ENDOCRINOLOGIST GDAŃSK

Who is an endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the endocrine glands, i.e. the endocrine system. This includes organs such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, gonads (ovaries and testes), pineal gland and thymus. These glands secrete substances (hormones) that, together with the blood, reach all tissues and organs in the body. The glands are also responsible for the process of regulating the release of hormones.
An endocrinology specialist also serves as a healthy lifestyle advisor, offering support in improving the functioning of the endocrine system and preventing the recurrence of abnormalities. Consultation with an endocrinologist is an important step in the treatment of conditions related to weight, developmental problems, mental health, neurological diseases and many others.

Due to the extensive scope of his specialization, an endocrinologist must have extensive knowledge of the functions of many organs in the body.

When is it worth seeing an endocrinologist?

• unfavorable thyroid test results, for example, abnormal TSH levels.
• symptoms related to an overactive or underactive thyroid, such as feeling tired, shaking hands, trouble maintaining weight, or difficulty
• body temperature regulation.
• instability in the menstrual cycle
• menopause,
• andropause,
• excessive hair growth or excessive hair loss,
• increased acne resulting from hormonal disorders

How to prepare for a visit to an endocrinologist?

The first visit to an endocrinologist is often associated with minor anxiety. We don’t know exactly how the study will proceed and what we can expect during it. A visit to an endocrinologist does not require any special preparation. If you have test results and medical documentation, be sure to take it with you. Before the consultation, you can perform basic hormonal tests so that the doctor can assess the level of hormones such as TSH, FT3, FT4 at the beginning, but this is not necessary. During the first visit, the doctor will order laboratory tests based on the reported symptoms.

How does a visit to an endocrinologist go?

During a visit to an endocrinologist, this specialist conducts an interview during which the doctor collects information about the patient’s medical history, current symptoms and lifestyle details.

The specialist may ask numerous precise questions to obtain a complete picture of the situation and to ensure that all important aspects are included in the diagnosis process. He may also ask about the health of the patient’s relatives, as well as his eating habits and sleep hygiene.

The endocrinologist may decide to order additional, specialized tests that will help in a more precise diagnosis. The type of tests recommended, such as scintigraphy, ultrasound or hormone tests, will depend on the patient’s symptoms and the results of the original tests.
If the disease is diagnosed, the endocrinologist will discuss a treatment plan with the patient, which may include the use of hormonal drugs, dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as possible surgical procedures.

The most common endocrine diseases

Hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism)

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough T3 and T4 hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin, hair loss and depression. Causes may include Hashimoto’s disease, radioactive iodine treatment, thyroid surgery, or certain medications. Treatment usually involves thyroid hormone supplementation.

Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of T3 and T4 hormones. Symptoms include weight loss, hyperactivity, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, heat intolerance and excessive sweating. The most common cause is Graves’ disease. Treatment may include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.

Hashimoto’s disease

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is one of the most common autoimmune diseases and the main cause of hypothyroidism. This condition mainly affects women, but it can also occur in men and children. Hashimoto’s disease is caused by an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland. The immune system, which normally protects the body against infections, begins to mistakenly attack thyroid cells, leading to their gradual destruction and a decline in the production of thyroid hormones. The causes of this disorder are not fully understood, but its development may be influenced by genetic, hormonal and environmental factors.

Type 1 and 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin, and in type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond properly to insulin. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and difficulty healing wounds. Treatment includes dietary management, regular physical activity, oral medications, and insulin.

Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease is a rare condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, skin hyperpigmentation and muscle weakness. Causes may include autoimmune damage to the adrenal glands, infections or cancer. Treatment involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is the result of excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Symptoms include weight gain, especially around the stomach and face, thin skin, easy bruising, muscle weakness and high blood pressure. Causes may include long-term use of corticosteroids or ACTH-producing tumors. Treatment depends on the cause and may include surgery, radiotherapy, or changes in drug treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women characterized by irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne and obesity. PCOS can lead to fertility problems. The causes are unclear but may include insulin resistance and genetics. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, hormonal medications, and medications to promote ovulation.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become brittle and susceptible to fractures. It is often the result of hormonal disorders, such as estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women. Symptoms may include back pain, loss of height, and frequent bone fractures. Treatment includes calcium and vitamin D supplements, bone-strengthening medications, and regular physical activity.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is the result of excessive production of growth hormone in adults, usually caused by a pituitary adenoma. Symptoms include enlargement of the hands and feet, changes in facial features, joint pain and high blood pressure. Treatment includes surgery to remove the adenoma, radiotherapy and drugs that inhibit the secretion of growth hormone.

Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones. This may lead to disorders in the functioning of many organs. Symptoms depend on missing hormones and may include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure and amenorrhea in women. Treatment involves replacement therapy for the missing hormones.

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to elevated levels of calcium in the blood. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, joint pain, high blood pressure, kidney stones and osteoporosis. Treatment may include surgery to remove the parathyroid glands or drug treatment.