Blog Details

What is endocrinology?

Endocrinology is a complex study of the various hormones and their actions and disorders in the body. Glands are organs that make hormones, which are substances that help control activities in the body where their release has several effects on various processes in the body (e.g., metabolism, reproduction, digestion, and growth). 

An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor who has a basic training in internal medicine as well. Some disorders such as low thyroid hormone production, termed as hypothyroidism, deals only with an endocrine organ and an endocrinologist alone may detect, diagnose and manage such conditions in patients.

Yet other disorders may have endocrine as well as other originating factors (e.g., infertility) and may need a deeper understanding of medicine, where the endocrinologist has to work in collaboration with another specialist (ike a gynaecologist in cases of infertility) in order to provide a tailored treatment for the patient. 

Diabetes is one of the most common ailments seen by endocrinologists. The condition arises due to inadequate insulin hormone production by the pancreas, resulting in unregulated blood sugar levels in the patient that can have detrimental effects on various bodily organs if left untreated. Endocrinologists work closely with diabetic patients to assist them in managing their diabetes by helping them implement lifestyle changes (e.g., diet and exercise) that work hand in hand together with blood sugar reducing medications (such as insulin).