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Endocrinology focuses on the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of glands, like the thyroid, pancreas, pituitary, and adrenal glands, which produce hormones that act as important chemical messengers.1 Your body relies on these hormones to keep everything running smoothly. Hormones control your energy levels, growth, metabolism, stress response, and mood.

When your hormones are out of balance, this can lead to chronic conditions, changes in your metabolism, or even severe complications if left untreated.

What is endocrinology?

When your hormones are too high or too low, it can lead to endocrine disorders like diabetes or thyroid disorders. Endocrinology is the study of how the endocrine glands and hormones work together in your body and how they affect your health.

Endocrinologists are doctors who study endocrinology and are specially trained in diagnosing and managing a wide range of hormone-related conditions, including:

  • Diabetes and other metabolic conditions
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Conditions affecting growth and development
  • Cancers of the endocrine system

What are endocrine diseases?

When the endocrine system doesn’t work properly, it can cause hormone-related diseases. These can happen because of genetics, autoimmune disorders, tumors, or lifestyle factors like diet and stress. Common endocrine diseases include:

  • Diabetes – Affects how the body processes blood sugar.
  • Metabolic Syndrome – A combination of high blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance.
  • Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism – Underactive or overactive thyroid. This can make you feel too tired or overly active.
  • Goiter – Enlarged thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency or hormonal imbalances.
  • Osteoporosis – Weak bones due to low calcium levels or hormonal imbalances. This can cause your bones to break more easily.
  • Cushing’s Disease – Excess cortisol production leads to weight gain and high blood pressure.
  • Addison’s Disease – A condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol, causing fatigue and low blood pressure.
  • Pheochromocytoma – A rare adrenal tumor that increases blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Hypoparathyroidism & Hyperparathyroidism – Disorders affecting calcium balance in the body.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – A hormonal disorder affecting menstruation and fertility.
  • Acromegaly – Excess growth hormone leading to abnormal bone growth.

Endocrine test

Endocrine tests measure hormone levels to evaluate how well the endocrine system is working. These tests help detect hormone imbalances and can help determine the primary cause of symptoms and diseases.

Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and physical exam, endocrinologists may use tests such as:2

  • Blood tests – To check hormone levels, blood sugar, calcium, and other substances that help your body work properly.
  • Urine tests – To see how your body is processing hormones and to check for signs of hormone-related conditions.
  • Imaging tests – Such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to look at the glands and check for abnormalities or tumors.

Treatment options for endocrine diseases may consist of medications, hormone therapy, or lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and restore hormonal balance.

Endocrinology near me

Your hormones play a big role in how you feel and function every day. If you’re experiencing symptoms that may indicate an endocrine issue, such as fatigue, unexpected weight changes, or hormonal imbalances – your primary care physician (PCP) is the best place to start. Your PCP is equipped to perform initial evaluations and order many of the same test an endocrinologist would, such as blood test to check your thyroid function, hormone levels or glucose levels.

Whether you’re managing diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other hormone-related conditions, our doctors are here to help. Remember, many endocrine-related symptoms can mimic other conditions. Consulting your PCP first allows for a broader approach to ruling out or identifying potential causes of your symptoms.

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Frequently asked questions about endocrinology


What do endocrinologists test for?

Endocrinologists use various tests to assess hormone levels in the body to diagnose and treat hormone-related disorders. Some common conditions they test for include:

  • Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4) for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other thyroid disorders.
  • Blood glucose and A1C tests to detect diabetes and insulin resistance.
  • Hormone level tests (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, prolactin) to evaluate reproductive and metabolic health.
  • Cortisol and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) tests for adrenal disorders like Cushing’s or Addison’s disease.
  • Parathyroid and calcium tests to identify calcium imbalances and parathyroid disorders.

What are normal parathyroid hormone levels?

Normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels typically range from 14 to 65 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter), though values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory.3 PTH regulates calcium, phosphorus, and bone metabolism, helping to maintain a proper balance in the body.

High PTH levels may indicate hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, or vitamin D deficiency, while low levels may suggest hypoparathyroidism or magnesium deficiency. PTH and calcium and vitamin D tests are often performed together to assess overall parathyroid function and bone health. If results are abnormal, further evaluation by an endocrinologist may be necessary.4

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