Hormones control chemicals in your hormone glands. They coordinate and control many activities within your body; Hormones play a role in your mood, growth, reproduction, metabolism, and many other aspects of your body.
You don’t have to think about hormones if they are working properly. There are over 50 hormones that play complex roles in the body. A specialist is needed if problems occur. An endocrinologist can help.
Endocrinologists and medical doctors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions related to the body’s hormones and hormonal glands. They are trained in the endocrine system, which allows them to diagnose, treat, and manage hormonal imbalances and endocrine gland issues.
What does an Endocrinologist do?
Endocrinologists treat disorders of the endocrine system, which is the system of hormone-producing cells in your body. Endocrinologists can diagnose and treat conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, infertility and growth issues, osteoporosis, and disorders in the hormone-producing adrenal glands.
Your endocrine system can be affected by disorders and diseases that originated elsewhere. An endocrinologist can help you develop a treatment plan if there are problems in your endocrine systems from other sources.
Education and Training
Internal medicine is a subspecialty that includes endocrinology. Endocrinologists can be medical doctors trained in diagnosing and treating endocrine conditions.
Endocrinologists can attend medical school after completing four years of college. They will then spend six more years training to specialize in endocrinology. If they wish to become a board-certified endocrinologist, they will first need to obtain a certification in internal medicine.
This involves:
- Average of four years in medical school
- Two- to three-year residency for pediatrics or internal medicine.
- Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism for two to three years
- The American Board of Internal Medicine offers an exam allowing you to become board-certified in internal medicine.
- Additional Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism exam, and certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine
There are many reasons to see an endocrinologist.
After being referred to by your primary care physician, an endocrinologist will usually be seen in an outpatient setting. However, if there is concern about an underlying hormonal disorder, an endocrinologist may be called during an inpatient visit.
Patients see endocrinologists for various reasons, including diabetes management, problems with their thyroid or certain types, adrenal disorders, and other concerns. If you have concerns about the following:
Managing Diabetes with Standard Treatments
Diabetes patients often see their primary care doctor and may be prescribed medication to maintain steady blood sugar levels. If standard treatment fails to control your blood sugar, your primary care physician may refer you to an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist can help you manage your diabetes by looking for other strategies.
Thyroid Disorder
Thyroid disorders may involve excessive or inadequate levels of certain hormones in the thyroid. An endocrinologist may be referred for you to examine your thyroid condition and to create a treatment plan. You’ll continue your care with your primary doctor if there aren’t any other complications.
Sometimes, however, you might need to see an endocrinologist for follow-up. An endocrinologist may be required if you are pregnant, planning to have children, or have a thyroid disorder.
You may also need to see an endocrinologist if you develop a goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland, a nodule, or other symptoms related to a pituitary disorder. If the symptoms aren’t improving, you may need to return to your endocrinologist.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be caused by many factors, including hormonal changes due to age. If your primary care physician suspects that hormone levels have changed, an endocrinologist may be consulted to evaluate the situation and develop a treatment plan.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
About 7% to 10% of women are affected by polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It can cause infertility and acne. Unpredictable periods and unwelcome facial hair.
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone levels could be due to various factors, including hormonal disorders, medication side effects, and chronic diseases. A specialist will be able to diagnose, treat and manage the condition. An endocrinologist will usually oversee testosterone therapy.
Endocrine Gland Cancer
Any endocrine organ can be affected by cancer, including the adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, and thyroid glands. An endocrinologist will be responsible for managing and balancing hormones.
What to Expect from the Endocrinologist
Most endocrinologists will be seen in an outpatient setting. Many of their patients have chronic conditions that do not require surgery. Inpatient consultations are also available by some endocrinologists.
Your primary care physician will often refer you to an endocrinologist if there is a suspicion of a hormone problem. The endocrinologist will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history to determine if you have any hormone-related issues. They will discuss your medical records with you and consult your referring physician.
The endocrinologist will also perform a physical exam. This includes checking your pulse, heartbeat, and blood pressure; Your skin and hair will be assessed. Hormone-related conditions can also affect these areas. They might also order bloodwork or urinalysis, do a biopsy, or order imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging scans and computed tomography scans.
After the endocrinologist has made a diagnosis, they will collaborate with you and your referring physician to create a treatment plan. To help manage hormone-related chronic conditions, some people will see an endocrinologist.
You can continue to see your primary care doctor or family members for any other concerns. Some people may only require a brief visit to an endocrinologist, while others will need additional follow-up care from primary care doctors.