What is the Endocrine System?
In order to understand what an endocrinologist does, you first need to understand what the endocrine system is. The endocrine system is all about hormones, the glands that secrete them, and the way that hormone releases are maintained by the body’s feedback loops. When something is out of whack in this system it can cause problems throughout the rest of the body, because too little or too much of certain hormones are being released.
What is an Endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists are doctors that study and treat the endocrine system and hormone problems. They can diagnose endocrine diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism and can help patients through treatment of those diseases.
What Do They Treat?
There is a large list of endocrine diseases that endocrinologists treat. More common ones include diabetes and hyperthyroidism, but there are others such as pituitary disorders and Addison’s disease. They can also help with obesity and weight loss in people whose weight gain is caused by hormonal issues. With the help of an endocrinologist and a nutrition doctor, disorders that make it hard to lose weight can be treated.
What Training Do They Go Through?
If you have to see an endocrinologist you can trust that they know what they’re doing. They generally go to school for at least 10 years, first getting licensed as internal medicine doctors and then going on to get a specialized certification in endocrinology. They also go through resident work in clinics learning to treat people before they can have their own practice.
How to Find an Endocrinologist
There’s a lot of reasons why you might need to see an endocrinologist. Chances are if you need to see one your family doctor can refer you to one. However, if you feel you need to be assessed by one and your doctor won’t refer you, you can search for one in your area and give them a call. Many people reach out to them and nutrition doctors for help with weight loss or help managing their diabetes, but there are plenty of other reasons why you might choose to reach out to them as well. It can never hurt to give them a call and set up an assessment if you feel it’s needed.