Endocrinology - is a branch of medicine that focuses on the endocrine glands and hormones in the body. Hormones regulate many bodily functions; however, when hormonal imbalances occur, they can have a variety of effects on the body. We offer comprehensive services and treatment for patients suffering from hormonal imbalances and endocrine disorders. We offer treatment options for many types of metabolic and endocrine disorders, including:
- Adrenal insufficiency
The adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, produce various hormones. Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones, primarily cortisol, which regulates sodium retention, potassium secretion, and water retention. - Congenital adrenal hyperplasia - is a group of inherited genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands. A person with PCOS lacks one of the enzymes that the adrenal glands use to produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure, and other important functions.
- Hyperaldosteronism. Hyperaldosteronism is a disease in which the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, a hormone that stimulates the absorption of sodium by the kidneys and helps regulate water and salt balance in the body. When too much aldosterone is produced, it leads to hypertension (high blood pressure) and a decrease in potassium levels in the blood.
- Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a deterioration of bone tissue and a decrease in bone strength that makes bones fragile. Osteoporosis makes the wrist, hip, spine, and other parts of the skeleton vulnerable to fractures. Falls for people with osteoporosis can lead to serious health consequences.
- Disorders of the pituitary gland. Pituitary tumors are abnormal tumors that develop in the pituitary gland. Some pituitary tumors result in too many hormones that regulate important bodily functions; others can cause the pituitary gland to decrease hormone levels. Most pituitary tumors are non-cancerous (benign) growths (adenomas). Adenomas remain in the pituitary gland or surrounding tissues and do not spread to other parts of the body.
- Disorders of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck. This gland produces thyroid hormones, which primarily affect the body's metabolism and protein synthesis. Abnormal growth of thyroid cells can lead to thyroid cancer. The thyroid gland can also be affected by various diseases, including: Hypothyroidism : Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland, and the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormones for the body to function normally. People have hypothyroidism if they have too little thyroid hormones in their blood. Common causes include autoimmune diseases, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, and radiation treatment. Hyperthyroidism : Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. When the thyroid gland is overactive, body processes speed up and people may experience nervousness, anxiety, heart palpitations, hand tremors, excessive sweating, weight loss, and sleep problems, among other symptoms.