5 Reasons to see an Endocrinologist

If you’ve recently noticed changes in your body, such as fatigue and creeping weight gain, it’s important to get to the bottom of what’s causing the issue. It could be time to visit a doctor, but what doctor should you see? Primary care physicians are always a good place to start; they can perform a general health exam and alert you to any problems. Sometimes, they may refer you to a physician at a Utah endocrinology clinic for further care. But what are the reasons to see and endocrinologist? This article will discuss when it might be a good time to search for “endocrinologist near me” and how they can help you. 

WHAT IS ENDOCRINOLOGY?

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that involves diagnosing and treating the endocrine system. The endocrine system, a system of glands and organs, controls the hormones in the body. Endocrinologists are physicians who have specialized training in diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS TO SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?

Consider seeing an endocrinologist for any issues relating to the endocrine system. Because of their unique specialty, primary care doctors typically refer patients to endocrinologists. Unlike a primary care doctor, endocrinologists have additional training to diagnose endocrine system disorders and can prescribe a specific treatment. Here are five reasons to see an endocrinologist at a Utah endocrinology clinic:

• DIABETES DIAGNOSIS

Endocrinologists are experts at treating diabetes. They can provide you with the proper education and program to manage diabetes, which can help prevent further health problems down the road. 

• TREATMENT OF THYROID DISORDERS

When thyroid levels are off, it can cause other health issues such as fatigue, kidney stones, and memory difficulties. In many cases, treatment is as easy as taking a pill.

• TREATMENT FOR LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS 

Many men in the United States are affected by low testosterone levels. While it can be a problem for younger men, it can cause problems for older male adults as well. Common symptoms are hair loss, depression, and fatigue. Getting help from a Utah endocrinology clinic usually involves hormone replacement therapy.

• POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS

Visiting an endocrinologist for a PCOS diagnosis and treatment is crucial because it is an endocrine condition that can negatively affect many parts of the body. When women have PCOS, there is an excess of male hormones and insulin in the body, which can cause many issues such as weight gain and infertility. 

• MENOPAUSE  

While menopause is a natural decline in a woman’s reproductive hormones, it can cause many unpleasant symptoms. Visiting an endocrinologist for treatment can help manage any unwanted menopausal side effects. 

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON ENDOCRINE DISORDERS?

• DIABETES

Currently, diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder in the United States. This condition affects how the body turns food into energy. Those with diabetes have high blood glucose levels because the body either can’t produce sufficient insulin or can’t correctly use insulin to regulate the glucose levels. 

• HYPERTHYROIDISM

This endocrine disorder happens when the thyroid gland produces too many hormones for the body to handle. While there are several possible causes, inflammation of the thyroid and Graves’ disease are both common causes. 

• HYPOTHYROIDISM

The most common thyroid condition is hypothyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Low thyroid hormones can cause many bodily processes to slow down. 

• CUSHING’S SYNDROME

Excess cortisol, a stress hormone, can cause Cushing’s syndrome, which results in specific symptoms such as weight gain, a rounded face, and blurry vision. 

• ACROMEGALY 

This endocrine disorder happens when the body makes too much growth hormone and can result in unusual growth of organs, bones, and other issues in the body. 

• POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)

PCOS, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome, is an endocrinology disorder occurring in women of reproductive age. Those with this disorder can have an excess of male hormones and irregular menstrual cycles.

• HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE 

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland. The disease often results in a decline in thyroid hormone production. 

DO ENDOCRINOLOGISTS DO SURGERY?

Most often, Utah endocrinology clinics do not provide surgery. This is because many of the problems they treat are chronic conditions where surgery is not needed. However, if you need surgery for a specific condition, an endocrinologist can refer you to a surgeon.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON DISEASE TREATED BY AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?

Did you know that 32.4 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes? Because of this, the most common diseases treated by endocrinologists are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. These diseases, known together as diabetes mellitus, are a group of conditions that affect how the body uses glucose. Glucose is important to your health because it’s a crucial source of energy for cells in your body and the primary source of fuel for the brain. However, if there is excess glucose in the bloodstream, it can cause health problems. 

Those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have a nonexistent or diminished ability to make insulin. Without insulin in the body, blood sugar cannot enter the cells to provide energy to the body. High blood sugar levels can damage the body and cause many symptoms of diabetes. In the past, type 1 diabetes was commonly called juvenile diabetes, but it can develop at any age. 

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. With this disorder, cells in the body don’t respond normally to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. In return, the body makes more insulin to get cells to respond. When the pancreas can’t keep up with high blood sugar, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes occur. Type 2 diabetes can also happen to anyone at any age. 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ENDOCRINE DISORDERS?

While the signs and symptoms of endocrine disorders can vary based on the disease, a few general red flags might indicate you need help. Some of the most common symptoms that are found among many of them are:

• INSOMNIA

• HOT FLASHES

• DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY 

• FATIGUE

• MUSCLE WEAKNESS

• HOT FLASHES

• FEELING COLD

• BRITTLE HAIR

• DRY SKIN

• JOINT OR BONE PAIN

• MOOD SWINGS

WHERE CAN I SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST NEAR ME?

Are you searching for “endocrinologists near me” in Layton, Utah? Consider scheduling an appointment with the endocrinologists at Tanner Clinic. Our experienced physicians can diagnose and treat any endocrinology disorder. We’re known for being kind, compassionate, and understanding of patients and want to put you on the path to recovery. Contact us today to make an appointment at our Utah endocrinology clinic.  

ENDOCRINOLOGISTS IN UTAH