Endocrinology

Endocrinology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine that concentrates on diagnosing and treating disorders related to several key organs and glands that make up the system endocrine. The primary of these include the thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, pituitary gland, pineal gland, and gonads (ovaries and testicles).

What is an Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a physician with extensive experience and training in the function of the endocrine system and treatment of its disorders. Endocrinologists are fellowship-level trained, meaning they study medicine for eight  years before becoming certified board in that specialty.

What is the Endocrine System?

Together, the endocrine system regulates and produces the hormones required for proper growth, metabolism, tissue function, sleep, digestion, respiration, and reproduction, among many others. It is a complex, interconnected system. Most disorders are treatable, but many are chronic diseases which require life-long care.

What is a Metabolic Disorder?

Often, issues with the endocrine system cause metabolic dysfunction, which affect your body’s capacity to break down and use nutrients. These metabolic disorders range in severity from benign to life-threatening. Most are caused by genetic anomalies that cause an enzyme deficiency. Others are caused by problems with the liver or kidney, which are not part of the endocrine system.

Read on to learn more about some of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders.