The Pituitary Gland

What is an Endocrinologist

Last updated: January 10, 2024

An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctors who is qualified to diagnose diseases that affect the hormone making glands.

The conditions that are treated by an endocrinologist are as following:

Thyroid diseases
Diabetes
Hypertension
Menopause
Over or under production of hormones
Lack of growth
Metabolic disorders
Lipid disorders
Cancers of the endocrine glands
Osteoporosis

The common diseases and disorders that endocrinologists deal with include diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which thyroid does not make enough hormones for body’s need. Hashimoto is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).

Generally immune system protects body against bacteria and viruses. But in Hashimoto’s Disease, immune system make antibodies, which attacks the cells of thyroid gland. Doctors do not know why this happens, but some scientists believe genetic factors may be involved. The disease affects more women than men.

Goiter

Last updated: January 10, 2024

A Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland which is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck. It indicates a condition, in which, thyroid grows abnormally. Goiter commonly develops as a result of iodine deficiency or due to thyroid problem.

In other words, if your thyroid gland is producing too much hormones ie. (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism), you can develop a goiter. Women are more likely to develop a goiter than men.

Hyperthyroidism

Last updated: January 10, 2024

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. It refers to a state in which your thyroid hormones production is above normal level. It is also called overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate the metabolism rate of your body. As a result, it can cause weight loss and irregular heart activity. It is more common in women than men. Blood tests are the only way to reliably confirm a diagnosis.

Furthermore, having too much of thyroid hormones can cause unpleasant and potentially serious problems that may need treatment.

Hypothyroidism

Last updated: January 10, 2024

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It refers to a state in which your thyroid hormones production is bellow normal. It is also called under active thyroid or low thyroid, which can slow down many of your body’s functions such as your metabolism and can decrease the cardiac activity. Hypothyroidism affects women more frequently than men.

Furthermore, blood tests are the only way to reliably confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.