Hormone Specialists & Information on Endocrinology

Hormones transmit instructions and commands throughout the body. They are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream and regulate vital functions—circulation, respiration, body temperature, growth; even salt balance cannot function without hormones. And without them, we would have no emotions—and would not be able to reproduce.

If something goes wrong with these vital messenger substances, an endocrinologist must intervene. Endocrinology is a specialized field within internal medicine. The term “endocrine” refers to the secretion of hormones in the human body. Thus, it is clear what endocrinologists deal with: Their specialty is the hormonal component as well as the organs capable of producing hormones. Against this backdrop, it becomes evident that the field of endocrinology is very broad and requires specialists to have extensive knowledge of many metabolic processes and organs.

For example, gynecology and urology are subfields that endocrinologists address. After all, the ovaries in women and the testicles in men are endocrine organs, as they are responsible for producing hormones. When it comes to hormones, the study of the thyroid gland (thyreology) is also essential. The same applies to diabetology, which deals, among other things, with the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The pancreas is also one of the endocrine glands. Other glands and organs—such as the pituitary gland—also play a role in endocrinology.

The scope of practice for an endocrinologist is very broad. For example, they may address hormonal disorders in both men and women. They can use specialized tests—such as blood tests—to determine and evaluate the levels of individual hormones. It is also the endocrinologist who, under certain circumstances, prescribes medication in the appropriate dosage to treat the patient’s hormonal disorders. Other diagnostic methods may include

• urinalysis,
• ultrasound,
• scintigraphy,
• computed tomography scans, or
• punctures and cytological examinations (microscopic examination of body cells)

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A scintigraphy is used to examine the thyroid gland. It can reveal enlargements or nodules.

But an endocrinologist’s work doesn’t end there. They must also be knowledgeable and competent in the field of nutrition. After all, proper nutrition is of crucial importance, not least in cases of diabetes—which has now become a widespread disease. The specialist coordinates in-depth counseling as well as referrals to other specialists.

If surgery is required—for example, due to tumors—an endocrine surgeon is typically consulted; this specialist is trained not only 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 a great many patients with diabetes mellitus, and this condition calls for the expertise of specialists in the field.

Also very important: the thyroid gland and its hormones. A diseased thyroid gland—where the patient struggles with either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism—can negatively affect many metabolic processes in the human body. This can lead to either significant weight gain or weight loss. Fatigue, exhaustion, or periods of depression may be related to the thyroid. For the endocrinologist, this means thoroughly examining the thyroid using blood tests, scintigraphy, ultrasound, and other methods to help the patient regain a symptom-free life.

In rheumatology, for general hormonal disorders, or even for genetically caused hormonal diseases, an endocrinologist is the specialist of choice. In addition to diabetes, hypertension—or high blood pressure—is also one of the most common diseases. Under certain circumstances, this can be related to adrenal gland problems. The endocrinologist is therefore also essential in this context, as untreated high blood pressure can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

The following conditions, among others, fall under the scope of endocrinology:

• Diabetes mellitus
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Thyroid disorders
• Genetic hormonal disorders
• General hormonal disorders

As you can see, an endocrinologist’s scope of practice is very broad. This makes it all the more important to identify the causes of the problems and find a specialist who focuses on your specific condition. Hospitals often have separate endocrinology departments. Depending on the underlying problem, the patient may be referred from there to the appropriate specialist, such as an endocrine surgeon.