What happens at an endocrinologist visit?
An endocrinologist is a medical specialist. Endocrinologist visits are very similar to appointments at your general practitioner’s office. An endocrinologist will focus their questions on medical conditions that affect your hormones or are a result of hormonal issues.
When should you see an endocrinologist?
You should see an endocrinologist when you have a medical issue that is due to, or heavily affects, the hormones in the body. There are countless conditions that affect the hormones, but some of the most common conditions that lead to endocrinology referral are:
- Diabetes of any type
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Disorders that affect the calcium levels in the body
- Severe osteoporosis
- Male hypogonadism (low testosterone)
- Low growth rate in a child
- An excessive or insufficient amount of urination
What will an endocrinologist do on a first visit?
An endocrinology visit is the same as a visit with a general practitioner. While the questions they ask will be different, there are no special tests or examinations that are different from what you would expect at any other doctor’s visit. Sometimes an endocrinologist will order special lab tests that require you not to eat beforehand, eat during or after the test, or collect all the urine that you make in a 24 hour period. These are typically done several days before or after the visit.
What kind of tests do endocrinologists do?
Endocrinologists use special lab tests that monitor the levels of hormones in your body and how those hormones are affecting your metabolism. Most of these are simple blood tests that are no different for you than any other blood draw. You may need to have multiple blood draws over the course of a few days or weeks to monitor your response to new treatments.
Why does an endocrinologist look at your hands?
There are many hormonal conditions that can affect the appearance of the skin. These changes in skin appearance can be more obvious if you compare the skin on the rest of the body to that of the hands. Excessive darkening of the skin, a pale appearance, and swelling of the hands can be seen in patients with specific hormonal conditions.
Can an endocrinologist help with weight gain?
Yes and no. If your weight gain is due to a hormonal issue, such as hypothyroidism, it is possible for an endocrinologist to help with the symptoms that lead to weight gain. If your weight gain is not due to a specific, detectable hormonal issue, they will recommend diet and exercise like most other physicians.
What questions should I ask my endocrinologist?
The hormonal conditions that endocrinologists treat are complex, as are the medications they use to treat them. You should ask about any interactions between the medications they recommend and your lifestyle. There are some foods, over-the-counter medications, and supplements that can dramatically affect how well these medications work. Also ask about how being sick, exercising, or traveling can affect your medications. Many medications to treat hormonal issues change in dosage and effects based on these factors.
