Endocrinology Mnemonics

The best endocrine mnemonics for medical student finals, OSCEs and MRCP

• Pheochromocytoma (rule of 10’s)

  • 10% extra-abdominal
  • 10% malignant
  • 10% bilateral
  • 10% in children
  • BUT 30% genetic/syndromic!

•  Insulinoma (rule of 10’s)

  •  10% are part of MEN1 syndrome
  • 10% are multiple
  • 10% are malignant
  • 10% contain ectopic pancreatic tissue

•  Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (SWEATING)

  •  Sweating
  • Weight loss
  • Emotional lability
  • Appetite increased
  • Tremor/ tachycardia
  • Intolerance of heat/ Irregular menstruation/ Irritability
  • Nervousness
  • Goitre and GI problems (diarrhoea)

•  Symptoms of hypothyroidism – tends to occur in middle aged women (MOM’S SO TIRED)

  •  Memory loss
  • Obesity
  • Malar flush/ Menorrhagia
  • Slowness (mentally and physically)
  • Skin and hair dryness
  • Onset gradual
  • Tiredness
  • Intolerance to cold
  • Raised BP
  • Energy levels fall
  • Depression/ Delayed relaxation of reflexes

•  Causes of adrenal insufficiency (ADDISON)

  •  Autoimmune (Addison’s disease)
  • Degenerative (amyloidosis)
  • Drugs (e.g. ketoconazole)
  • Infections (e.g. TB, HIV)
  • Secondary (hypopituitarism)
  • Others (adrenal bleeding)
  • Neoplasia