Endocrinology is a specialty that diagnoses, manages and treats a variety
of diseases and disorders of the endocrine system-the system of glands
in the body that secrete hormones like the thyroid or pancreas. The treatment
goal is to maintain hormone balance. Patients dealing with menopause,
diabetes, osteoporosis could benefit from endocrine treatments.
How Can an Endocrinologist Help?
Hormone imbalances affect people both physically and mentally. They can
be very frustrating as individuals do not feel like themselves without
really understanding why. Endocrinologists study the endocrine system,
what causes hormone imbalances, and how to remedy them. The research they
gather is used by physicians and pharmacists to create treatments.
Some conditions that can benefit from treatment from an endocrinologist include:
Type 1 and 2 Diabetes - Endocrinologists can prescribe insulin and medications for treating
diabetes. In addition, they can create a diet plan that helps patients
manage blood glucose.
Thyroid Disorders - The thyroid is one of many glands that releases hormones. Endocrinologists
can diagnose specific disorders unique to the thyroid such as hypothyroidism,
thyroid nodules, and hyperthyroidism, and prescribe appropriate treatment for each.
Pituitary Disorders - The pituitary gland regulates the endocrine system. When hormones are
imbalanced for no apparent reason, a tumor on the pituitary gland may
be responsible. Endocrinologists can diagnose the specific disorder and
recommend treatment.
Adrenal Disorders - The adrenal glands control blood pressure, blood sugar, and regulate protein
and fat. They do this by releasing hormones, and are also affected by
other hormones in the body. Typical treatment for disorders involves increasing
or reducing hormones so that the glands can resume normal functions.
Osteoporosis - This disease signifies that a patient’s bones have become brittle
due to numerous holes developing inside them. Endocrinologists often treat
this disease when it results from hyperparathyroidism or kidney failure—both
of which are the result of hormone imbalance. It is often treated with
a combination of diet and exercise routines as well as drug supplement therapy.
Endocrinologist Training
Hormones affect numerous parts of the body, so much so that most endocrinologists
spent 10 years training before beginning practice. Endocrinologists are
highly valued not only for their education, but also for the noninvasive
treatments their research has developed for diseases that were untreatable
for years. Butler Health System is proud to have a team of skilled endocrine
specialists working in this department.
Telehealth Now Available! Telehealth is now available for endocrinology services.
Learn more about the benefits of telehealth.
BHS Foundation