As a specialist, an endocrinologist deals with the hormone system of the human body, the so-called endocrinium. Significant attention is paid to the so-called endocrine glands, which release hormones into the blood. A large number of diseases are hormonally influenced or caused and therefore require the consultation of an endocrinologist.
What is an endocrinologist?
As a medical specialist, an endocrinologist deals with the hormonal system of the human body, the so-called endocrinium. Significant attention is paid to the so-called endocrine glands, which release hormones into the blood. An endocrinologist has, after the regular medical studies and the admission as a physician, additionally completed a training as a specialist for internal medicine with the specialization endocrinology. This further training takes a total of about six years. Endocrinologists are therefore highly specialized experts in the human hormonal system. They work closely with physicians in other specialties – endocrinology expertise may be needed in gynecology, diabetology, urology, pediatrics and many other areas. Endocrinologists work both in hospitals and as private practice specialists in independent practices, often in group practices with physicians in related specialties.
Treatments
The endocrinologist’s craft encompasses all diseases caused by disorders of hormone balance. Hormones are messenger substances produced by certain organs in our body and released into the body through the bloodstream. To a large extent, they enable the organs to communicate with each other. Together with the nervous system, hormones thus control vital mechanisms in the human body – from growth and physical development to metabolism, sexuality and psyche. The endocrine system also plays an important role in adaptation to environmental influences and stresses. From an endocrinological point of view, hormones are subdivided according to the glands that produce them. These are primarily the thyroid gland, the pancreas, the adrenal glands, but also the testes and ovaries and, last but not least, the pituitary gland. For example, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin; disorders in the production and metabolism of insulin can lead to diabetes mellitus, the most common endocrinological disease of all. Overall, the endocrine system is a highly complex and very elementary system; disturbances can manifest themselves in a variety of diseases. From the aforementioned diabetes to osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms, unfulfilled desire to have children, to failure to thrive and growth disorders in children, disorders of emotional experience or lack of resilience. In these cases, referrals from primary care physicians, gynecologists or pediatricians to endocrinologists are common.
Diagnostic and examination methods
Endocrinological diseases occur when too many or too few hormones are produced, they cannot be metabolized properly, or the hormone-producing organs become diseased. The first method of examination in endocrinological practice is usually the examination of laboratory values of blood or urine of the patient. On this basis, the hormone level in the body can be determined and irregularities detected. If diseases of the endocrine glands are suspected, they are examined further, for example by ultrasound, scintigraphy, computer tomography or by punctures and cytological examinations. Often, these imbalances in the hormonal balance can be corrected by targeted administration of hormones or other medications. In some cases, this requires gradual adjustment to the optimal individual dosage and close monitoring by the treating endocrinologist. Changes in diet and lifestyle may also be necessary – for example in the case of diabetes mellitus or thyroid diseases, in which the affected individuals often react sensitively to environmental influences. In these cases, it is the endocrinologist’s job to provide his patients with comprehensive advice and, if necessary, to refer them to qualified nutrition experts. If operations on the hormone-forming glands are necessary, for example due to tumors or cysts, an endocrinological surgeon is consulted who specializes in operations on the corresponding organs.
What should the patient pay attention to?
Because of the broad and complex spectrum that endocrinology encompasses, it may make sense for patients to seek out an endocrinologist who specializes in their problem. For example, some specialists offer a range of treatments that focus on diabetology, thyroid disease or reproductive medicine to provide optimal health care. In general, however, it should be said that the endocrinologist has enjoyed a very comprehensive and highly specialized training and is competent in all these areas.