What diseases does an endocrinologist treat?
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hormone-related diseases and conditions. Endocrinologists treat individuals with endocrine conditions and disorders such as:
Diabetes mellitus
Thyroid dysfunction
Obesity or Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease (ABCD)
Osteoporosis
Adrenal disorders
Lipid disorders
Metabolic abnormalities
Growth disorders
Sexual function and reproduction
Endocrinologists work to ensure that the different systems in the body communicate well with each other by correcting hormonal imbalances. Endocrinologists perform a series of tests to understand the problem, determine the best treatment and help patients with lifestyle changes (when possible) that can improve the medical condition. Many endocrinologists are also involved in basic, clinical and translational research to gain a better understanding of endocrine diseases, which subsequently leads to better treatment options. Some endocrinologists treat a range of endocrine disorders, while others choose to specialize in a single area, such as diabetes, infertility or endocrine oncology. Some disorders involve the endocrine system even though they do not originate there. For these cases, the endocrinologist may work together with a primary care physician or a specialist in another discipline to coordinate a patient’s follow-up care. Becoming an endocrinologist requires deep knowledge of pathophysiology and biochemistry to understand the processes that may be disrupted in endocrine disorders. Following medical school completion and internal medicine residency training, a two- or three-year fellowship in the field of endocrinology must be undertaken for a physician to become an endocrinologist. Following completion of training, most become board certified.
Why would you need to see an endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions like diabetes, thyroid diseases, infertility, growth issues, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, some cancers, and disorders in the hormone-producing adrenal glands and pituitary glands.
What are some common endocrine disorders?
Endocrine disorders are diseases related to the endocrine glands of the body. The endocrine system produces hormones, which are chemical signals sent out, or secreted, through the bloodstream. Hormones help the body regulate processes, such as appetite, breathing, growth, fluid balance, feminization and virilization, and weight control.
The endocrine system consists of several glands, including the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, adrenal glands in the kidneys, and thyroid in the neck, as well as the pancreas, ovaries and testes. The stomach, liver and intestines also secrete hormones related to digestion. Most common endocrine disorders are related to improper functioning of the pancreas and the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands.
What questions should I ask an endocrinologist?
10 good questions to ask your endocrinologist
- Is my diabetes in good control for my goals? ...
- Does the rest of my bloodwork look normal? ...
- Should I adjust my diabetes medication and/or insulin? ...
- How can I adjust my care between visits? ...
- What new insulins, medications and technology is on the horizon? ...
- Are there any other medications I should be on? ...
- How can I afford my medications? ...
- How can I better manage my diet? ...
- How can I exercise safely and effectively? ...
- What’s the best thing I can do right now to prevent complications? ...
