Balancing ACT
ENDOCRINOLOGISTS KEEP THE BODY IN BALANCE BY TREATING HORMONAL DISORDERS. HORMONES ARE CHEMICAL messengers that play important roles in the body. Examples include cortisol, which triggers stress reactions; insulin, which helps the body absorb glucose (sugar); and estrogen and testosterone, female and male sex hormones that influence everything from physical development to mood. Hormones are made by a network of glands called the endocrine system. When there’s a problem with the body’s ability to produce or use hormones, the impact can be serious. The medical specialty that manages diseases of the endocrine system is known as endocrinology. Here, Robert Cooper, MD, FACE, FACP, who recently joined the HMC Endocrinology & Diabetes Center,
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answers common questions about his specialty.
WHAT IS AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST? Endocrinologists are medical specialists trained in the endocrine system, which controls hormones. Hormones travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, where they help regulate metabolism, reproduction, movement, sexual development and more. When the glands producing hormones don’t function correctly, diseases can develop.
WHAT CONDITIONS DOES AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST TREAT? Common conditions include: • Diabetes
• Osteoporosis • Calcium disorders • Thyroid disease • FNA for thyroid nodules • Adrenal and pituitary conditions • Polycystic ovary syndrome • Male hypogonadism • Female hyperandrogenism
WHY CHOOSE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST? Although most primary care providers can address basic hormonal conditions, a referral to an endocrinologist is often needed for more complex cases. Having completed advanced training, they're experts at identifying and treating endocrine problems. Some of these specialists treat a range of disorders,
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