An endocrinologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions related to the endocrine system – a hub that controls and regulates hormones. The endocrine system is responsible for the development of the brain and nervous system, and if issues do arise then it can have an impact on the regulation of hormones. This can have a knock-on effect on factors like growth, mood, reproduction, and metabolism.
If your hormones are out of balance, an endocrinologist will work directly with your primary care physician to come up with a personalized treatment plan.
What is the scope of endocrinology?
Made up of a network of many different glands, the endocrine system is vital for regulating your hormones and growth. If any issues do arise, it can have a direct impact on things like puberty and pregnancy and can often cause people to pick up weight.
The three main functions of the endocrine system include:
- Making and releasing hormones (helps regulate mood, growth, and metabolism)
- Sending hormones into the bloodstream
- Controlling how many hormones are released and at what intervals
Reasons to make an appointment with an endocrinologist
An endocrinologist usually works on an outpatient basis. However, they may be consulted during an inpatient visit if any problems with your hormones are detected. People often see an endocrinologist if they are suffering from a medical problem, such as:
- Management and treatment of diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders in the world and includes type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. If you have diabetes symptoms, you have to see an endocrinologist to figure out the best way to control your blood sugar levels. In most cases, this is done through an insulin injection and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with a flash glucose monitor.
Diabetes symptoms vary depending on the type you have, but all will cause fluctuations and changes in your blood sugar levels. Let’s take a closer look at each and its symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that causes the pancreas to produce little to no insulin, leading to lower blood sugar levels than normal. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
- Dry mouth
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the pancreas produces too much insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels than normal. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Numbness and tingling in hands or feet
Gestational diabetes is a little different than the other two conditions, only developing during pregnancy. It usually disappears after giving birth but can cause problems during the pregnancy period. In these cases, the pancreas produces very little insulin, resulting in lower blood sugar levels than normal. Symptoms of gestational diabetes are similar to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including frequent urination, increased thirst, and fatigue.
- Diagnosis of thyroid disorder
Thyroid disorder is another common condition caused by hormonal imbalances. If your body produces too little or too many hormones, it can have a direct impact on metabolism and mood. There are two types of thyroid problems – underactive and overactive.
If you have an overactive thyroid, your body will produce too many hormones which increases your metabolism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased appetite
- Irregular periods
- Sleeping problems
- Thin, brittle hair
If you have an underactive thyroid, your body will produce fewer hormones than normal which will slow down your metabolism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches and pains
An experienced endocrinologist in Dubai can diagnose and treat thyroid disorder. At Medcare, with an entire department dedicated to endocrinology, we treat a wide range of endocrine disorders including underactive and hyperactive thyroid. After a quick diagnosis, our endocrinologists will come up with a treatment plan that will include a mix of anti-thyroid medications, regular blood tests, beta-blockers, and surgery depending on the severity of your condition.
- Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where hormonal imbalances, such as estrogen deficiencies in women, an inactive lifestyle, and calcium deficiency can cause bones to become weak and brittle. Symptoms of osteoporosis include:
- Back pain
- Stooped posture
- Bones that break easily
Endocrinologists also provide treatment options for osteoporosis. These include medication, calcium, vitamin D supplements, and hormone replacement therapy.
- Identifying endocrine gland cancer
Endocrine gland cancer happens when a tumor develops in the endocrine gland and has a direct impact on the pancreas. This can alter the ways in which the pancreas functions, disrupting digestion and blood sugar levels. Symptoms of endocrine gland cancer include:
- Diarrhea
- Skin flushing
- Dizziness
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
Since endocrine cancer has similar symptoms to diabetes, it’s important that you see an endocrinologist in Dubai to get a proper diagnosis before making any assumptions. Depending on whether the tumor is functioning or non-functioning, treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.
- Treatment for PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. Patients with PCOS end up producing higher amounts of male hormones like testosterone than normal. This has a direct impact on things like hair growth, pregnancy, and weight. Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Excessive hair growth
- Unexplained weight gain
- Heavy bleeding and irregular periods
- Difficulty in getting pregnant
- Acne
- Headaches
- Darkening of the skin
Chronic PCOS symptoms can be alleviated with the right treatment with an experienced endocrinologist in Dubai. Some of the most common options include medication, laparoscopic ovary drilling (LOD), and progestin therapy.
Endrocrinology treatment at Medcare
At Medcare, we have a dedicated endocrinology clinic that treats a range of endocrine disorders, including:
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Lipid disorders
- Pituitary disorders
- Endocrine hypertension
- Endocrine tumors and their management
- Adrenal disorders
- Male and female hormonal disorders
Offering world-class treatment in state-of-the-art facilities, it’s no surprise that Medcare is Dubai’s top hospital and treatment choice for endocrine disorders.
Get in touch to find out how we can help.
References:
https://www.dharmadiabetesclinics.com/blog/gestational-diabetes-and-expecting-moms/
https://diabetescenterofwellness.com/services/diabetes/
https://www.adventisthealthcare.com/services/diabetes-care-endocrinology/
https://www.rush.edu/news/five-reasons-see-endocrinologist
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-endocrinologist
