Endocrinology

Treating Hormonal Imbalance

Endocrinology specialists care for patients with endocrine system disorders. The endocrine system produces the hormones your body needs to work correctly.

The endocrine system consists of hormone producing glands and cells. Hormones are necessary for normal body functioning. They regulate growth and development, coordinate metabolism, and reproduction. They also are involved in maintaining normal blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

Your endocrinologist specializes in diagnosing and treating endocrine system disorders. We take a holistic approach to treating conditions that are often complex and involve many systems within your body. We also work collaboratively with other specialists.

Endocrinologists address many conditions including:

  • Adrenal disorders
  • Metabolic bone disorders including Osteoporosis
  • Cholesterol (lipid) disorders
  • Diabetes, Prediabetes and Low Blood Sugar
  • Endocrine System cancers
  • Endocrine System related Hypertension
  • High calcium levels and low calcium levels
  • Female reproductive system disorders
  • Male reproductive system disorders including low testosterone
  • Obesity
  • Pituitary disorders
  • Thyroid disorders

Some endocrinologists specialize in one or two endocrine system diseases, such as diabetes, pediatric disorders, thyroid, or reproductive and menstrual disorders. Others work in all areas of endocrinology.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you have too much sugar in your blood. Controlling blood sugar helps prevent serious problems that can be caused by diabetes, such as blindness, kidney disease, or amputation. We treat diabetes with lifestyle changes and may treat with medication, including insulin. We work with you to monitor and manage your blood sugar levels to help you avoid future health problems.

Thyroid

Thyroid conditions often impact energy levels. You may also experience problems with muscle strength, emotions, weight control, and heat or cold tolerance. Endocrinologists treat overactive and underactive thyroids by replacing or blocking thyroid hormones. Endocrinologists also treat patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and enlarged thyroid glands.

Bone

Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone disorders that is treated by an endocrinologist. Patients with osteoporosis have decreased bone strength that increases their risk of bone fracture. Certain health factors such as early menopause, low testosterone, low vitamin D or steroid use may increase risk for developing osteoporosis. Endocrinologists treat other bone disorders including Paget’s Disease of the bone. Endocrinologists will help you protect your bone health.

Reproduction/Infertility

The World Health Organization estimates that the number of couples affected by infertility is currently 15% of all couples attempting to have children. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat endocrine system disorders that can cause infertility. Other conditions reproductive endocrinologists treat include endometriosis, irregular periods, menopause symptoms, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and premenstrual syndrome.

Obesity and Weight Issues

Individuals who are overweight or obese due to rare endocrine conditions are treated by endocrinologists. Rarely thyroid, adrenal, ovarian, and pituitary disorders can cause obesity. Insulin resistance and genetic problems may also be factors in obesity. Multi-disciplinary specialty programs are available to help patients with weight loss.

Pituitary Gland

It is often called the master gland because it controls the other glands in your body by producing several important hormones. Endocrinologists evaluate the pituitary gland for over and under production of these hormones, they also diagnose pituitary tumors.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a risk factor for heart disease. Some cases of high blood pressure are caused by abnormal hormone production in the adrenal glands. There are both non-surgical and surgical treatments for these types of hormone imbalances.

Lipid Disorders

If you have a lipid disorder, you have difficulty maintaining normal levels of body fat. Lipid disorders are linked to heart disease, stroke, and circulation problems in your legs. Endocrinologists look for other endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, steroid drug use, and genetic or metabolic conditions that may be related to lipid disorders. Diet, exercise, and medication may be prescribed.