An endocrinologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system. Hormone-secreting glands, the testes, ovaries, pancreas, adrenal glands, thyroid, pineal, pituitary, and hypothalamus are the tissues that make up this system. Endocrinologists can treat the following diseases:
Hormone Imbalance
A hormone imbalance occurs when your endocrine glands produce limited or excess hormones. Your endocrinologist should perform a medical history review and blood work to test hormone levels. Depending on the results, they might perform bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to restore hormonal balance. Bioidentical hormones can be introduced into your body through pills, creams, gels, and shots. During treatment, doctors perform routine saliva, urine, or blood tests to monitor hormone levels and adjust your dose based on your body’s changing hormonal needs.
Low Libido
A decrease in progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone could cause low libido. Your doctor might use hormone replacement therapy to treat low sexual desire. Hormone therapy during menopause boosts estrogen and progesterone levels in women. To diagnose low libido, your doctor may ask questions about your medical history and symptoms as well as perform physical exams, imaging tests, and blood tests to identify underlying conditions. Some treatment options can include stress management, medication change, psychotherapy, and sex therapy.
Sleep Disorders
A sleep disorder can affect your sleep patterns, the quality of rest, and the amount your body actually receives. It may also cause daytime distress and impairments in physical health and mental well-being. To treat sleep disorders linked to hormonal imbalances, your endocrinologist should evaluate your health for underlying thyroid disorders that can contribute to sleep disturbance. Lifestyle modifications recommended by your doctor should help improve your sleep through hormonal regulation. Endocrinologists might choose to collaborate with sleep specialists to provide treatments where a disorder is not endocrine-related.
Anxiety
Anxiety can sometimes be described as a feeling of uneasiness resulting from pressure or stress. Persistent or excessive anxiety causes an anxiety disorder that involves excessive apprehension, worry, and nervousness. Anxiety is categorized into general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, and agoraphobia. Generalized anxiety disorder may make you experience feelings of worry that affect your daily life aspects. Panic disorders are characterized by frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Patients with specific phobias often are afraid of particular situations or objects. An anxiety disorder causes your brain to have a heightened amygdala response. To treat anxiety, your doctor could employ prescription medications, talk therapy, or a combination of both.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis involves the weakening of bones due to a decrease in the estrogen hormone, making them more likely to break. The hip, wrist, and spine bones become thinner and less dense, and a patient with osteoporosis can break a bone after a minor accident. Other osteoporosis symptoms include stooping, shortness of breath, and lower back pain. Your doctor should perform a bone density test to diagnose osteoporosis. A bone density test is an x-ray imaging test that measures your bone strength through the quantity of calcium and other minerals in your bones. Doctors provide treatment combinations that slow down bone loss and strengthen bone tissue. Treatments include weight-bearing exercises, vitamin and mineral supplements, and medications. For patients with severe osteoporosis, doctors can provide romosozumab, denosumab, and parathyroid hormone analogs.
Learn More About Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist offers customized restorative medicine to reclaim hormone-related health. They can provide anti-aging treatments, bioidentical hormone formulas, and treatments to increase energy levels. Contact a reputable endocrinologist to learn more about their services.
