Who is an Endocrinologist

Chemical coordination plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in our body. It is regulated by; hormones secreted by the endocrine glands (hormone-secreting glands). Hormones are essential in regulating the functions of almost all vital organs; of our body. Hormones regulate metabolism, growth, appetite, libido, and maturation of gonadal cells. Improper functioning of hormones results in various disorders that need treatment; an endocrinologist can help treat the hormonal disorders.

Now, you might wonder, who is an Endocrinologist? An endocrinologist is a doctor; who has specialized in endocrinology—the study of hormones. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat the symptoms and the underlying disorders caused by hormone imbalance.

Here’s how you can know if you need to consult an endocrinologist

Usually, patients are referred to an endocrinologist by the primary care doctor. An endocrinologist studies the symptoms of the underlying hormonal disorders and prescribes you proper medications for them. Mild hormonal abnormalities, are treated by the primary health care provider, but for; grievous hormonal abnormalities and related disorders, an endocrinologist is the best option. You should consult an endocrinologist if you have the following symptoms:

• Abnormal blood sugar levels: Diabetes Mellitus or Type-2 Diabetes is one of the prevalent diseases in the UAE. According to IDF statistics, UAE has the highest prevalence of diabetes, nearly 16.8% (https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/508833). Generally, abnormal blood sugar levels, accompanied by fatigue, excessive thirst, and urinating frequently, are all symptoms of improper insulin secretion.
• Thyroid-related disorders: Thyroid hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism; T3 and T4 are the hormones that regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland. Over-secretion or under-secretion leads to Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism, respectively. Lumps on the thyroid gland may indicate the early stages of thyroid cancer. Consulting an endocrinologist to treat the symptoms of thyroid-related issues is the best option.
• Obesity: Obesity has emerged as one of the biggest concerns in the UAE, especially among the younger generations. According to new studies, around one-third of university, students are obese or overweight. Besides lifestyle, hormones play a crucial role in gaining or losing weight. Metabolism-regulating hormones, are secreted by different glands that affect the body’s capability of retaining or losing fat. Obesity is more often a symptom of an underlying disease or disorder rather than poor diet and lifestyle choices. It usually requires lifelong treatment with correct nutritional modifications accompanied by physical activity and medication.
• Irregular periods and difficulty in getting pregnant: Irregular menstrual cycles cause gain in weight, and excessive hair growth are often indications of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/Disease (PCOS/PCOD). There are many underlying causes for this syndrome, but an imbalance in certain hormones such as LH, FSH, Estrogen, and Testosterone are significant causes. PCOS can also cause difficulty in; conceiving as the ovulation process is, disrupted due to the hormone imbalance. Hence, women suffering from PCOS find it difficult to get pregnant.

Irregularity in hormone secretion is a significant health concern as hormones coordinate and regulate vital bodily functions. Therefore if you’re experiencing hormonal imbalances, you must consult a doctor who is an endocrinologist. Several online medical consultation platforms are available in the UAE that has Endocrinology as one of their specialties that you can check out. Do not ignore your symptoms; consult an endocrinologist today!