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Cushing syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels. Learn about its definition, types, and medical scope.
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Endocrinology is the medical specialty focused on hormones and glands. Endocrinologists treat diabetes, thyroid issues, and metabolic disorders to restore balance to your body.
Endocrinology is a complex but fascinating branch of medicine that deals with the endocrine system. This system is a network of glands throughout the body that produce and release hormones. The name of this specialty has its roots in the Ancient Greek language.
It comes from “endon” (meaning within), “krinein” (meaning to separate or secrete), and “logia” (meaning the study of). Put together, it is the study of internal secretion.
The scope of endocrinology is vast because hormones affect almost every cell in the human body. While a cardiologist focuses on the heart and a pulmonologist focuses on the lungs, an endocrinologist looks at the invisible chemical signals that connect all these systems.
The Major Glands of the Endocrine System:
Ovaries and Testes: The reproductive glands that control sexual development and fertility.
Patients often wonder why they need a specialist for conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems when their primary care doctor can prescribe medication. While primary care doctors handle the basics, endocrinologists are specialists trained to solve complex hormonal puzzles.
Endocrine Surgery: It is also important to note that endocrinologists are usually medical doctors, not surgeons. If you have a tumor on your thyroid that needs removal, your endocrinologist will diagnose it but refer you to an Endocrine Surgeon for the actual operation.
Because hormones control so many functions, the diseases treated in endocrinology are very diverse. They generally fall into categories where a gland is producing too much hormone (hyper-) or too little hormone (hypo-).
Because hormones control so many functions, the diseases treated in endocrinology are very diverse. They generally fall into categories where a gland is producing too much hormone (hyper-) or too little hormone (hypo-).
The field of endocrinology is so broad that many doctors choose to specialize even further. This ensures that patients with very specific or rare conditions get the most expert care available.
Key subspecialties include:
Diabetology: While all endocrinologists treat diabetes, some focus entirely on diabetes management and technology (like insulin pumps).
Hormones are the silent conductors of our body’s orchestra. When they are in balance (homeostasis), the body functions smoothly. When they are out of tune, it can cause devastating health problems.
Bone Protection: They prevent fractures in the elderly by managing bone density, allowing seniors to remain independent.
Endocrinology is a “numbers-based” specialty. Diagnosis relies heavily on laboratory testing. Because hormones fluctuate throughout the day, timing is often critical.
Imaging: Ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are used to look at the physical structure of the glands to check for tumors or nodules.
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Endocrinology is the branch of medicine dealing with the endocrine system, which controls hormones. An endocrinologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats imbalances in hormones and problems with glands like the thyroid, pituitary, and pancreas. Their goal is to restore the chemical balance in the body.
Endocrinology treats a wide range of hormonal conditions. The most common are diabetes, thyroid diseases (hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism), osteoporosis, menopause, infertility, and metabolic disorders like high cholesterol. They also treat rare tumors of the adrenal and pituitary glands.
The main types are usually categorized by the gland affected. They include Glucose disorders (Diabetes), Thyroid disorders, Bone/Calcium disorders (Osteoporosis), Adrenal disorders, and Reproductive hormone disorders (PCOS, Low T).
You should see a specialist if your primary care doctor finds abnormal hormone levels in your blood, or if you have a condition like diabetes that is difficult to manage. Symptoms like unexplained weight changes, severe fatigue, excessive thirst, or brittle bones may also prompt a referral.
Internal medicine is the broad field of adult medicine. Endocrinology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. All endocrinologists are trained in internal medicine first, but then undergo 2-3 extra years of specific training focused entirely on hormones and glands.
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