Frequently Asked Questions About Endocrinology

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that make and release hormones into the blood to control bodily functions, like reproduction, growth, metabolism and mood. Hormones also control the way we respond to our surroundings, and help provide the proper amount of energy and nutrition our body needs to function. The glands that make up the endocrine system include the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus.

Endocrinology is a branch of medicine focused on the endocrine system, which helps to regulate and balance hormone levels in the body. When a hormone imbalance occurs, one or more systems in the body may be affected. Our bodies have a built-in mechanism to respond to any changes in hormone levels and bring them back to normal. However, sometimes this system fails, and it is unable to function properly. When this occurs, you often will be referred to an endocrinologist.

Hormone imbalances happen when you have too much, too little, or improperly functioning chemical messengers in your blood. They are most frequently triggered by natural life transitions, medical disorders, and chronic lifestyle stressors

• Natural Life Transitions – Puberty, pregnancy, aging and menopause cause shifts in hormone levels
• Endocrine Malfunctions – Glands, like the thyroid or pancreas, stop working properly
• Autoimmune Disorders – The immune system attacks healthy glands
• Tumors or Growths – Non-cancerous nodules disrupt gland output
• Receptor Failure – Cells stop responding to hormonal signals
• Medications – Steroids, birth control and other drugs alter hormone levels
• Environmental Toxins – Endocrine disruptors mimic natural hormones
• Lifestyle Stressors – Chronic stress elevates cortisol and adrenaline levels, and poor sleep and diet disrupt metabolic and stress hormones

Endocrinologists study and manage a person’s hormones, and diagnose and treat hormonal imbalances and hormone-related disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid disease and PMOS (formerly PCOS). Common conditions they treat include the following:

• Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes
• Prediabetes and Insulin Resistance
• Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism (overactive or underactive thyroid)
• Hashimoto’s Disease and Graves’ Disease (autoimmune disorders that affect the thyroid)
• Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease (low cortisol or aldosterone)
• Cushing’s Syndrome (high cortisol)
• Low Testosterone or Hormonal Infertility
• Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
• Menstrual Disorders
• Osteoporosis
• Pituitary Conditions

Endocrinologists complete four years of medical school, followed by three or four years in an internship and residency program. These specialty programs cover internal medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology. Following an internship and residency, endocrinologists spend an additional two or three years learning how to diagnose and treat hormone conditions.

Your primary care provider will typically refer you to an endocrinologist if you have complex hormone-related conditions, such as diabetes, severe thyroid disease, unexplained metabolic issues, or persistent symptoms of hormone imbalance. Common warning signs of a hormonal balance include the following:

• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Extreme fatigue or ongoing tiredness
• Feeling too hot or too cold
• Changes in mood, sleep or anxiety levels
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Muscle weakness or joint pain
• Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
• Lumps, swelling or nodules on the thyroid
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent need to pee
• Increased hunger
• Increased infections or slow wound healing
• Blurry vision

Providers treat endocrine disorders by aiming to restore proper hormone balance in the body. Treatment depends on whether a gland produces too much or too little of a specific hormone.

Plans often include daily medications to slow down or stop overactive glands, hormone replacement pills, injections or patches to supply missing hormones, lifestyle changes to diet, weight and exercise habits, or surgery to remove tumor, nodules or parts of a hyperactive gland when medication is not enough.