Endocrinology : Specialists

What is endocrinology?

Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system and its various disorders. The endocrine system controls every function in the body and releases chemicals called hormones into the bloodstream which are transported around the body.

What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system is comprised of organs and glands within the body which produce hormones, e.g. testosterone, that control processes in the body. This system is responsible for metabolic rate, sexual development and growth.

Major glands of this system include the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, adrenal glands, ovaries, testes and the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland is the dominant player in the endocrine system but is supported by other glands. These glands control body temperature, the metabolism, sexual function and bone growth.

What is an endocrinologist?

This is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the endocrine system.

What does an endocrinologist do?

They evaluate and recommend a course of treatment for a specific endocrine disorder. They can also help with long term management of a hormone deficiency or disease.

They do not perform surgery: a surgical case is referred to an endocrine surgeon.

Endocrinologists treat the following conditions:

• Diabetes (insufficient/ineffective insulin production)
• Gigantism (excess growth hormone)
• Addison’s disease (problems with the adrenal glands)
• Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol production)
• Hyper/hypothyroidism (over/under active thyroid)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (multiple cysts on the ovaries)