When Would you Need to See an Endocrinologist?

Endocrinologists are doctors who have a specialty in diagnosing and treating medical conditions that are related to issues with the hormones in the body, as well as hormonal glands, and other related tissues. The training they have is specific to the endocrine system and this allows them to diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses in patients when hormone imbalances and other issues occur. It is important that you visit a board certified endocrinologist Miami FL-based, or another location near you, if you are suffering from any related health condition.

What medical conditions do endocrinologists treat?

Endocrinologists are trained to diagnosed and treat medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, growth issues, infertility, metabolic disorders, some cancers, osteoporosis, and issues in the adrenal glands and pituitary glands.

Sometimes issues can begin someplace else that can result in symptoms in the endocrine system. When issues in other parts of the body affect your endocrine system, an endocrinologist will work with your primary physician to design a treatment plan for you.

Normally, your visit to an endocrinologist will take plan in an outpatient setting after you are referred to one by your primary physician. However, an endocrinologist may also be notified if your doctor needs them to provide you with a consultation during an inpatient visit if issues arise about an underlying hormone-related disorder.

Your doctor will refer you to an endocrinologist if they have concerns about:

  • Thyroid disorder– If you have just been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, you may be referred to an endocrinologist to help look over your condition and come up with a treatment plan. You will have to complete follow-up care with your primary physician if there are no other factors complicating your issue.
  • Issues managing diabetes with regular treatments- If you take medication to keep your blood sugars stable, and it’s not helping, you may need to see an endocrinologist so that he or she can come up with other strategies to help you control your diabetes.
  • PCOS- Polycystic ovary syndrome affects between 7% and 10% of women and can result in acne, infertility, unwanted facial hair, and more.

Keep in mind that you will continue to visit your primary physician for other medical conditions. Some people may only need to visit an endocrinologist for a short amount of time with follow-up care in the future. However, your primary physician can help you manage your symptoms.