What Does an Endocrinologist Treat?

Endocrinologists treat diseases of the endocrine system: glandular disorders characterized by fluctuations in hormone levels.

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the endocrine system, which is the system that controls hormones. Endocrinologists work to help correct hormonal imbalances in the body.

The glands and organs of the endocrine system release hormones that regulate important functions in the body. Endocrine glands include the: 

• Hypothalamus
• Pineal: A gland found near the center of the brain that may be linked to sleep patterns.
• Pituitary: A pea-sized gland located at the base of your brain that controls all the other hormones.
• Pancreas: A gland located in your abdomen that makes insulin and glucagon.
• Thyroid: A butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that controls your metabolism, energy, and brain development.
• Parathyroids: Four small glands in your neck that control the level of calcium in your blood.
• Adrenals: A pair of glands, one on each side of the abdomen, located on the top of your kidneys.
• Pancreas: A butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that controls your metabolism, energy, and brain growth and development.
• Testes: Reproductive glands (gonads) in males that contain sperms.
• Thymus: A gland in the upper part of your chest that helps in the development of the body’s immune system during the early stages of your life. 
• Ovaries: Reproductive glands (gonads) in females that contain eggs.

Hormones released by these glands work in the body to help regulate: 

• Blood sugar control
• Growth and development 
• Metabolism  
• Regulation of heart rate and blood pressure
• Sexual development and function 
• Reproduction 
• Mood 

Endocrinologists treat individuals with hormone disorders and types of diseases such as:

• Adrenal disorders
• Diabetes mellitus type 1 and type2
• Growth disorders
• Lipid disorders
• Metabolic abnormalities
• Obesity or Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease (ABCD)
• Osteoporosis 
• Sexual function and reproduction (Infertility)
• Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, and thyroid disorder)
• Cancers of the endocrine glands
• Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)
• Addison’s disease (deficiency of hormones in adrenal glands)
• Cushing’s syndrome (excessive production of the hormone cortisol which leads to weight gain and puffy face)
• Gigantism (a child whose bones and body parts grow abnormally fast)
• Dwarfism (abnormally short stature)