An endocrinologist is a specialist who deals with endocrine glands - both diseases caused by disorders in the functioning of these glands and the hormones they produce. What else does an endocrinologist do? Read what diseases an endocrinologist treats and when to visit them.
An endocrinologistis a doctor who deals with the dysfunction of the endocrine glands. These glands include: the thyroid gland (with which we most often associate an endocrinologist), parathyroid glands, ovaries, testes, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Disorders in the functioning of these organs are often referred to ashormonal disorders , because they cause an excess or deficiency of a specific hormone.
The word " endocrinology " comes from the Greek words: "endon", meaning "inside", "krino", - "I give off" and "logos" - "word", "science".
When to see an endocrinologist?
We should visit an endocrinologist when we start to suspect that one of our glands is not working properly. The following symptoms may be disturbing:
- sudden weight gain or loss
- profuse acne
- hair growth
- excessive sleepiness or too much excitability
- too high or too low libido
- hyperhidrosis
- hot flashes
- headaches
- hair loss
- swelling, especially of the hands and feet
- in women- menstrual disorders, vaginal bleeding, breast pain, galactorrhea, problems with maintaining pregnancy
- in children- premature puberty, impaired body proportions, inhibited or excessive growth
It is worth adding that women visit the endocrinologist about 5 times more often than men. Ladies planning a child visit this specialist especially often. Hypothyroidism is often the cause of problems with getting pregnant. The endocrinologist also deals with the supplementation of hormonal deficiencies in menopausal women and men during andropause.
What tests are ordered by the endocrinologist?
We usually see an endocrinologist after visiting an internist who ordered the first tests and decided to refer the patient to a specialist inthe field of endocrinology. Sometimes, however, suspecting hormonal disorders, we immediately go to the endocrinologist. The doctor usually directs us to the following tests:
- blood count
- TSH test - determination of thyrotropin concentration
- fT4 and fT3 tests - determining the concentration of thyroid hormones
- anti-TPO - anti-thyroid antibodies test
- thyroid ultrasound
- vitamin D3 level test (in connection with hyperparathyroidism)
What diseases does an endocrinologist treat?
The endocrinologist diagnoses and treats the following diseases:
- thyroid diseases, including :
- hyperthyroidism
- hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto's disease
- thyroid tumors
- diseases of the parathyroid glands:
- hyperparathyroidism
- hypoparathyroidism
- pseudo-hypoparathyroidism (Albright's syndrome)
- tetany
- pancreatic diseases:
- diabetes
- pancreatic tumors
- diseases of the pituitary gland, such as:
- hyperprolactinemia
- overactivity of the pituitary gland
- hypopituitarism
- acromegaly
- Cushing's disease
- diabetes insipidus
- adrenal diseases:
- overactive adrenal glands
- adrenal insufficiency
- adrenal tumors
- hormone-induced hypertension
- Cushing's syndrome
- gonadal diseases:
- puberty disorder
- menstrual disorders
- menopause
- andropauza
- infertility caused by hormonal disorders (primary and secondary)
- depression from hormone deficiency
- excessive hair, excessive acne, alopecia
- gynecomastia
Treatment ordered by the endocrinologist depends on the specific diagnosis.
What does an endocrinologist visit look like and how much does it cost?
The first visit to the endocrinologistis simplyinterview with the patient- feel free to report all our symptoms and doubts to the specialist to help not only for myself, but also for the doctor to make a proper diagnosis. After collecting the most important information, the endocrinologist will order the necessary tests, the results of which will be interpreted during the next visit, and based on them, he will determine the course of treatment.
We can make an appointment with an endocrinologistunder the National He alth Fund . However, the lines to the endocrinologist are among the longest. The average waiting time is 7-8 months. However, the record belongs to the Provincial TeamSpecialist He althcare "Dobrzyńska" in Wrocław, where you wait for a visit … 10-11 years.
We can also go for a private visit.Endocrinological consultation costs about PLN 120-150(depending on the city and doctor),consultation with ultrasound examination PLN 150-200 , same thyroid ultrasoundis associated with an expensePLN 50-100.