Hormones transmit instructions and commands throughout the body. They are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream and control vital functions - circulation, breathing, body temperature, growth, even the salt balance cannot function without hormones. And without them, we would have no feelings - and would not reproduce.
If something is wrong with these important messenger substances, the endocrinologist has to intervene. Endocrinology is a special branch of internal medicine. The term "endocrine" stands for the secretion of hormones in the human body. It is therefore clear what endocrinologists deal with: Their specialty is the hormonal component as well as the organs that can produce hormones. Against this background, it is clear that the field of endocrinology is very broad and requires the specialist to have a great deal of knowledge about many metabolic processes and organs.
For example, gynecology and urology are areas that endocrinologists deal with. After all, the ovaries in women and the testicles in men are endocrine organs, as they are responsible for the production of hormones. When it comes to hormones, the study of the thyroid gland (thyroidology) is also a must. The same applies to diabetology, which deals with the treatment of diabetes mellitus, among other things. The pancreas also belongs to the endocrine glandular organs. Other glands and organs - such as the pituitary gland (the pituitary gland) - also play a role in endocrinology.
The field of activity of an endocrinologist is very broad. They can deal with hormonal disorders in men and women. He can determine and evaluate the balance of individual hormones with special examinations - for example with a blood test. The endocrinologist may then also prescribe the appropriate dosage of medication to treat the patient's hormonal disorders. Other diagnostic methods may include
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Scintigraphy is used to examine the thyroid gland. Enlargements or nodules can be visualized here.
However, the work of an endocrinologist does not end there. He must also be fit and competent in the field of nutrition. After all, correct nutrition is of crucial importance, not least in the case of diabetes - now a widespread disease. The specialist doctor coordinates the sound advice and referral to another specialist.
If surgery is required - for example due to tumors - an endocrinological surgeon is usually consulted, who is not only trained in hormones, but also in surgical procedures on the affected organs.
Diabetes plays a central role for many endocrinologists, as it is not uncommon for many of them to also be diabetologists. There are many patients with diabetes mellitus, and this disease calls for appropriate specialists.
Also very important: the thyroid gland and its hormones. A diseased thyroid gland, in which the patient is either suffering from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can have a negative impact on many metabolic processes in the human body. This can lead to either severe weight gain or weight loss. Tiredness, fatigue or depressive phases can be related to the thyroid gland. For the endocrinologist, this means using blood tests, scintigraphy, ultrasound examinations etc. to examine the thyroid gland in detail in order to enable the patient to lead a symptom-free life again.
An endocrinologist is the specialist of choice for rheumatology, general hormonal disorders and genetic hormonal diseases. In addition to diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, is also a common disease. This may be linked to problems with the adrenal glands. The endocrinologist is therefore also in demand here, as untreated high blood pressure can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
The following diseases, among others, are part of endocrinology:
- Diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Thyroid disorders
- Genetic hormonal disorders
- general hormonal disorders
As you can see, an endocrinologist has many areas of activity. This makes it all the more important to localize the causes of the problems and find the specialist who specializes in your problem. There are often separate endocrinology departments in a clinic. Depending on the underlying problem, the patient is also referred from here to the relevant specialist, such as an endocrinological surgeon.
