffering with this illness.   While clinical medicine and research continues to advance our knowledge of this virus and the way it interacts with a human host, the COVID19 crisis and our understanding of the virus is still evolving. When the majority of individuals think of COVID19, a viral respiratory illness immediately comes to mind, and this would be a largely accurate reflection. SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus responsible for the COVID19 crisis does indeed cause a respiratory illness that can be fatal, especially for those who are at high risk due to immune dysfunction and comorbidities like hypertension and diabet...

  4 months into the COVID-19 pandemic , we are finally starting to see some of the consequences of an infection with the SARS-Cov-2 virus. While the deadly virus wreaks obvious havoc on the respiratory system of its victims, there are many other body systems that the virus seems to have an effect on, namely the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a complex series of glands located in various portions of the body that produce and secrete hormones. The body uses these hormones for many functions from respiration to reproduction. One of the most important functions of the endocrine system is blood sugar regulation and digestion or the breakdown of ingested food stuffs to create energy your body can use. When you think about the endocrine system, your first thought probably isn’t one of keeping blood sugar in check or digestion. After all, that’s what the gastrointestinal system does, right? While this is true, one of the most important endocrine (and exocrine) glands of di...