SPECIALTIES
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center our endocrinology doctors have special training to diagnose and treat disorders involving the endocrine system, and we are dedicated to providing the best treatment options in New York City.
BONE DISEASE
We treat patients with age-related bone diseases. Our doctors can diagnose and treat osteoporosis. Our endocrinologists who see patients with hormone-related issues, also manage the treatment of metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis.
TYPES OF BONE DISEASE
• Osteoporosis
• Paget’s disease
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• Bone Cancers
• Rickets
• Osteomalacia
• Acromegaly
• Fibrous Dysplasia
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteoporosis is a common disease that reduces bone density, making them more prone to breakage. Human bones are living tissue that is in a constant state of renewal — old cells are discarded and replaced, a process known as remodeling. When a person has osteoporosis, the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone. As this happens, the bones become less dense and are prone to breaking. As many as 10 million Americans have osteoporosis.
DIABETES TREATMENT
Our doctors use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and manage their diabetic patients. Guided by initial history and physical exam, our doctors perform a panel of comprehensive tests to recommend the best possible treatment for your diabetes.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t respond to the produced insulin. Diabetes can lead to severe problems if not treated correctly.
HOW DOES DIABETES WORK?
Typically, the body breaks down most of our food into glucose, the body’s main source of energy. Glucose requires the help of insulin in order to move into the cells of the body. A person without diabetes naturally produces enough insulin to do this which obviously isn’t the case for someone with diabetes. This causes glucose to build up in the blood instead of moving into the cells. Serious health problems can occur if too much glucose builds up in the blood. Although diabetes can lead to serious complications, it can be successfully managed through diet, lifestyle modifications or medication.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?
While type 1 diabetes usually develops throughout childhood or adolescence, it can also occur during adulthood. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may not require insulin. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms may consist of:
• Increased thirst
• Hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Frequent urination
• Frequent infections
• Blurry vision
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Cuts of bruises that heal slowly
• Recurring skin, mouth, vaginal or bladder infections
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?
The exact cause of diabetes is not clear but there are risk factors leading to increased chances of developing diabetes. Type 1 diabetes risk factors include; the presence of autoantibodies (damaging immune system cells), family history of diabetes, as well as environmental factors.
Risks for developing type 2 diabetes increase with age and may consist of:
• Lack of exercise
• Being overweight
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• High blood pressure
• Low level of HDL cholesterol
POLYCISTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
A medical endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor who is a hormone specialist with training in internal medicine as well, generally considered the specialist for PCOS. Our doctors are exceptionally equipped to help patients through this treatment.
CAUSES OF PCOS
Researchers have discovered a link between PCOS and obesity. Such patients frequently have severe insulin resistance, with diabetes occurring in up to fifty percent of PCOS patients. They develop upper body obesity and accelerated heart disease risk.
HOW IS PCOS DIAGNOSED?
There is no single test to determine if a woman has PCOS.
Our doctors make the diagnosis when women have two or more of the following symptoms:
• Irregular or infrequent periods
• Symptoms of high male hormones (acne, increased body hair, and scalp hair loss) or high levels of male hormones on blood testing
• Cysts on the ovaries seen on a sonogram
Two other hormonal abnormalities can have very similar symptoms — Cushing’s syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It is important to rule out these diseases with blood testing and sometimes saliva testing.
PITUITARY ADRENAL DISEASE
Adrenal insufficiency, or AI, means your adrenal glands, which are above your kidneys, are not producing enough of the hormones that regulate essential body functions. An endocrinologist at our practice who specializes in hormone-related diseases can help diagnose and provide the best treatment for you.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY?
Symptoms usually build. Often patients don’t know they are suffering from adrenal insufficiency until symptoms worsen to a noticeable degree. The most common symptoms of AI are:
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle and joint pain
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sweating
• Irregular menstrual periods
WHAT ARE THE ANDRENAL GLANDS?
The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and make hormones that are essential for various body functions. The adrenal glands make three types of steroid hormones. When they are not producing enough of these steroid hormones, it is called adrenal insufficiency (AI).
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Endocrinology is a medical specialty that involves close study of the body’s metabolic processes and hormones and treatment of related diseases. Our endocrinologists are dedicated to helping you lose weight and keep it off.
WEIGHT LOSS TOPICS
• Slowing down technique
• Place of eating technique
• Physical activity in everyday lifestyle
• Shopping and storing
• Visual cues: modular food (liquid bars/shakes)
• banking, plate, and utensil size
• Restaurant eating
• Cardinal rules of nutrition
• Cognitive techniques
• Alternate activities
• Assertive techniques for sabotage
THYROID DISEASE
Thyroid disease is managed by our hormone specialists called endocrinologists, individuals may present with different symptoms and after a comprehensive history and some investigative work, our doctors will work to understand each person’s thyroid function.
WHAT IS THYROID DISEASE?
Thyroid disease is a category of conditions that occur due to abnormal function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland sits just below the Adam’s apple on the neck. It is small but integral to several physiological processes, including metabolism and heartbeat. People diagnosed with some form of thyroid disease either make too much or too little thyroid hormone. As a result, they may experience symptoms such as poor heat regulation in the body, weight gain or difficulty gaining weight, and irregular heartbeat.
Nodules may also develop on or around the thyroid gland. In many cases, the presence of nodules does not indicate thyroid cancer. However, it is necessary to consult with an experienced endocrinologist to have nodules evaluated to rule this out.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHECK YOUR THYROID LEVELS?
Several years ago, the American College of Physicians recommended that all women over the age of 50 get thyroid testing once or more every 5 years. However, because thyroid disease can affect people of all ages, testing may take place far sooner than that.
DOES AN ENLARGED THYROID HURT?
Additionally, the thyroid gland may become enlarged for a number of reasons. We often refer to this condition as a goiter. The presence of swelling does not necessarily indicate thyroid cancer, nor does it mean you have either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Either of those abnormalities may coincide with enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Generally, we do not associate enlargement with pain. However, the development of thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, would be an exception. Swelling of the thyroid should be assessed by your endocrinologist.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM?
Thyroid treatment depends on the cause of overactivity. Grave’s Disease is an autoimmune disease and can be treated with medication, radioactive Iodine, or surgery. Toxic nodules which can also cause hyperthyroidism are usually treated with radioactive Iodine.
The most important thing is to have a diagnosis based on blood tests, physical exam, and ultrasound of the thyroid; all of which we provide in our office.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM?
Hyperthyroidism causes a wide range of symptoms that may be different for each patient. Many symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar to those of other diseases. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
• Weight loss
• Rapid and irregular heartbeat
• Nervousness or irritability
• Increased appetite
• Trembling hands and fingers
• Sweating
• Frequent bowel movements
• Swollen thyroid gland or goiter
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
ALTERNATIVE & HOLISTIC
By combining traditional evidence-based medicine with a host of preventative techniques, each patient is offered an individualized plan to optimize wellness.
WHAT CAN HOLISTIC MEDICINE TREAT?
Like conventional medicine, holistic therapies can address numerous different health issues. We are proud to provide personalized health care to patients who are interested in maximizing physical and mental performance as well as those who have specific medical concerns. Some of the conditions that can be addressed with a holistic approach include:
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Thyroid disease
• Adrenal and pituitary disorders
• Weight concerns
• PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Neuropathy
BEST CANDIDATES FOR ALTERNATIVE AND HOLISTIC MEDICINE?
Many people are good candidates for holistic medicine. In our office in NYC, we conduct a thorough consultation and initial examination for each person who visits. It is our intent to ensure that the diagnostic and treatment modalities we offer meet the needs of each individual seeking to improve their health and quality of life. If you’re curious about holistic medicine, contact our office to discuss your needs and goals.
NUTRITION WELLNESS
Good nutrition is one of the keys to a healthy life. Our doctors are your source for guidance toward your most vibrant life. Prepare yourself to live life to your fullest and healthiest!
WHAT IS GOOD NUTRITION?
Good nutrition is nothing more than choosing foods that your body needs and tastes good. You don’t have to suffer through a kale sandwich. That’s not realistic. Good nutrition helps your body prevent disease and function more efficiently. The right foods provide the body with the energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals it needs to live, grow, and function optimally.
Although the “my body is my temple” thinking can become trite and tedious, eating the right foods — more fruits, vegetables, starchy, fiber-rich foods and fresh products; fewer fatty, sugary, salty, processed foods — has scientifically proven short- and long-term health benefits.
WHAT IS WELLNESS?
Wellness is a term that is often used and abused throughout today’s healthcare environment. Many people think “wellness” is simply how their health is doing. Am I getting sick? Do I have chronic pain? Those kinds of issues. But wellness actually encompasses our entire life.
The World Health Organization defines wellness as:
A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Here at Atlantic Endocrinology we treat nutrition as just part of your overall wellness. We believe there are five facts to wellness:
• Mental wellness: Includes a healthy personal philosophy, striving for lifelong learning, continually building your base of knowledge.
• Physical wellness: Overall physical health and fitness, including our ability to ward off illness.
• Lifestyle wellness: How we balance our work life and our home life.
• Social wellness: How we build and manage our relationships and contribute to our community and the environment at large.
• Spiritual wellness: Becoming aware of our life’s purpose, utilizing our unique gifts and talents.