An endocrinologist is a physician who has completed an additional 2-3 years of training in diagnosing and treating endocrine glands and the hormones they produce. Endocrine diseases are caused by a hormonal imbalance (excess or deficiency) or a malfunctioning gland. Endocrine glands perform intricate tasks that affect the entire body. The pancreas, thyroid, parathyroids, ovaries and testes, adrenals, and pituitary gland are all endocrine glands.
Endocrinologists can help with both common and rare endocrine diseases. Here are five reasons to consult an endocrinologist.
1) Diabetes mellitus
In the United States, diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder. Diabetes affected 34.2 million Americans in 2018, accounting for 10.5% of the population. Type 1 diabetes affects about 1.6 million Americans. Diabetes is classified into three types: type 1, 2, and gestational. Other kinds of diabetes are not covered in this article.
- Diabetes type 2 accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes diagnoses. High blood sugar levels are caused by insulin resistance and the pancreas’s failure to produce adequate insulin.
- Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body’s elimination of insulin-producing pancreatic cells. In medical words, this is known as autoimmune destruction. This results in a full insulin deficit. Insulin must be replaced through injections or an insulin pump as part of the treatment.
- Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is referred to as gestational diabetes. At 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, obstetricians/gynecologists (Ob/gyns) evaluate women for gestational diabetes. The screening strategies are described at the bottom of this page.
2) Thyroid
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and is shaped like a butterfly. It is responsible for producing hormones and (to a lesser extent). Thyroid hormone impacts almost every organ in the body, including the brain, heart, gastrointestinal system, and bone.
Thyroid gland disorders include causes of low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism) and high thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism. Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma, and other less prevalent causes can all lead to hyperthyroidism.
Endocrinologists can also identify and treat thyroid-related illnesses such as thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.
3) Obesity
Some may be surprised to find obesity here. Obesity is NOT caused by a lack of discipline or poor eating habits. Obesity is a complicated, chronic disease that raises the chance of developing other diseases and health issues.3. It’s not only a cosmetic issue.
Obesity, like other chronic disorders, necessitates lifetime therapy. Obesity treatment includes diet, exercise, drugs, and/or surgery. A board-certified obesity medicine doctor can conduct a full medical evaluation and work with you to develop a specific weight loss plan.
4) Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes low bone mass and bone structure deterioration4. This causes bone fragility and increased hip, spine, and wrist fracture risk. It should not be confused with osteoarthritis, which is joint discomfort caused by joint wear and strain.
According to this study, osteoporosis and poor bone mass impacted roughly 53.6 million older persons in the United States in 2010.
Osteoporosis is frequently referred to as a silent disease4. There are no indications of bone loss. A person may be unaware of osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture. The first step is to have an osteoporosis screening. Treatments that are both safe and effective can help to avoid and lessen the impact of an osteoporotic fracture.
5) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS affects 8% to 13% of reproductive-age women5. PCOS’s underlying causes are unknown; however, they are believed to include altered hormone activity, aberrant selection of a dominant follicle in the ovaries, and insulin resistance.
Diagnosing PCOS requires the fulfillment of two of the three diagnostic criteria given below, as well as the exclusion of associated disorders.
- Menstrual cycles that are irregular or non-existent
- Physical examination or blood test evidence of increased male sex hormone (androgens).
- Ultrasound examination of polycystic ovaries
