Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist / diabetologist specialises in the treatment of endocrine gland disorders, and diabetes. Diabetes associated with hormonal diseases most often presents itself in insulin resistance, usually diagnosed during routine blood tests. Diseases most often diagnosed and treated by the endocrinologist / diabetologist in Great Britain:

• thyroid gland diseases- associated with an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. Endocrinologist determines the cause of the problem and selects appropriate treatment. The diseases of the thyroid gland include Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease.
• ovarian dysfunction - one of the dysfunctions in this area is PCOS- polycystic ovary syndrome. Another less common disorder is premature ovarian failure.
• diseases of the pituitary gland – e.g., hyperprolactinaemia, associated with prolactin overproduction. Disorders of the pituitary gland may also be associated with the excessive or insufficient secretion of growth hormone.
• adrenal gland dysfunction - adrenal gland dysfunction usually results in excessive secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, for example, Cushing's syndrome. In case of adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease may be suspected.
• pancreatic diseases - pancreatic disorder is associated with insufficient insulin production. This is the direct cause of type I diabetes.

The diseases listed above are only the most popular hormonal disorders. Therefore, you should inform your GP or gynaecologist about any unusual symptoms. The doctor may recommend a visit to a Polish endocrinologist / diabetologist in the UK for the diagnosis and treatment. You should see the endocrinologist / diabetologist if you’re experiencing:

• Consultation with an endocrinologist / diabetologist usually starts with an in-depth medical interview. Some hormonal diseases are caused not only by genetic or autoimmune factors, but also by a lifestyle. Therefore, the doctor may ask about physical activity and diet as well as the symptoms observed by the patient.

• The most important in diagnostics are the results of hormone tests. It is advisable to take the results of the current blood and urine analysis with you. In case of incomplete or missing documentation, the endocrinologist / diabetologist will order specific tests. In addition, they may perform an ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland to detect a possible medical condition.

• When visiting a Polish endocrinologist / diabetologist in the UK, you should also take with you documentation about diabetes (if relevant). You have to inform the doctor about the medications used so far, including the doses. If it is possible, it is advisable to test the glucose level a little more often before the consultation. The sugar level should be checked, for example, after a meal or after physical activity.

Endocrinologist / diabetologist often works with a gynaecologist, andrologist or radiologist. Although, the most important in diagnostics are the laboratory test results. The most common tests are:

• thyroid and pituitary hormones, i.e. TSH, FT3 and FT4,
• progesterone and oestradiol levels for women
• FSH and LH levels in women
• androgens and testosterone
• insulin and glucose levels in blood
• prolactin levels before and after MTC
• CT of an organ, such as pituitary gland. This may be recommended in case of hyperprolactinaemia, after excluding functional disorders. Usually, prolactin tumours are benign lesions.
• regular gynaecological ultrasound. This applies, for example, to women struggling with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Treatment is implemented after detailed diagnostics. An endocrinologist / diabetologist not only recommends medications to the patient, but also helps in choosing the right diet. In addition, your doctor may recommend changing your lifestyle, for example, to be more active. This area requires a holistic approach. By following the recommendations of the endocrinologist / diabetologist, you can lead a normal life, regardless of the disease. Often the result is an excellent well-being, and even a full recovery - depending on the stage of development and the cause of the disorder.