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Endocrinology can be defined as the branch of medical study concerned with endocrine glands. The endocrine glands, which constitute the endocrine system of our body, produces hormones to control/regulate the important functions of the body, including metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction. For example, ovaries in women secrete oestrogen and progesterone that regulate the menstrual cycle; pituitary gland releases hGH (human growth hormone) and somatotropin, which are responsible for growth in children.

Endocrine system works in close coordination with the nervous system—the brain sends signals to endocrine glands to produce hormones as per the body’s requirements through hypothalamus (situated right above the pituitary gland, also known as the master gland). This is a continuous process, called homeostasis, of regulating the hormonal levels of your body.

Prominent endocrine glands in the body include thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries/testes, and thymus along with pituitary glands. Hormones secreted by the endocrine glands are transported to different organs through the bloodstream. If the endocrine system is not working properly—hormones produced by endocrine glands are either not enough or too much—you may develop diseases (for example, abnormal thyroid). To diagnose such illnesses, you need an endocrinology consultation.

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances. During an endocrine consultation, you may be required to undergo a variety of blood and urine tests and some other imaging tests. Endocrinologists, also known as thyroid or diabetes specialists, may also fish for relevant information from your and your family’s medical history.

It is highly likely that your general physician or family doctor will advise you to consult an endocrinologist, if they suspect an issue with your endocrine system. Usually, the endocrinologist will look at different symptoms and test results to understand your condition—whether your body is producing an excess or an inadequate amount of hormone(s). Afterwards, they will likely share a long-term strategy to regularise endocrine function in your body. They may also share ways to manage your condition better by suggesting lifestyle and/or dietary changes.

Most endocrine disorders, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus, generally need lifelong care. Here’s a list of some common endocrine disorders that require diagnosis by an endocrinologist for medical care:

• Diabetes : Diabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs when your body is not making enough insulin or can’t use it well enough. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels.
• Thyroid disorders : The thyroid gland is a key player in regulating your heart rate, metabolism, mood, energy levels, bone health, and reproductive health, among others. Any abnormality in the hormones produced by this gland can affect all the aforementioned systems and lead to a variety of thyroid disorders. This type of endocrine disease affects women more than men.
• Osteoporosis : Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones density is gravely reduced (so much so that sometimes affected people get bone fractures without sustaining an injury). Women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis than men due to the reduction of oestrogen levels in their body post-menopause. Similarly, if men have low testosterone levels, their risk of developing this condition also increases. A high level of thyroid, parathyroid, and cortisol can also contribute to osteoporosis.

You should go for an endocrinologist consultation if you have pre-existing endocrine disorders, including hyper/hypothyroidism, diabetes, and other hormonal imbalances, which may get worse. Besides, you should visit an endocrinologist if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden weight gain/loss
• Complications from type 2 diabetes
• Medicines for pre-existing endocrine disorders have stopped working
• Signs of hormonal imbalance (such as irregular periods and hair growth in women)
• Increase in anxiety levels or abnormal heart rates
• Thinning skin
• Issues with menopause
• Recent diagnosis for diseases such as osteoporosis, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes
• Tumours or cancerous growth in or near any endocrine gland
• Excessive fatigue or weakness
• Abnormal rise in thirst/hunger or loss of appetite
• Frequent urination or constipation
• Swollen face
• Extremely painful menstrual cramps or heavy periods
• Abnormal mood swings

Since endocrine system plays a major role in maintaining normal body functioning, it is extremely important to make sure the system runs smoothly. A slight variation in some hormones can leave you feeling utterly exhausted at the beginning of a workday or cause troubles in family planning. You can book annual appointments for endocrinologist consultations for proactive healthcare and living a healthy life. If you have any disease associated with endocrine system, you should make regular visits to the endocrinologist or book an online consultation every 3 months to ensure everything is running as smoothly as possible.