WHAT IS ENDOCRINOLOGY and 
WHAT DOES AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST DO?

Endocrinology is the study and treatment of disorders of the body’s internal hormonal secretions.  
 The most common endocrine condition is diabetes. 

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Type 2 diabetes affects almost 30 million Americans, and reliable estimates have shown nearly 80 million Americans are susceptible to the disease or have “pre diabetes”. Type 2 diabetes is largely a genetically inherited tendency for the body to inappropriately utilize insulin produced in the pancreas, (insulin resistance) that is aggravated by obesity and improper diet. It is associated with an increased risk of vascular disease, primarily heart disease and stroke, and most affected individuals have associated disorders of lipids as well as hypertension.  

All of these conditions can be treated with a combination of life style modification and medications that are highly successful in controlling the elevated blood sugar as well as reducing the risk of vascular related illness and premature death.

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the auto immune destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas, requiring insulin replacement to maintain health. 

A small percentage of “atypical” causes of diabetes exist in the population that are mostly genetic, and are readily treatable once the underlying cause of the condition has been identified. 
Additional Disorders of the Thyroid
  • Disorders of thyroid gland function

    The second most common group  of endocrine disease are various disorders of thyroid gland function. These include overactive and underactive states, enlargement of the thyroid gland, or goiter, benign and cancerous growths or “nodules” within the thyroid as well as various inflammatory and auto immune conditions affecting thyroid function.  (please note the additional section related to thyroid) 

  • Disorders of the pituitary gland, & neuroendocrine system

    Remaining endocrine conditions treated by an endocrinologist include disorders of the pituitary gland, and neuroendocrine system, which controls other glandular secretions, growth and sexual development, water metabolism, and many reproductive functions including lactation. Some of these can be congenital, or related to abnormal fetal development during pregnancy, or associated with certain drug and chemotherapy treatment for other conditions.  Others are related to benign and malignant growths in and around the area of the pituitary gland, or radiation administered to the brain for treatment of other conditions. 

  • Disorders of the parathyroid glands

    Disorders of the parathyroid glands are common, and frequently affect calcium levels in the blood as well as influencing kidney function, formation of some kidney stones, and maintenance of bone strength and structure. 

  • Adrenal disorders

    Adrenal disorders of various types can affect overall health, blood pressure, maintenance of normal blood chemistry, and in some circumstances can be life threatening if not treated. 

  • Metabolic bone disease

    Metabolic bone disease such as osteoporosis is quite common, and increases the likelihood of fractures which can be life altering. Testing to determine if this condition is present is readily available, and many treatment options are available to improve bone strength and reduce the risk of fracture. 

  • Reproductive disorders

    Reproductive disorders affecting proper menstruation, and fertility can have an endocrine cause in many cases, and improper testicular function affecting maintenance of normal male hormone levels are common disorders. 

  • Hormonal replacement

    Hormonal replacement in patients suffering from gender identity disorders is commonly prescribed by an endocrinologist, with appropriate monitoring of hormone levels to maintain the desired effect, and surveillance for the development of possible side effects of therapy. 

  • Abnormalities of pancreatic hormone production

    Abnormalities of pancreatic hormone production other than insulin are uncommon, but frequently require treatment when they do occur. Many of these are related to benign or malignant growths within the pancreas. Certain instances of these conditions can be treated medically, while many require extensive localization procedures and surgery.