When is it necessary to go to the endocrinologist?
Any disease that has to do with hormonal changes will be studied and diagnosed by an endocrine doctor . Diabetes, obesity, growth problems or thyroid disorders are the diseases that are most frequently treated. However, they are not the only ones.
From Vital Seguro, experts in health insurance, we explain what an endocrine doctor is, what diseases he treats and when it is necessary to see a specialist in this field.
What is an endocrine doctor?
An endocrine doctor is a health professional specialized in diseases of the endocrine or hormonal system, those that have to do with metabolism and derived from nutritional problems.
What is the endocrine system?
Our endocrine system is made up of glands that maintain chemical balance, called hormones. Within the endocrine system are the following glands:
Thyroid gland
Pituitary gland
Kidney glands
Pineal gland
hypothalamus
ovaries and testicles
All these hormones influence the activity of our entire body. Generally, diseases occur when there is an excessive or deficient function of any of the glands.
Diseases treated by the endocrine doctor
A doctor specialized in endocrinology treats diseases such as diabetes, obesity or hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. However, they are not the only pathologies that it can treat. Here we list some of them:
metabolic problems
Arterial hypertension
Cholesterol
Osteoporosis
Diabetes
hormonal diseases
hypothyroidism
hyperthyroidism
goiter
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
infertility
Menopause
dwarfism
Giantism
Polycystic ovary syndrome
nutritional problems
Obesity
Malnutrition
Reasons to see an endocrinology specialist
It is probably our family doctor who refers us to an endocrine doctor when seeing any alteration in routine tests, such as elevated cholesterol, triglycerides or sugar.
However, we can also go voluntarily, especially if we have private health insurance, without having to go through the GP or wait for long waiting lists. We must do it when the following symptoms appear:
Sudden weight loss or gain
excessive sweating
Headaches and migraines
bloated feeling
Abundant hair growth
Excessive tiredness and exhaustion
Tachycardia or arrhythmias
Feeling of constant thirst
Enlarged thyroid
These symptoms do not have to be linked to a disease or hormonal alteration. However, it is important to consult a specialist doctor if we believe that something in our body is not working as it should.
Likewise, when we are diagnosed with diseases such as cancer, it is interesting to visit an endocrine doctor so that he can give us a diet plan for cancer patients adapted to our needs.
To lose weight: Nutritionist or endocrine doctor?
When it comes to wanting to lose weight, it is common to have doubts about whether to go to an endocrine doctor or a nutritionist. Although the two specialists are related to nutrition, there are some differences:
The endocrine doctor is a medical professional who will study the different diseases that may have to do with our weight gain.
The nutritionist is an expert in the field of food, nutrition and dietetics. However, he is not a medical professional. This will adapt our diet based on his knowledge and taking into account the physical conditions of each person.
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