Endocrinology

What is Endocrinology?

The endocrine system controls hormones that regulate several vital functions in our body. The endocrine glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, testes and ovaries.

The hormones secreted by these endocrine glands circulate in the body and reach their specific destination to perform their designated functions. These target glands can be other endocrine glands or other organs and tissues in the body.

Hormones are like messengers involved in many different functions in the body, including growth and development, blood glucose (sugar) control, metabolism, blood pressure regulation, sexual development, attainment of normal puberty, hair growth, menstruation, reproduction, lipid metabolism and bone health.

Endocrinologists treat individuals with endocrine conditions and disorders such as:

• Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 Diabetes mellitus, Type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes, Pancreatic diabetes and other specified diabetes mellitus).
• Thyroid disorders (enlarged thyroid gland, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy, thyroid nodules and thyroid masses)
• Obesity
• Metabolic disorders
• Hypertension, including secondary hypertension (primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma and other causes of endocrine hypertension)
• Pituitary disorders including hyperprolactinemia, Acromegaly, Cushing’s disease, pituitary hormone deficiencies.
• Irregular menstruation including polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Adrenal disorders
• Calcium disorders
• Osteoporosis
• Growth disorders including short stature
• Sexual function and reproduction
• Pubertal disorders including early and delayed puberty
• Hypogonadism and infertility
• Metabolic bone disease.
• Osteopenia and osteoporosis (lack of bone mass and strength).
• Vitamin D deficiency.

General physicians can diagnose and manage some endocrine conditions. However, you may benefit from seeing an endocrinologist as they are experts in managing endocrine conditions. They may help you with different medications, and the latest technology which can help to treat your condition in an optimal way.

If your primary healthcare provider has diagnosed you with an endocrine condition, they may sometimes refer you to an endocrinologist to help manage your condition. If you have symptoms related to hormone imbalances or have been diagnosed with a hormone-related disorder, it’s important to see an endocrinologist. They can perform tests, make a diagnosis, and formulate a treatment plan to help manage or even cure your condition in certain cases. It’s also a good idea to see an endocrinologist if you’re facing symptoms that you think might be related to a hormone disorder but are not sure about. They can help rule out any underlying conditions and provide you with the required care and treatment.