Endocrinology

Overview

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the endocrine system, which includes hormone-producing glands throughout the body. The endocrine system regulates vital bodily functions through hormones, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, sleep, mood, and blood sugar control. When hormone production or regulation becomes disrupted, it can lead to a wide range of disorders affecting multiple organ systems.

Our endocrinology department provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for hormonal imbalances and endocrine disorders, offering personalized care plans that combine medication management, lifestyle modifications, and advanced therapeutic interventions.

Conditions We Treat

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that affects multiple organs including the kidneys, heart, nerves, and eyes, and requires long term medical management. Early diagnosis and tight glycemic control are essential to prevent serious complications such as diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease.

Consultation with an experienced endocrinologist, diabetes specialist or an endocrinology doctor helps patients receive comprehensive care. Our team provides structured diabetes education programs, advanced endocrinology tests, and individualized treatment plans focused on improving long term blood sugar control and overall health.

Causes

• Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune destruction of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas.
• Type 2 diabetes develops due to insulin resistance combined with inadequate insulin production, often influenced by genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow wound healing
• Recurrent infections
• Some patients may remain asymptomatic in early stages.

Risk factors

• Family history of diabetes
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia
• Gestational diabetes history
• Advancing age

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through endocrinology tests such as:

• Fasting blood glucose
• HbA1c levels
• Oral glucose tolerance testing
• Random blood sugar measurements
• Continuous glucose monitoring may be used for detailed assessment.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on long term glucose control and complication prevention and may include:

• Oral antidiabetic medications such as metformin and other agents
• Insulin therapy using basal bolus regimens or insulin pumps
• Continuous glucose monitoring systems
• Individualized nutrition and exercise programs
• Regular HbA1c monitoring and complication screening

Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and produces insufficient thyroid hormone, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and slowed metabolism.

In contrast, hyperthyroidism results from excessive hormone production, causing symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.

These thyroid disorders can significantly affect cardiovascular health, fertility, mental well being, and metabolic balance.

Accurate diagnosis by a qualified endocrinology doctor involves clinical evaluation along with specialized endocrinology tests such as TSH, free T4, and thyroid antibody levels. Management under the care of the best endocrinology doctors ensures safe and effective long term treatment.

Causes

• Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto thyroiditis or Graves disease
• Iodine imbalance
• Thyroid inflammation
• Medications
• Nodular thyroid disease

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism may cause:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Cold intolerance
• Depression

Hyperthyroidism can present with:

• Weight loss
• Palpitations
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Heat intolerance

Risk factors

• Female gender
• Family history of thyroid disease
• Autoimmune conditions
• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Iodine imbalance

Diagnosis

Clinical evaluation and blood tests including TSH, free T4, and thyroid antibodies. Ultrasound imaging may be used when structural abnormalities are suspected.

Treatment

• Levothyroxine hormone replacement for hypothyroidism
• Antithyroid medications for hyperthyroidism
• Radioactive iodine therapy
• Surgical thyroidectomy when indicated
• Regular hormone level monitoring

Thyroid Nodules and Goiter

Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths within the thyroid gland that may be benign or malignant, while goiter refers to enlargement of the thyroid that can occur with or without hormonal imbalance.

Although most thyroid nodules are noncancerous, careful assessment by an experienced endocrinologist is necessary to rule out malignancy and functional problems. High resolution ultrasound imaging and fine needle aspiration cytology, performed as part of advanced endocrinology tests, guide accurate diagnosis and personalized management strategies.

Causes

• Iodine deficiency
• Benign growths
• Cysts
• Autoimmune disease
• Thyroid cancer

Symptoms

• Many nodules are asymptomatic.
• Larger nodules or goiter may cause neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, or breathing discomfort.

Risk factors

• Iodine deficiency
• Radiation exposure
• Family history of thyroid disease
• Advancing age

Diagnosis

• Thyroid function tests
• High resolution ultrasound
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy for suspicious nodules

Treatment

• Periodic ultrasound surveillance
• Fine needle aspiration guided decisions
• Thyroid hormone suppression therapy
• Radioactive iodine treatment
• Surgical removal when necessary

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is characterized by elevated androgens and insulin resistance. It often presents with irregular menstrual cycles, acne, hirsutism, and fertility challenges. PCOS also increases the long term risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Early evaluation by a skilled endocrinology doctor and targeted endocrinology tests allow timely intervention. Treatment guided by the endocrinology doctors focuses on improving hormonal balance, reproductive health, and metabolic outcomes.

Causes

• PCOS is linked to hormonal imbalance involving excess androgens and insulin resistance, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Acne
• Excess facial or body hair
• Weight gain
• Fertility difficulties

Risk factors

• Family history
• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Sedentary lifestyle

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical features, hormonal blood tests, and pelvic ultrasound findings.

Treatment

• Lifestyle modification with diet and exercise
• Insulin sensitizing medications such as metformin
• Hormonal contraceptives to regulate cycles
• Anti androgen therapy
• Fertility treatments when needed

Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease

Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases fracture risk due to reduced bone density, while metabolic bone diseases such as osteomalacia, osteopenia, and Paget’s disease affect bone structure and strength. Bone health is closely linked to hormonal balance, nutrition, and aging.

Evaluation by a specialized endocrinology doctor includes bone mineral density scans and laboratory based endocrinology tests to assess fracture risk. Care from the endocrinologist team helps design preventive and therapeutic strategies to preserve long term skeletal health.

Causes

• Aging
• Hormonal changes
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Chronic illness
• Long term steroid use

Symptoms

• Osteoporosis is often silent until fractures occur.
• Patients may experience bone pain, height loss, or fragility fractures.

Risk factors

• Aging
• Menopause
• Poor nutrition
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Family history

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made using bone mineral density testing and laboratory evaluation of calcium and vitamin D metabolism.

Treatment

• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
• Bone strengthening medications such as bisphosphonates
• Hormone therapy when appropriate
• Weight bearing exercise programs
• Fall prevention measures

Pituitary Disorders

The pituitary gland acts as the master regulator of the endocrine system and can develop tumors that cause hormone excess or deficiency. Conditions such as acromegaly, prolactinomas, Cushing’s disease, and hypopituitarism may affect multiple organ systems. Because pituitary disorders are complex, evaluation by the best endocrinology doctors is essential.

Diagnosis involves advanced hormonal profiling through specialized endocrinology tests and high resolution MRI imaging performed under expert guidance from an experienced endocrinology doctor.

Causes

• Benign tumors
• Genetic conditions
• Damage from trauma or radiation

Symptoms

• Symptoms vary depending on the hormone involved and may include abnormal growth, menstrual changes, vision problems, headaches, or fatigue.

Risk factors

• Genetic predisposition
• Prior brain injury or radiation exposure

Diagnosis

• Advanced hormonal blood tests
• Imaging studies such as MRI of the pituitary gland

Treatment

• Medications to control hormone secretion
• Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
• Radiation therapy for residual tumors
• Hormone replacement therapy

Adrenal Disorders

Adrenal disorders include Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and pheochromocytoma, each affecting hormone production and overall metabolic stability. These conditions may cause weight changes, blood pressure abnormalities, and life threatening complications if untreated.

Prompt evaluation by a qualified endocrinologist is critical. Accurate diagnosis requires comprehensive tests and advanced imaging, ensuring timely and effective management by an experienced endocrinology doctor.

Causes

• Tumors
• Autoimmune destruction
• Infections
• Genetic abnormalities

Symptoms

• Weight changes
• Blood pressure abnormalities
• Fatigue
• Skin changes
• Metabolic disturbances

Risk factors

• Genetic syndromes
• Autoimmune disease

Diagnosis

• Specialized hormonal assays
• Imaging of the adrenal glands
• Dynamic endocrine testing

Treatment

• Surgical removal of adrenal tumors
• Medications to regulate hormone production
• Lifelong hormone replacement in adrenal insufficiency
• Careful blood pressure management

Parathyroid Disorders

Parathyroid disorders disrupt calcium regulation and bone metabolism. Hyperparathyroidism leads to elevated calcium levels, kidney stones, and bone loss, while hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium levels resulting in muscle cramps and neurological symptoms.

These conditions may present subtly and require expert assessment. Consultation with a specialist and targeted tests performed by a skilled endocrinology doctor ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Causes

• Benign gland enlargement
• Autoimmune disease
• Surgical injury

Symptoms

• Kidney stones
• Bone pain
• Muscle cramps
• Tingling sensations
• Fatigue

Risk factors

• Aging
• Prior neck surgery
• Genetic predisposition

Diagnosis

• Blood calcium and parathyroid hormone testing
• Imaging of the glands

Treatment

• Surgical removal of overactive glands
• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
• Ongoing biochemical monitoring

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity is a chronic endocrine metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and increased cardiovascular risk. Metabolic syndrome represents a cluster of risk factors that significantly raise the likelihood of diabetes and heart disease.

Management requires a multidisciplinary approach guided by an experienced endocrinologist, diabetes specialist and team. Personalized care plans and comprehensive endocrinology tests help address the biological and behavioral factors contributing to weight gain.

Causes

• Combination of genetic susceptibility, excess calorie intake, and reduced physical activity

Symptoms

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Features of insulin resistance such as elevated blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol

Risk factors

• Family history
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet
• Chronic stress

Diagnosis

• Body mass index
• Waist circumference
• Blood pressure
• Metabolic blood tests

Treatment

• Individualized nutrition counseling
• Structured exercise programs
• Behavioral therapy
• Weight loss medications including GLP-1 receptor agonists
• Bariatric surgery for selected patients

Male Hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is characterized by low testosterone production, leading to reduced libido, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and osteoporosis. It may result from primary testicular dysfunction or secondary pituitary disorders.

Accurate diagnosis by an experienced endocrinology doctor involves detailed hormonal evaluation through specialized tests.

Causes

• Testicular failure
• Pituitary disorders
• Aging
• Chronic illness

Symptoms

• Reduced libido
• Fatigue
• Decreased muscle mass
• Mood changes
• Infertility

Risk factors

• Obesity
• Chronic disease
• Pituitary or testicular injury

Diagnosis

Diagnosis requires measurement of testosterone levels and evaluation of pituitary hormones.

Treatment

• Testosterone replacement therapy via injections, gels, or patches
• Monitoring of prostate health and blood counts
• Management of underlying causes

Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare growths arising from hormone producing cells and may occur in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, or adrenal glands. These include carcinoid tumors, gastrinomas, insulinomas, and other functional tumors that can produce complex symptoms.

Management requires coordinated care from the endocrinology doctors, oncology specialists, and surgical teams. Comprehensive endocrinology tests and expert evaluation are essential for optimal outcomes.

Causes

• Abnormal growth of hormone producing neuroendocrine cells
• May be associated with genetic syndromes

Symptoms

• Symptoms depend on tumor type and may include flushing, diarrhea, hypoglycemia, or hormone related syndromes

Risk factors

• Inherited genetic conditions
• Family history of neuroendocrine tumors

Diagnosis

• Hormonal blood and urine tests
• Advanced imaging
• Tissue biopsy

Treatment

• Surgical tumor removal when feasible
• Medications such as somatostatin analogs
• Targeted therapy or chemotherapy
• Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy

Our Treatment Approach

Our endocrinology team provides evidence based care through three primary modalities. Medication management addresses hormone deficiencies with replacement therapy (thyroid hormone, testosterone, cortisol) and hormone excess with suppressive medications, insulin therapy, or targeted pharmacological agents. Surgical intervention is employed for endocrine tumors and glands causing hormone overproduction, including pituitary surgery, thyroidectomy, adrenalectomy, and parathyroidectomy. Radiation and ablative therapies include radioactive iodine for thyroid conditions, external beam radiation for pituitary tumors, and radiotherapy for certain neuroendocrine malignancies.

We emphasize comprehensive patient care recognizing that most endocrine disorders are chronic conditions requiring lifelong management and a strong physician patient relationship. Our approach integrates advanced diagnostic testing including hormonal assays and imaging studies, personalized treatment plans, continuous monitoring and adjustment, patient education for self management, and coordination with other specialties when needed.