When is it worth seeing an endocrinologist?
Fatigue, weight changes, heart palpitations, menstrual irregularities, or abnormal hormone test results may require an endocrinology consultation. Find out when it’s worth seeing a specialist.
An endocrinologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders. The endocrine system includes, among others, the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testes. Hormones affect many processes in the body, which is why the symptoms of endocrine disorders can be nonspecific and may involve body weight, energy levels, sleep, heart function, skin, menstruation, fertility, or metabolism. Not every isolated symptom indicates a hormonal condition, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it is worth discussing them with a doctor.
Thyroid diseases
One of the most common reasons for an endocrinology consultation is thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism may be associated with symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, or slowed functioning. Hyperthyroidism may present with heart palpitations, weight loss despite a normal appetite, excessive sweating, hand tremors, anxiety, or heat intolerance. However, these symptoms are not specific to thyroid disorders alone, which is why a medical evaluation and proper interpretation of test results are so important.
A common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, i.e. autoimmune thyroiditis, and of hyperthyroidism — Graves’ disease. Patients with thyroid nodules detected on ultrasound are also referred to an endocrinologist. Most nodules are benign, but each one requires assessment to decide whether observation is sufficient or a biopsy is needed.
Other reasons for an endocrinology consultation
It is also worth seeing an endocrinologist if you experience menstrual irregularities, difficulty getting pregnant, excessive hair growth, severe acne in adulthood, milk discharge outside the breastfeeding period, suspected polycystic ovary syndrome, abnormal hormone test results, or changes detected on a thyroid ultrasound. A consultation may also be recommended if there is a suspicion of disorders affecting the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, or calcium-phosphate metabolism.
An endocrinologist also deals with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and prediabetes. In the case of unexplained weight loss or gain, hard-to-control high blood pressure or an unusual distribution of body fat, the doctor may order tests for adrenal or pituitary disorders.
What does the diagnostic process involve?
Endocrinological diagnostics begin with a medical history and physical examination. The doctor asks about how long the symptoms have been present, chronic conditions, medications being taken, results of previous tests, family history, and any changes in body weight, the menstrual cycle, or overall well-being. Depending on the issue, they may recommend laboratory tests such as TSH, fT4, fT3, thyroid antibodies, glucose, insulin, cortisol, prolactin, or other hormones. In some cases, imaging tests are also needed, most commonly a thyroid ultrasound.
Hormone test results are always interpreted in the context of symptoms, the time of the blood draw, and the medications and supplements being taken. Some preparations, e.g. those containing biotin, can distort the results of certain laboratory tests — that is why it is worth telling your doctor about everything you take. In thyroid diseases, regular monitoring is also important: the doctor determines how often TSH or ultrasound should be repeated.
Thyroid ultrasound during the visit
A thyroid ultrasound is painless, requires no preparation and makes it possible to assess the size and structure of the gland, as well as the presence of nodules. When the endocrinologist performs it during the consultation, they can immediately relate the image to your symptoms and blood test results and discuss further steps. At ProfessMed, an endocrinology consultation with a thyroid ultrasound is available.
When should you have your thyroid checked?
The basic test for assessing thyroid function is measuring TSH in the blood. It is worth having it done, among other situations, when you have symptoms that may suggest a thyroid disorder, a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune diseases, and when planning a pregnancy. The need for further tests, such as fT4, fT3, antibodies or ultrasound, is decided by the doctor.
Hormones and body weight
Weight gain is rarely caused solely by hormonal disorders, but they can sometimes play a role — e.g. hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome or, much less often, excess cortisol. An endocrinologist helps assess whether changes in body weight have a hormonal basis and which tests are worth doing, and when the cause is different, indicates the next steps.
How should you prepare for the visit?
For an endocrinology appointment, it is worth bringing any previous blood test results, ultrasound reports, hospital discharge summaries, records of prior treatment, and a list of medications and supplements you are taking. You should not start or stop hormone therapy on your own based solely on a single test result. At ProfessMed, an endocrinology consultation makes it possible to assess symptoms, plan the necessary diagnostics, and tailor further management to the patient’s specific situation.