Endocrinology and Metabolism

Endocrinology and Metabolism

The endocrine system is a system made up of internal glands that secrete hormones. These internal glands are organs that synthesize and secrete hormones. Hormones control various activities in our body. Different types of hormones control reproduction, metabolism, growth, and development. Hormones also regulate our responses to the environment and help provide the appropriate amount of energy and nutrients necessary for our bodily functions. The glands that make up the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries (in women), testes (in men), adrenal glands, adipose tissue, and endothelium (cells lining blood vessels).

What Kind of Medical Training Do Endocrinologists Receive?

Endocrinologists complete six years of medical school and then complete a four- or five-year internal medicine residency program. They spend three years learning how to diagnose and treat hormone disorders. In total, the training of an endocrinologist takes over 13 years.

What Are the Most Common Endocrine Diseases and Disorders?

Diseases and disorders of the endocrine system can be grouped into various categories. Some endocrinologists focus on one or more specific endocrine diseases, such as diabetes, thyroid, reproductive, and menstrual disorders. Others work across all areas of endocrinology. The main areas of endocrinology are explained below.

Diabetes

Patients with diabetes have too much sugar in their blood. Recent studies have shown that controlling blood sugar can help prevent the serious problems that diabetes can cause. These problems involve the eyes, kidneys, and nerves, and poor blood sugar control can lead to blindness, kidney failure, dialysis, or gangrene. Endocrinologists treat diabetes with diet, oral medications, or insulin. They work with patients to monitor blood sugar and prevent potential health issues.

Thyroid

Patients with thyroid disorders often have problems with energy levels. In addition, they may experience issues with muscle stiffness, sensory problems, weight control, and tolerance to heat or cold. Endocrinologists treat patients with excess (hyperthyroidism) or deficient (hypothyroidism) thyroid hormone levels by either supplementing thyroid hormone or blocking its excess. They are also trained to treat thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and enlarged thyroid tissue (goiter).

Bone

Bone diseases diagnosed and treated by endocrinologists include osteomalacia (rickets in childhood), osteoporosis, and parathyroid diseases, which disturb calcium balance and cause osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the skeleton. Some hormones protect bone tissue, while others have destructive effects. When hormone levels are abnormal, bones may lose calcium and weaken. Menopause in women and loss of testicular function in men, along with aging, can increase the risk of fractures.

Reproduction / Infertility

Approximately one in ten couples worldwide is unable to have children. Endocrine research has helped thousands of couples to conceive. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat hormonal disorders that cause infertility and work with patients who require hormone therapy. In reproductive endocrinology, they treat problems such as menopause complaints, menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual syndrome, and impotence (erectile dysfunction).

Obesity and Overweight

Endocrinologists evaluate and treat overweight and obese patients for metabolic and hormonal problems. Obese individuals have an excess of body fat. Thyroid, adrenal, ovarian, and pituitary disorders can cause obesity. Endocrinologists also assess and treat insulin resistance and genetic problems related to obesity.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the body's master gland because it controls other glands. It produces several important hormones. Excess or deficiency of pituitary hormones can lead to infertility, menstrual disorders, growth disorders (such as gigantism or short stature), cortisol imbalances (obesity or thinness), and prolactin excess. Endocrinologists manage these conditions with medications and refer patients for surgery when necessary.

Growth

Both children and adults can be affected by a lack of growth hormone. Pediatric endocrinologists treat children with endocrine disorders that cause short stature and other growth problems. Adults with growth hormone deficiency experience emotional stress and fatigue. Safe and effective growth hormone therapy is available for these individuals.

Hypertension

Hypertension means high blood pressure and is a risk factor for heart disease. More than 10% of people have high blood pressure due to an excess of aldosterone, a hormone synthesized by the adrenal glands. About half of these cases involve tissue that can be removed surgically. Metabolic syndrome or pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal disorder, can also cause hormonal imbalances leading to hypertension. All these conditions can be successfully treated.

Lipid Disorders

Patients with lipid disorders have trouble maintaining normal levels of body fat (cholesterol). The most common lipid disorders include excess cholesterol, excess triglycerides, or low levels of protective cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). Elevated levels of these fats are associated with heart (coronary) disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (circulatory problems in the legs). Endocrinologists are trained to identify hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone), medication use (such as corticosteroids), genetic or metabolic conditions that can be associated with lipid disorders. Lipid disorders can also occur with conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and obesity. Special diets, exercise, and medications can be used to treat hyperlipidemia and other lipid disorders.