At the Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center in New York, we are aware that endocrinologists can be helpful for both common and rare endocrine problems.
We will assist you in determining the justifications for seeing an endocrinologist in this blog.
Reasons to see an endocrinologist as soon as possible
A hormonal imbalance (too much or too little) or a malfunctioning gland are the causes of endocrine diseases. The entire body is impacted by the intricate tasks performed by endocrine glands. The pancreas, thyroid, parathyroid, ovaries and testicles, adrenals, and pituitary are endocrine glands.
Why would you need to see an endocrinologist?
Reasons to see an endocrinologist include:
1) Diabetes mellitus:
- The most prevalent endocrine disorder in the US is diabetes. 34.2 million Americans, or about 10.5% of the population, had diabetes in 2018.
- One in every 1.6 Americans has type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes can all be categorized. Outside the scope of our discussion, there are other kinds of diabetes.
- 90–95 percent of all diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes. High blood sugars are caused by insulin resistance and the pancreas’ inability to produce adequate insulin.
- The body’s own pancreatic insulin-producing cells are destroyed in type 1 diabetes. It is known as autoimmune destruction in medicine. As a result, there is an absolute lack of insulin. Insulin must be replaced during treatment using an insulin pump or injections.
- Pregnancy-related diabetes is
2) Thyroid
A butterfly-shaped gland called the thyroid is located in the front of the neck. It generates T4 and, to a lesser extent, T3 hormones. The brain, heart, gastrointestinal tract, bones, and practically every other organ in the body are all impacted by thyroid hormone.
Causes of both a high thyroid level and a low thyroid level (hypothyroidism) are thyroid gland disorders (hyperthyroidism). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism. Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma, and less frequent causes are among the causes of hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer are two illnesses that endocrinologists can diagnose and treat because of the way the thyroid gland is built.
3) Obesity
Some people would be shocked to find obesity here. Neither poor decision-making nor a lack of discipline causes obesity. Obesity is a complicated, chronic illness that raises the possibility of contracting additional illnesses and conditions. It goes beyond just an aesthetic issue.
Similar to other chronic conditions, obesity needs lifelong care. Treatment for obesity includes diet, exercise, medication, and/or surgery. A board-certified specialist in obesity medicine can do a complete medical evaluation and work with you to develop a unique weight loss plan.
4) Osteoporosis
Low bone mass and deteriorating bone structure are symptoms of osteoporosis. This causes bone fragility and raises the possibility of hip, spine, and wrist fractures. Contrast it with osteoarthritis, which is joint pain brought on by joint wear and strain.
This study estimates that in 2010, there were roughly 53.6 million older US people who suffered from osteoporosis and poor bone mass combined.
The term “silent sickness” generally refers to osteoporosis. Bone loss happens without warning. It’s possible for someone to experience a fracture before discovering they have osteoporosis. The first step is to have an osteoporosis screening. An osteoporotic fracture can be prevented and its effects lessened using safe and efficient therapies.
5) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Between 8% and 13% of women in reproductive age have PCOS. Although the underlying causes of PCOS are not fully understood, they most likely include insulin resistance, aberrant follicle selection in the ovaries, and altered hormone action.
In addition to the exclusion of associated diseases, the diagnosis of PCOS needs two of the three diagnostic criteria given below (thyroid disorder, etc).
- Irregular or nonexistent menstrual cycles
- Evidence of increased androgen levels found by a physical exam or blood test
- Ultrasound images of polycystic ovaries
Common Treatment Plans for Endocrine Disorders
Although each endocrine illness has a different treatment strategy, there are some common actions you can anticipate an endocrinologist to take.
Your endocrinologist might recommend medication to assist control your hormone levels, as we previously mentioned. In some circumstances, they might also advise surgery.
Your endocrinologist will frequently collaborate with you to create a plan that calls for lifestyle changes like:
- Dietary adjustments, an exercise program, and stress-relieving methods
This may play a significant role in treating your endocrine problem and enhancing your general well-being.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that every person’s situation is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another. Make sure to discuss any worries you may have with your endocrinologist and ask them any questions you may have regarding your course of therapy.
Takeaway
The body’s internal processes are impacted by hormones. A wide variety of health problems might result from an imbalance.
If a family physician believes that a patient’s health issue is being caused by a hormone issue, they may recommend that patient see an endocrinologist.