Endocrinology
Endocrinology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the hormone-producing glands. The endocrine system includes such glands as the pituitary, testes, ovaries, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, and hormone-producing cells in the pancreas.
Hormones are chemical signals that enable glands to coordinate and regulate other glands and organs in critical functions such as energy production, blood sugar level, growth, bone density, and strength, reproduction, blood pressure, and fluid and electrolyte balance, and the defense against acute and chronic stress. Such widespread influence can affect mood, cognitive ability, strength, weight, appetite, and sleep.
When a gland fails to produce the required amount of hormone or produces more than needed, other organs and systems are adversely affected resulting in a disease, often with characteristic features that involve numerous tissues and organs, depending on the hormone.
Hormonal Balance
Adjusting one or more hormone dosages to the normal or optimal range in patients with hormone deficiency or excess is sometimes referred to as “balancing” the hormones. We aim to determine and achieve these levels to improve health and overall performance in the safest way for each patient. We avoid a one-size-fits-all approach because the response to hormone preparations, dosages, and modes of administration varies widely among individuals.
Diabetes and Metabolism
Our endocrinology clinic provides care for patients with diabetes and lipid disorders. We help our patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes, as well as those with low blood sugars (hypoglycemia), to control and optimize blood glucose and to prevent complications of the diseases.
We employ diet and nutritional modification, lifestyle changes, oral and injectable drugs, including insulin, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring as tools to help patients normalize their blood sugars safely.
Thyroid Care
Thyroid disease is a common problem that can cause symptoms because of over-or under-function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an essential organ for producing thyroid hormones, which maintain our body’s metabolism. Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.
Reasons To Consult An Endocrinologist
Individuals with the following problems may benefit from seeing an endocrinologist:
Diabetes Mellitus
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
Hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid function)
Thyroid Enlargement and Nodules
Diabetes Insipidus (excessive urine output)
Bone Loss (osteoporosis, osteomalacia)
Cushing Syndrome (elevated cortisol level)
Obesity and Weight Loss
Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders, Vitamin D deficiency
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Endocrine Hypertension (hormone-induced high blood pressure)
Hyperaldosteronism (aldosterone raises blood pressure, wastes potassium)
Evaluation of Adrenal Masses
Evaluation of Pituitary Masses
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
In most cases, patients who undergo endocrinology consultation were referred by their family or primary care doctors. However, it is also possible to consult an endocrinologist without a referral. Particularly, if you have been previously diagnosed with an endocrinology-related condition, such as diabetes, and require adjustments in your treatment plan.
The success of the consultation (obtain an accurate diagnosis) depends on the patient’s input, you are encouraged to prepare for the appointment. You may elect to note the following details to ensure that you’ll be able to provide the endocrinologist all of the crucial information:
Symptoms; including their severity and when they started.
Medications that you have taken before, and are currently taking including, all (over–the–counter medications and supplements).
Your medical history, and any known diseases.
A list of your family’s medical history, and any known diseases.
Lifestyle, whether you (exercise, drink, smoke, etc).
List of provided services:
Diabetes, Metabolic disorder, and Cholesterol (lipid) disorders.
Thyroid & Parathyroid diseases
In-clinic ultrasound, and biopsies for, thyroid, and parathyroid diseases.
Over or, under-production of hormones.
Menopause
Osteoporosis (calcium/vitamin D)
Endocrine Hypertension
Cancers of the Endocrine glands
Pituitary dysfunction