Endocrinology

When our hormones are out of balance, a wide range of health problems can follow.

GlobMed can help you to find the best endocrinologists to serve as part of your medical team to diagnose and manage hormone-related diseases.

What Is Endocrinology?

Endocrinology is the study and management of the endocrine system, specifically hormones and the endocrine glands that produce and regulate hormonal balance.

What Does An Endocrinologist Do?

Endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that involve the endocrine glands and hormones, with the aim of restoring necessary balance to your hormonal system.

Some endocrinologists specialise in a specific area of hormone-related diagnosis and treatment. Spescialist areas include (but are not limited to):

• Diabetes and metabolism
• Endocrine oncology - cancers that impact the endocrine system
• Neuroendocrinology - the interaction between the endocrine and nervous systems
• Paediatric endocrinology
• Thyroid disease
• Reproductive endocrinology
• Gender affirmation
• Nuclear medicine
• Endocrine dysfunction

How Does The Endocrine System Work?

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and distribute hormones to regulate bodily functions. It includes glands like the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal gland, and more. Hormones act as messengers, controlling processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood.

Imbalances in hormones can lead to endocrine disorders with wide-ranging consequences throughout the body.

What Are The Symptoms To Look Out For?

Hormonal imbalances cause various symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, increased thirst and urination, acne, sleep difficulties, hair-related issues, mood changes, decreased sex drive, growth delays, and high blood pressure.

What Conditions Do Endocrinologists Treat?

Endocrine conditions occur when the endocrine system is not functioning properly, which can result in your body making incorrect amounts of a specific hormone. Endocrinologists can treat many different conditions, such as:

• Diabetes and metabolic conditions: Various types of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inherited metabolic diseases, and obesity.
• Endocrine cancers and tumours: Adrenal, neuroendocrine, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenocortical carcinoma, pancreatic, and thyroid cancers.
• Sexual development, function, and reproductive conditions: Erectile dysfunction, hormonal imbalances (hypogonadism), infertility, ovarian cysts, PMS, absent periods, PCOS, menopausal disorders, and growth hormone abnormalities.
• Calcium and bone conditions: Metabolic bone diseases, osteopenia, osteoporosis, low or high calcium levels, and Vitamin-D deficiency.
• Thyroid conditions: Enlarged thyroid, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, thyroid nodules, thyroid inflammation, Grave's disease, and Hashimoto's disease.

When Will You Be Referred To An Endocrinologist?

While your primary healthcare provider can diagnose and manage many of the more common endocrine conditions, the support of an endocrinologist may be required if you are suffering from a hormone-related disorder that is not responding to standard treatment.

In some cases, an endocrinologist will work with your doctor and other specialists to treat your condition.

What Can You Expect From An Endocrinology Consult?

The endocrinologist will likely review your medical history, ask you relevant health questions, consult with other parties, such as your doctor, and perform a physical exam. They may also carry out further testing such as blood tests to assess hormones, genetic tests, urine analysis, biopsies, or imaging scans.

Once a condition has been diagnosed, an endocrinologist can create a treatment plan to bring your hormone system back into balance.

If you notice health changes or are having difficulty controlling a hormone-related condition, GlobMed can help you find a personalised solution for your healthcare needs.

Frequently Asked Questions