Endocrinologist
The keen focus in the study of endocrinology is on the endocrine organs such as the pituitary, adrenals, thyroid, testes, ovaries and pancreas. The most important function of these organs is to secrete hormones and in balanced levels. Human body does not always secrete balanced levels of hormones from these glands and thus a hormonal imbalance occurs. This hormonal imbalance is called as endocrinopathy or endocrinosis, this field of study points out the functioning and how to fix the malfunctioning of any of the endocrine glands. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of endocrine disorders is called an endocrinologist. The doctor specializes in fields such as diabetes (malfunctioning of the pancreas), hyperthyroidism (malfunctioning of the thyroid glands) etc.
After completion of medical school, and after three to four years of internship and residency, further specialization of two or three years is needed. Special branches of endocrinologists:
Specialists in diabetes
Specialists in understanding the metabolic disorder of the body.
Work on thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or goiter.
Cancer in the endocrine glands.
Follow the reasons for menopause, osteoporosis and infertility.
Hypertension, lipid or cholesterol disorders are examined.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease brought about by immune system attack on the thyroid gland. Consequently the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones to set the rate for metabolism. The thyroid cells are unable to convert iodine into thyroid hormone. This disease progresses slowly and often it is not detected. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is often noticed in women of childbearing age. The symptoms may be similar to that of hypothyroidism. This disease is named after the Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto who first studied and described this condition.
Symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis include sensitivity and intolerance to cold and dry hair and skin. The woman suffering from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is likely to suffer muscle cramps and increased menstrual flow. There is fatigue and difficulty in concentration. Goiter or swelling of thyroid may be seen. There is hair loss and possible weight gain. As the disease progresses, there may be symptoms such as joint stiffness and facial swelling.
Blood tests of patients suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis will reveal elevated levels of antibodies. Treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis includes replacement of thyroid hormones. The dosage will be prescribed by the doctor to maintain the right balance.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidismis a condition that occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone in the body. The hormones thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine are produced by the thyroid gland and play a major role in determining the body's metabolic rate. When there is excess amount of thyroid hormones, it will lead to a faster metabolism resulting in hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when thyroid cells trap excess iodine and produce excessive thyroid hormone. Sometimes the cause is damaged or inflamed thyroid cells. A person suffering from hyperthyroidism experiences excessive sweating and rapid heart rate(palpitations) and tremors. Such persons may notice loss of weight and extreme fatigue. These symptoms appear gradually and may sometimes go unnoticed. A person suffering from hyperthyroidism may feel nervous and notice muscle weakness. Women who are suffering from hyperthyroidism tend to have light menstrual periods or may even miss few cycles. Hair becomes brittle and skin becomes warm and moist. A person may appear agitated and confused. Patients suffering from hyperthyroidism often notice swelling at the base of the neck.
Thyroid Scan is used to measure the activity of the thyroid gland with radioactive substance. The blood TSH levels are measured to check for increased production of thyroid hormone. Graves Disease is an autoimmune disease that results in an overactive thyroid gland. This in turn leads to hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland is yet another cause for hyperthyroidism. Goiter or toxic nodule on the thyroid gland can be another cause for hyperthyroidism.
Antithyroid drugs are used to control the production of thyroid hormone. These drugs include methimazole (Tapazole) and propylthiouracil (PTU). Radioactive Iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism involves a pill or liquid that is administered to the patient so as to ablate a hyperactive gland. Radioactive iodine therapy destroys only local cells and is generally given as a one-dose treatment. It is essential to monitor this treatment since it may lead to destroy too many thyroid cells and even lead to hypothyroidism. This treatment for hyperthyroidismbut is not used on pregnant or lactacting women. Surgery is used to remove thyroid gland but this procedure is not without possible complications. Removal of too much tissue leads to hypothyroidism and often nerves connected with the vocal chords might be affected.
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