Endocrinology Services (2024)

FAQs

Why is it so hard to see an endocrinologist? ›

The reasons for this national shortage of diabetes specialists are manifold: Endocrinologists receive the lowest compensation of all internal medicine (IM) specialties — lower even than practicing general internists — and 76–89% of medical students graduate with astronomical debt.

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic conditions. An endocrinologist can specialize in the treatment of different kinds of diabetes and other metabolic conditions such as obesity. Thyroid disease: Many conditions can affect your thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.

"It used to be common for doctors to look at the hands for important clues to overall health," says endocrinologist Kenneth Blanchard. “Hands can tell you a great deal about circulation, hormones, and thyroid function."

The endocrinologist will take a detailed medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and review any previous test results. This process aids in understanding your overall health status and the nature of your endocrine-related concerns.

Whether a patient needs a referral from their primary care physician to see an endocrinologist can vary by practice or a patient's insurance. Those interested in the self-referral route should speak with their insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment with an endocrinologist.

An endocrine test can help diagnose a variety of specialities and hormonal diseases, including: pituitary thyroid adrenal bone and parathyroid (gland beside thyroid gland) neuroendocrine tumours (in cells of endocrine and nervous systems) carcinoid tumours (slow-growing neuroendocrine tumours)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age, impacting 5-10% of premenopausal American women.

They're part of the endocrine system after all. However if it's just a diabetic exam then no. There's no reason. Endocrinologists will only examine genitalia if your endocrine problem would effect your genitals.

What do hypothyroid hands look like? ›

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can show up in the hands and nails. Hypothyroidism can cause dermatologic findings such as nail infection, vertical white ridges on the nails, nail splitting, brittle nails, slow nail growth, and nails lifting up.

The endocrinologist will then perform a check-up to ensure you have no abnormalities on your body. This includes checking your hands and feet for any skin infections or sores, assessing gum health, and feeling your abdomen for any protrusions.

If a person sees a physician about symptoms of a health problem, the physician may refer them to an endocrinologist. They will do this if they believe the underlying cause may be hormone related. Endocrinologists are doctors trained to diagnose and manage diseases that affect the glands and hormones.

Can an endocrinologist do surgery? Endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in hormones. They diagnose hormonal diseases and treat them with medications. If you need surgery for an endocrine disorder, your endocrinologist may refer you to an endocrine surgeon.

Your endocrinologist may request imaging exams to look at your endocrine system function. Thyroid ultrasound imaging may be used to look at your thyroid's structure. A fine-needle aspiration can help rule out cancer in a thyroid nodule. A thyroid scan shows the size, shape and function of the thyroid gland.

Demographic factors within the profession could also affect the shortage. The current cohort of endocrinologists is dominated by male baby boomers, many of whom report that they are considering retiring soon. “This aging and predominantly male population is being replaced by a younger, predominantly female population.

If your insurance requires a referral, take the following steps: Visit Your PCP: Discuss your symptoms comprehensively. Explain Your Concerns: Clearly state why you think an endocrinologist's input is necessary.

If a person sees a physician about symptoms of a health problem, the physician may refer them to an endocrinologist. They will do this if they believe the underlying cause may be hormone related. Endocrinologists are doctors trained to diagnose and manage diseases that affect the glands and hormones.

Diagnosing an endocrine disorder can be challenging because symptoms often mimic those of other conditions, and treatment plans can be complex. That's why people with an endocrine disease need to see a provider with advanced expertise in this specialized area of medicine.