Many people have no idea what an endocrinologist is or does, but there’s no doubt that endocrinology can play a major role in your overall health.

Your endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs within your body that create and release hormones. Hormones are chemicals that control many of your body’s most important functions, from energy levels and growth to mood and metabolism. When something goes wrong with your hormone levels, even in very small amounts, it can cause health problems like diabetes, thyroid issues, weight changes, fertility challenges, and the list goes on.

The endocrinologists and pediatric endocrinologists affiliated with the TopLine MD Alliance Network are best-in-class at diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders and providing the most comprehensive wellness plan for your long-term health. Keep reading to learn what endocrinology is, why it’s so important, and when to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist near you.

Explaining endocrinology

Endocrinology is the medical field that focuses on the endocrine system, which regulates the 50+ hormones circulating through your body at any given time. But before we provide details about the endocrine system, it’s essential to understand how these hormones impact your health.

Every hormone in your body has a specific task to complete, such as metabolism and growth (growth hormone), reproduction (estrogen or testosterone), improving mood (dopamine or serotonin), or reacting to stress (cortisol). Once a hormone is released into your bloodstream, it travels through your body until it reaches its specific destination(s) to perform its intended function.

Hormones are often referred to as “messengers” because they help so many different parts of your body communicate. Like people, hormones also profoundly influence each other in many ways. One hormone can trigger or stop another. Some hormones work together, while others work against each other.

Endocrinology helps navigate this intricate network, diagnosing and treating the hormonal imbalances that can put your physical and mental health at risk. Because hormones regulate nearly everything within your body, keeping your endocrine system in check is crucial.

How the endocrine system works

The primary function of your endocrine system is to produce and release the appropriate level of hormones into your bloodstream. The hormones within this system affect nearly every aspect of your health, including:

  • Growth and development
  • Metabolism
  • Mood
  • Sleep-wake cycle
  • Sexual function
  • Reproduction
  • Blood sugar regulation
  • Blood pressure
  • Electrolyte balance
  • Body temperature

Having too much or too little of a particular hormone can trigger significant changes in your body. These changes may happen fast, like rapid weight gain or loss, extreme mood swings, or sudden acne breakouts. Or they may develop slowly over time, such as irregular periods, chronic insomnia, or a gradual decrease in sex drive. It all depends on the underlying cause and the endocrine glands and organs involved.

Endocrine glands

Endocrine glands are part of your endocrine system that produce and release hormones directly into your bloodstream. Examples of endocrine glands include:

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small region of your brain that connects to your pituitary gland. It releases several hormones that control your pituitary gland, such as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), oxytocin (the “love hormone”), and dopamine (the “feel-good hormone”).

Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain, directly below the hypothalamus. This gland also releases several hormones, many of which control the function of other endocrine glands. Examples include growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for reproduction.

Pineal gland

The pineal gland is another tiny gland located within your brain. It releases the hormone melatonin, which helps control your sleep-wake cycle.

Thyroid

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. The thyroid’s main task is controlling the speed of your metabolism, the process that converts the food you consume into energy. The thyroid also releases hormones, including thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which together are often called thyroid hormone (TH).

Parathyroid glands

Most people have four pea-sized parathyroid glands located behind their thyroid gland. You may also have them on your esophagus or in your chest. The parathyroid glands release parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps maintain calcium levels in your blood and supports bone health.

Adrenal glands

Adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped glands located on top of each of your two kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol (the “stress hormone”), adrenaline (which causes the fight-or-flight response), and aldosterone (which manages your body’s salt and water balance).

Endocrine organs

Certain organs in your body that produce and release hormones are also considered part of the endocrine system, including:

Pancreas

The pancreas is located in the back of your abdomen and is part of your digestive system. Your pancreas releases both insulin and glucagon, which help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Ovaries

These small, oval-shaped glands are located on either side of a female’s uterus. Ovaries make and store reproductive eggs and produce the sex hormones that control menstruation and pregnancy.

Testicles

Testicles are small, round organs within a male’s scrotum, located underneath the penis. Testicles produce the sperm required to fertilize a reproductive egg, as well as the sex hormone testosterone.

Common endocrine disorders

Now that you have a better idea of how the endocrine system works, let’s explore some of the most common hormone-related conditions that can occur.

Diabetes

Diabetes is closely related to how your pancreas produces and uses insulin. If your body cannot produce enough insulin or use insulin properly, it causes high blood sugar levels that can damage your organs over time. Diabetes also disrupts the balance of your endocrine system, affecting your adrenal glands, thyroid, pituitary gland, and others. Diabetes is typically caused by genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise, and other factors.

Thyroid issues

Controlled by the pituitary gland via thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), your thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism, digestion, heart rate, body temperature, mood, and more. Hypothyroidism (not enough hormones) can cause symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and constipation, while hyperthyroidism (too many hormones) can cause weight loss, anxiety, and a rapid heart rate. A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland that may be visible on your neck.

Adrenal problems

When the adrenal glands in your kidneys produce too few or too many hormones, it can impact your metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response. Common symptoms of adrenal problems include weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, and high blood pressure.

When to see an endocrinologist

Have you experienced any of the symptoms listed above? Are they getting more severe or affecting your quality of life? A TopLine MD Alliance Network endocrinologist can help.

If your primary care provider thinks your symptoms are due to a hormonal imbalance, they may refer you to an endocrinologist for diagnosis and treatment. Effective treatment could be as simple as taking medication, so there’s no reason to suffer in silence or delay seeking help.

Again, schedule a visit with a TopLine MD Alliance Network endocrinologist if you have symptoms like:

  • Blood sugar abnormalities
  • Excessive thirst or urination
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Low estrogen or testosterone levels
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Skin changes
  • Hair loss
  • Digestive problems
  • Reproductive issues
  • Diminished sex drive
  • Irregular periods
  • Frequent bone fractures
  • Loss of height

Seeing an endocrinologist can help confirm a suspected hormonal imbalance or other conditions through hormonal testing. Your TopLine MD Alliance Network endocrinologist can also help you manage underlying hormonal issues and chronic conditions like diabetes.

Let your primary care provider know if you have a family history of endocrine disorders, which may warrant an endocrinology appointment for early detection. And if you are pregnant, a TopLine MD Alliance Network endocrinologist can assist you with pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and thyroid issues.

What to expect at your endocrinology appointment

To start your appointment, the endocrinologist will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter and prescription medications). The endocrinologist will likely perform a physical exam as well, so wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove.

If you have visited any other providers for issues related to your endocrine system, bring copies of those medical records if possible. You are also welcome to bring a list of any questions or concerns that you have.

Diagnosing your endocrine system may require lab testing of your blood, imaging tests to view your endocrine glands and organs, a thyroid biopsy, a bone density test, or other testing methods, depending on your symptoms.

Once your diagnosis is complete, the next step is to create a recommended treatment plan, which may include medication or surgery. Many hormone issues are manageable with proper care, so schedule your endocrinology appointment today.

Find a TopLine MD Alliance Network provider

The TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, connecting them with top-tier healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

The TopLine MD Alliance brings together high-quality care, exceptional service, and compassionate support while ensuring that you are always satisfied with your choice of medical providers. Our specialties include endocrinology, pediatric endocrinology, family medicine, internal medicine, and many more.

To get started, find a provider near you today.