What is endocrinology?

Endocrinology is a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

What are endocrinologists resposnible for?

Endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating health conditions related to problems with the body’s hormones, hormonal glands, and related tissues. Endocrinologists are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions like diabetes, thyroid diseases, infertility, growth issues, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, some cancers, and disorders in the hormone-producing adrenal glands and pituitary glands.

They work in tandem with primary care doctors or other specialists to come up with a treatment plan when problems in other systems or body parts impact your endocrine system. To become an endocrinologist, one must complete four years of college, go through medical school, and then spend about six additional years of training specializing in endocrinology. They will need to first get a certification in internal medicine and then get a separate one in endocrinology if they want to be board certified as an endocrinologist.

When should I see an endocrinologist?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, changes in appetite, or unexplained changes in your mood, you may want to consider seeing an endocrinologist. Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with a hormonal condition such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or osteoporosis, or if you have a family history of endocrine disorders, you may need to see an endocrinologist. It is important to note that you should always consult with your primary care physician first, who can then refer you to an endocrinologist if necessary.