The endocrine structure is a system of glands that generate and release hormones that help to manage significant body functions. These functions include your body’s capacity to transform calories into energy that strengthens cells and organs. When the endocrine system develops disorders such as low or high hormone levels, it leads to conditions like growth disorders. Here are the diagnosis and treatment plans that an endocrinologist conducts on patients with endocrine disorders:
Causes of Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine conditions can happen due to glands producing higher or lower endocrine hormones. The condition can also occur due to the growth of lesions, such as tumors in the endocrine structure, affecting hormone levels. When the endocrine response system fails to control hormone balancing in the bloodstream, it causes hormonal imbalance. Imbalanced endocrine hormones can occur due to infections, endocrine gland injury, or tumors. If a gland fails to release hormones or a genetic condition such as congenital hypothyroidism, it leads to endocrine disorders.
Symptoms of Endocrine Conditions
Endocrine conditions usually exhibit signs of fatigue and body weakness. Symptoms that require you to see an endocrinologist include heart rate fluctuations, changes in the eyes and skin, muscle fractures, and decreased sex drive. Other people may experience high blood sugar or calcium levels and drastic changes in blood pressure. Endocrinologists also recommend seeking a hormonal specialist if you have infertility issues or a menstrual cycle condition.
Types of Endocrine Conditions
Endocrine disorders include diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and adrenal inadequacy. Adrenal inadequacy occurs when the adrenal glands release low cortisol hormone or aldosterone. Signs of this condition include dehydration, pain in the stomach, and changes in the skin. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid secretory organ releases higher thyroid hormone, increasing heart rate, anxiety, sweating, and decreased weight. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid secretor produces low thyroid hormone, leading to difficulty in bowel movement, dry skin, tiredness, and depression. This condition can also lead to reduced development in children with hypothyroidism marked at birth.
Diagnosis for Endocrine Disorders
An endocrinologist may run blood and urine examinations to help them determine the endocrine disorder. Blood and urine examinations also help to check hormone levels. The specialist can conduct imaging assessments such as CT scans to help them locate a tumor or nodule, if any. Other diagnostic techniques include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.
Endocrine Disorder Treatment
The treatment options for patients with endocrine disorders vary depending on the disorder type since each condition affects the endocrine system uniquely. An endocrinologist may recommend medications to enhance the balancing of hormones and alleviate symptoms. If you have cancerous tumors on the endocrine gland, the specialist may recommend chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The endocrinologist can perform surgery to remove tumors that affect hormone creation. Management plans, such as diet changes, can help alleviate symptoms of endocrine disorders.
Consult a Competent Endocrinologist
Endocrine conditions can be long-term and require specialized treatment or management. An endocrinologist uses advanced clinical assessment, medications, and technology to help mitigate negative symptoms. If you suspect that you have an endocrine disorder, consult a competent endocrinologist to conduct a thorough diagnosis and treatment.