Endocrinologist. What checks, what kind of doctor, what does he does, what heals in adults, children

A doctor called an endocrinologist specializes in a specific area of ​​medicine - endocrinology. The specialist checks the work of metabolism, as well as regulates the production of hormones.

Who is an endocrinologist?

This doctor identifies, treats and helps prevent endocrine diseases.

It is a large branch of medicine that studies:

• the structure and functionality of the endocrine glands;
• hormones that glands secrete;
• pathways of hormone formation;
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• the effect of hormones on the body;
• pathologies that appear as a result of impaired functionality of the endocrine glands;
• pathologies that are caused by the impaired action of hormones.

Endocrinological problems affect the entire body. Therefore, the doctor often works with other specialists. For example, a gastroenterologist, oncologist, neurologist. But an endocrinologist may have a narrower specialty.

For example:

• endocrinologist-oncologist - therapy of malignant tumors;
• endocrinologist-gynecologist - therapy of diseases resulting from changes in the amount of hormones;
• a diabetologist is a narrow specialist who treats and diagnoses diabetes mellitus.

What organs does the endocrinologist deal with?

An endocrinologist checks the work of many organs and treats their diseases.

The competence of the doctor includes the body systems:

• adrenal glands - located in the upper part of the kidneys, control metabolic processes, blood pressure, the production of sex hormones;
• hypothalamus - located in the brain, controls hunger, thirst and body temperature;
• pancreas gland - the organ secretes pancreatic juice, which contains digestive enzymes;
• parathyroid glands - produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates the amount of calcium in the body;
• pituitary - gland, which produces hormones that affect growth;
• sex glands - ovaries;
• thyroid - located in the neck area, contains iodine, regulates metabolic processes;
• thymus - this organ is located in the region of the bronchi, from birth it affects the immune system;
• prostate - this is a gland that is responsible for the composition and volume of semen;
• pineal gland - influences the production of melatonin (regulates sleep).

What pathologies are in the competence of an endocrinologist?

The endocrinologist checks the work of metabolism, deals with the treatment of pathologies in each age category:

Classification of people	List of diseases that are in the competence of the endocrinologist
Women	Most often, women turn to an endocrinologist. Especially if they are of reproductive age. The endocrinologist is the first topical specialist in women. And the gynecologist is the second. If specialists work together, it is possible to successfully cure the disturbed hormonal background, to normalize the functioning of the genitals. Additionally, the endocrinologist deals with the treatment of symptoms during menopause. A detailed list of diseases that are in the competence of the doctor: diabetes; diabetes insipidus; disturbed menstrual cycle; the period before the onset of menopause; violation of lactation (milk secretion); excessive amounts of male hormones; endocrine neoplasm of multiple nature; benign thyroid cyst; malignant tumor of the thyroid gland; infertility.
Men	The stronger sex also turns to an endocrinologist. Most often, the doctor works in tandem with a urologist. Endocrinology treats the following conditions: apudoma - a tumor of cellular elements located in various organs and tissues; androgen deficiency - insufficient testosterone; impaired calcium metabolism; adolescent dyspituitarism - a syndrome associated with age-related changes in the body, characterized by deviations in the physiology of the endocrine glands; infertility.
Pregnant	It is necessary to check the functionality of the thyroid gland during pregnancy planning. If you neglect this point, the disease can be aggravated during the bearing of the fetus. As a result, there is a possibility of congenital abnormalities in the child. In pregnant women, an endocrinologist treats the following pathologies: diabetes; hypothyroidism - a disease in which thyroid hormones are produced in less quantities; thyrotoxicosis - a persistent increase in the level of hormones; malignant tumor in the thyroid gland; cancer formation in the adrenal glands.
Children	An endocrinologist deals with the treatment of the following diseases: dwarfism - too small; gigantism - great growth; diffuse goiter - an enlarged thyroid gland; brain gigantism - childhood overgrowth and learning difficulties; hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism - impaired production of thyroid hormones; Itsenko-Cushing's disease - a pathology occurs as a result of an increased release of the hormone cortisol or long-term treatment with corticosteroids.

Specificity of an endocrinologist-gynecologist

An endocrinologist-gynecologist is a doctor who treats gynecological diseases resulting from disturbed hormonal levels. This doctor has knowledge in 2 areas of medicine. This is gynecology and endocrinology.

The specialist deals with the treatment of diseases of the genital organs, as well as the thyroid gland:

• delayed sexual development;
• the emergence of male sexual characteristics in women;
• allocation of a secret not related to menstruation;
• infertility;
• PMS;
• disturbed menstrual cycle;
• impaired metabolism;
• endometriosis - the proliferation of endometrial cells outside the uterus;
• salpingo-oophoritis - inflammation of the uterine appendages.

Additionally, an endocrinologist-gynecologist conducts pregnancy in women with impaired endocrine system function. And also the doctor selects the best method of contraception. An endocrinologist is different from an endocrinologist-gynecologist.

The difference is shown in the table:

Comparison point	Endocrinologist	Endocrinologist-gynecologist
Deep knowledge of the reproductive system	The endocrinologist does not have significant knowledge in the field of the functioning of the reproductive system, since the main profile of his work is diseases of the endocrine glands.	An endocrinologist-gynecologist carefully studies the structure of the genitals, as well as diseases that are associated with insufficient or excessive production of hormones.
Self-selection of therapy for gynecological diseases	An endocrinologist on his own will not be able to choose a treatment for detecting PMS, hormonal infertility, bleeding of an unknown nature - the doctor sends the patient to the gynecologist to examine in detail genitals.	Gynecological diseases resulting from disturbed hormonal levels are in the competence of an endocrinologist-gynecologist.
Genital examination	The endocrinologist only collects anamnesis, examination of the genitals is not performed.	The endocrinologist-gynecologist conducts not only collecting anamnesis, but also examining the genitals.

The specifics of a pediatric endocrinologist

An endocrinologist who examines children checks the functioning of the organs responsible for metabolism. In an adult, all systems are formed, and in a child, their development is just beginning. The task of the pediatric endocrinologist is to track the stages and compare them with the norm. The specialist works with patients under the age of 14.

Symptoms with which they turn to a specialist

Most often, a person seeks a doctor at an advanced stage of the disease. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of pathologies are similar to other diseases. Or the person may attribute the symptoms to malaise. Therefore, it is necessary to study for what symptoms you should visit an endocrinologist.

Signs in women and men requiring specialist advice:

• poor condition of hair, nails;
• memory impairment;
• feeling weak;
• fatigue at minimum exertion;
• trembling limbs;
• sleep problems;
• increased sensitivity to weather conditions;
• a sharp change in mood;
• deterioration of vision;
• the appearance of stretch marks on the skin;
• heavy sweating;
• a sharp change in weight, but the diet is the same - a decrease or increase in body weight;
• the appearance of acne on the skin;
• the appearance of a large amount of hair on a woman's body;
• enlargement of the hands and feet in adulthood;
• feeling of dryness in the mouth;
• constant thirst;
• increased urination, especially at night;
• itching of the skin in the absence of rashes;
• pain in the neck;
• changes in the structure of the neck;
• A lump in the throat;
• change in heart rate;
• muscle weakness;
• discomfort in bones and joints;
• prolonged urolithiasis with attacks of renal colic;
• frequent recurrence of ulcer;
• exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis;
• violation of appetite;
• infertility of an unexplained nature;
• high cholesterol levels;
• swelling of the face, limbs;
• change in the color of the skin;
• slow speech;
• pain in the head of a chronic nature;
• difficulty breathing;
• decreased potency (in men);
• photophobia;
• change in the nature of menstruation;
• the onset of menopause.

Symptoms in a child that require contacting an endocrinologist:

• delayed sexual development;
• puberty happened ahead of time;
• intense thirst;
• increased urination;
• weakness at minimal exertion;
• unwillingness to do anything;
• short stature - in order to determine this fact, it is necessary to compare the child with several (2 - 5) children of the same year;
• too tall;
• underweight or overweight;
• an enlarged thyroid gland - this is difficult to notice by eye, but the child has difficulty swallowing, and will also indicate a foreign object in the throat.

There are certain symptoms, when a pregnant woman appears, she should consult an endocrinologist.

Namely:

• a sharp change in body weight;
• constant feeling of thirst;
• an increase in the volume of urine;
• lack of appetite;
• unwillingness to do anything;
• irritability;
• nervousness.

Reception of patients: what does the doctor check, how does he diagnose?

An endocrinologist checks the lymph nodes and thyroid gland. This happens during the initial examination. It is necessary to obtain information about the enlargement of the lymph nodes in size. The doctor can determine the formation in the gland. And also the endocrinologist asks the patient for complaints. Additionally, you will need information about concomitant diseases.

The specialist measures a person's pulse, blood pressure, temperature. If hypotension or hypertension is present, this can be a sign of many endocrine pathologies. They also pay attention to the height and weight of a person. These factors are important in determining hormonal status.

Further, the doctor prescribes a second consultation, as well as an examination of the body. It is necessary to make a second appointment with an endocrinologist if the results of all studies are obtained.

This will help to make the correct diagnosis. At the second consultation, the appearance of additional symptoms is specified. At the secondary appointment, it is already possible to make a preliminary or accurate diagnosis. For clarification, the appointment of additional studies is allowed.

Before visiting an endocrinologist, you must adhere to the preparatory measures:

• Collect the results of all examinations and analyzes that were carried out earlier. For example, an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
• List all bothersome symptoms and medications the person is taking.
• For 2 - 3 days before the consultation, exclude stress, strong physical activity.
• For 6 - 7 hours, exclude the use of fatty, fried. It is desirable that the food be light.
• Carry out body hygiene before taking.
• Make a list of questions to ask the endocrinologist.

What tools does the endocrinologist use, office equipment

Each endocrinologist uses a hammer (evaluates a reflex), a tuning fork (examines vibration sensitivity), a monofilament (checks tactile sensations).

Additionally, the doctor's office should have the following tools:

• Tonometer. Thanks to the device, blood pressure is measured.
• Thermometer. The device helps to determine the temperature of a person's body.
• Scales. Thanks to the device, it is possible to determine body weight. Scales can be manual or electronic.
• Height meter. Helps determine a person's height. The device can be combined with a balance.
• Blood glucose meter and test strips. Helps determine blood sugar levels.
• Tape measure. Thanks to her, body indicators are measured (chest girth, hips).

When and what tests should be done?

The endocrinologist checks the test results. The exact date of their delivery must be indicated by the doctor. It is better to take the biomaterial as quickly as possible.

Most often, the endocrinologist prescribes the following tests:

• general blood analysis;
• determination of sugar;
• hormones - TSH, free T4, AT to TPO;
• prolactin;
• testosterone;
• insulin.

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe the delivery of other tests.

Hardware diagnostics

Thanks to hardware studies, it is possible to determine the localization of the endocrine glands, as well as their structure.

After the examination, your doctor may recommend the following tests:

• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the thyroid gland. According to the results, deviations in the size of the organ can be identified.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Thanks to the procedures, it is possible to determine the presence of a tumor with high accuracy.
• Thyroid biopsy. A small piece of tissue is taken from the organ and sent for examination.
• Laser Doppler flowmetry. During the procedure, blood flow in the tissues of the organ is determined.
• Radioisotope scan of the thyroid gland. In another way, the procedure is called scintigraphy. The drug is injected into the body and its accumulation in the organ is recorded. As a result, it is possible to determine the functioning of the gland and identify pathology.
• X-ray. A contrast agent may be injected into the body to improve visualization.
• Osteodensitometry. Thanks to the method, an accurate measurement of bone density is made.

Is there an endocrinologist at polyclinics, hospitals, private clinics?

There is an endocrinologist in private clinics and hospitals. It checks the functioning of the thyroid gland and metabolism. It is necessary to refer to it when weight changes, blood pressure, an unreasonable increase in the girth of the neck.

During the examination, the doctor uses a scale, a height gauge, and a tonometer. After the consultation, the doctor recommends the patient to pass a certain list of tests and undergo an examination. Based on the results, a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.

Article design: Vladimir the Great

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