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An endocrinologist is a specialist who deals with disorders of the endocrine system. It treats disorders of hormone secretion by the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, pancreas and ovaries. The causes of these disorders are not entirely clear. Disease development is influenced to some extent by genes, age and diet. The indication for a visit to the endocrinologist will be constant fatigue and general weakness.
An endocrinologist is an important medical specialization. Its name is complicated for most people and not everyone knows what problems can be reported to this specialist. Meanwhile, an endocrinologist can help us with many different ailments. The first association is thyroid problems, but this doctor will also help with many other hormone problems.
What ailments does the endocrinologist treat?
The endocrinologist deals with hormonal disorders resulting from diseases of the endocrine system. The glands in this system are the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes, ovaries, and the placenta in pregnant women. They secrete substances that get into all tissues and organs of our body with the blood. Their role is to produce hormones and control their secretion.
Endocrinology deals with the dysfunction of the endocrine glands. These disorders cause the gland to start secreting too little or too much hormones. Often, the disorders result from the development of tumors. The role of an endocrinologist is to find the cause of hormonal disorders and treat them after performing diagnostic tests. It happens, however, that the changes require only observation and more frequent follow-up visits. Due to the complexity of these disorders, endocrinologists often have dual specializations, such as gynecologist-endocrinologist.
The most common diseases treated by an endocrinologist
An endocrinologist treats many diseases. The most common ones include:
- thyroid diseases – Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s disease
- diseases of the parathyroid glands – hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
- diseases of the pituitary gland – tumors, acromegaly, Cushing’s disease
- adrenal diseases – Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, hypoaldosteronism
- pancreatic diseases – tumors, diabetes
- diseases of the sex glands – polycystic ovary syndrome, menstrual disorders, fertility disorders
- androgenic syndromes, e.g. hirsutism or alopecia, acne.
When to make an appointment with an endocrinologist?
Endocrine system diseases have different symptoms. However, the most frequent recurring ones are fatigue and general weakness. Before going to the endocrinologist, however, you should see your GP. After the medical interview, he will only write a referral to an endocrinologist. Hormone levels are tested in the blood and urine. Treatment depends on the test results and diagnosis. Preventive examinations also play an important role, especially if family members suffer from hormonal disorders.
Symptoms that should worry us are:
- sudden weight loss or weight gain unrelated to changes in our lifestyle,
- sudden onset of acne, oily or dry skin,
- Excessive hair in women (e.g. on the face, back, chest or buttocks)
- irregular cycles before menstruation or anovulatory cycles,
- mood swings, feeling tired.
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