What is an endocrinologist? What they do and how they help with hormones

If you’ve ever wondered which “ologist” to see, you’re certainly not alone. The human body has so many systems and organs, and they’re all interconnected in some way. So when you’re searching for a physician to help with a certain condition or specific symptoms, things can get a little confusing.

Take, for example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. These conditions affect your reproductive organs, so you might think that seeing a gynecologist is your best bet. But then when you think about these conditions a bit more, you realize they also extensively involve hormones. So should you also see a hormone doctor? What kind of “ologist” is a hormone expert?

“An endocrinologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions related to hormones and the endocrine glands,” says Sonia Gibson, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist. “Examples of endocrine glands include the thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands.”

In this article, we explore the field of endocrinology, when to see an endocrinologist, what these hormone specialists treat, and more.

What is an endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist specializes in the endocrine system. “The endocrine system is a large network of hormone signaling within your body,” Dr. Gibson says. “Hormones act as messengers, communicating with specific cells to regulate many different functions such as energy storage, growth, metabolism, stress response, and glucose control. These hormones are released from the endocrine glands.”

Endocrine glands:

• Adrenals
• Hypothalamus
• Ovaries
• Pancreas
• Pineal
• Pituitary
• Testes
• Thyroid and parathyroids
• Thymus

When you’re looking for a female hormone specialist, meaning someone with extensive knowledge about sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or the endocrine system in general, endocrinology is where you turn. Endocrinologists aren’t limited to sex hormones, however. They also specialize in metabolic health conditions, including diabetes, and more.

Endocrinologists’ education and training

You might be wondering what training someone must go through to become board certified in the endocrinologist specialty. They must:

• Complete a four-year bachelor’s degree and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
• Complete a four-year medical school program to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).
• Complete a three-year residency program in internal medicine and pass the USMLE Step 3, which tests one’s ability to practice medicine independently.
• Complete a two- to three-year fellowship in endocrinology and pass the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam to become board-certified.

Some endocrinologists have additional training in a subspecialty.

Endocrinology subspecialties:

• Adrenal endocrinology
• Bone and mineral metabolism
• Diabetes and metabolic endocrinology
• Endocrinology of aging
• Genetic and molecular endocrinology
• Lipidology and obesity medicine
• Neuroendocrine and hormone-secreting tumors
• Neuroendocrinology (pituitary and hypothalamic disorders)
• Pediatric endocrinology
• Thyroid disorders

Additionally, reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialists are typically board-certified OBGYN physicians with additional fellowship training in reproductive endocrine and infertility. Their training is different from that of endocrinologists. However, their expertise overlaps with endocrinology.

What does an endocrinologist do?

Hormones influence so many systems in your body and play a role in nearly all facets of your health. For this reason, endocrinologists are the go-to experts for help with understanding and managing complex chronic conditions involving your glands and the hormones they produce and secrete. Endocrinologists do the following:

• Blood tests and other lab work, such as urine samples: These tests help endocrinologists understand your hormone levels and how those levels can affect or cause chronic conditions.
• Imaging studies: These include ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays to examine your glands and organs.
• Perform surgeries: Surgical endocrinologists, where appropriate, remove glands, perform biopsies, excise tumors, and more.
• Formulate treatment plans: Plans may include medications, supplements, lifestyle changes, procedures, and more.
• Long-term monitoring: An endocrinologist serves as your ally for chronic conditions. They continue to check your hormone levels where appropriate and help you manage any frustrating symptoms.
• Collaboration: Endocrinologists work closely with other members of your care team, whether your primary care physician, gynecologist, or another physician or practitioner.

What do endocrinologists treat?

Endocrinologists treat a host of conditions that affect multiple bodily systems. “Some of the most common reasons to see an endocrinologist include diabetes, PCOS, obesity, thyroid disease, pituitary issues, adrenal issues, calcium and bone diseases, and various metabolic disorders,” Dr. Gibson says.

Diabetes and metabolic disorders:

• Diabetes and prediabetes (all types)
• Gestational diabetes
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Lipid disorders (high cholesterol or triglycerides)
• Metabolic syndrome
• Obesity and weight management

Thyroid disorders:

• Graves’ disease
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Postpartum thyroiditis
• Subacute thyroiditis
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cancer

Pituitary gland disorders:

• Acromegaly (excess growth hormone)
• Cushing’s syndrome (pituitary-related cortisol excess)
• Diabetes insipidus (fluid-balance condition)
• Empty sella syndrome
• Hypopituitarism (deficiency of pituitary hormones)
• Pituitary tumors (adenomas)
• Prolactinoma (prolactin-secreting tumor)

Reproductive and gonadal disorders:

• Erectile dysfunction due to hormonal causes
• Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)
• Hypogonadism (low testosterone or estrogen)
• Infertility related to hormonal imbalance
• Menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea)
• Menopause symptoms
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Mineral-metabolism and bone disorders:

• Hypercalcemia/hypocalcemia (high and low calcium levels, respectively)
• Hyperparathyroidism (primary, secondary, or tertiary)
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Osteoporosis
• Osteopenia
• Paget’s disease of bone
• Vitamin D deficiency

Adrenal gland disorders:

• Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)
• Adrenal tumors or adenomas
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
• Cushing’s syndrome (cortisol excess)
• Pheochromocytoma (tumor that produces excess adrenaline)
• Primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome)

Pediatric endocrine disorders:

• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Delayed or precocious puberty
• Disorders of sexual development (DSDs)
• Genetic or chromosomal endocrine disorders (e.g., Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome)
• Growth hormone deficiency or excess
• Type 1 diabetes in children

Miscellaneous complex hormonal and metabolic conditions

• Carcinoid syndrome
• Endocrine-related fatigue or metabolic dysfunction
• Hormonal causes of hypertension (e.g., adrenal or thyroid-related)
• Lipodystrophy syndromes
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN types 1 and 2)
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)

When should you see an endocrinologist?

In general, reasons to see an endocrinologist include if you have or suspect you have a hormonal imbalance or disorder or an issue with any of the endocrine system glands.

Additionally, an endocrinologist is a crucial expert to see if you have a metabolic health condition, such as diabetes. And they can also help you address fertility concerns.

Here are some signs you need to see an endocrinologist.

Diabetes and metabolic concerns

If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or latent-autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), an endocrinologist can help you manage your glucose (blood sugar) levels and more. You should see an endocrinologist if you experience the following:

• Your blood sugar remains high despite your current treatment.
• You have frequent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) episodes.
• You have obesity or metabolic syndrome and are having trouble managing these chronic conditions.

Thyroid issues

If you’ve ever thought, I need to see a thyroid doctor, then an endocrinologist is who you are looking for. An endocrinology appointment may be necessary if:

• Your lab work shows out-of-range levels of thyroid hormones.
• You’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid nodule, goiter, or cancer.
• You’re experiencing unexplained symptoms, such as weight gain or loss, fatigue, hair loss, temperature sensitivity (feeling hot or cold regularly), and more.

Pituitary or adrenal gland disorders

The pituitary gland is your “master gland,” located at your brain’s base. It controls and interacts with many of the other glands of the endocrine system. You have two adrenal glands, one located atop each kidney. A key function of the adrenals is their production of stress hormones, such cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). You may need to see an endocrinologist for these glands if:

• You’re experiencing unexplained changes in your energy levels, blood pressure, or body composition.
• You’ve been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor or suspect cortisol dysregulation, which could indicate Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease.

Reproductive and fertility issues

Fertility issues, menstrual cycle concerns, sexual dysfunction, and the menopause transition are all reasons you might also see an endocrinologist. Get checked out if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with or have symptoms consistent with PCOS, endometriosis, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
• You are entering the menopause transition and are experiencing symptoms.
• You have sexual dysfunction, whether female or male.
• You’re undergoing or considering gender-affirming care.

Bone and mineral disorders

You may not think of the field of endocrinology as dealing with your bones. But several hormones and glands control bone and mineral metabolism. Hormones help regulate how the body absorbs and stores key minerals, which are crucial for bone, nerve, and muscle health and function. You may need to see an endocrinologist if:

• You have bone density loss, osteoporosis, or frequent fractures.
• You’ve been diagnosed with abnormal calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.

Pediatric concerns

Pediatric endocrinologists can help with issues related to puberty, growth, and development. Your child may need to see an endocrinologist if:

• They’re experiencing early or delayed puberty.
• They display an unusual growth pattern (too slow or fast).
• They were born with a genetic hormonal condition, such as Turner or Klinefelter syndrome.

Potential signs of a hormonal imbalance or dysregulation

When you experience unexplained symptoms that you suspect are related to your hormones, you may need to see an endocrinologist. Get checked out if:

• You have unexplained fatigue.
• You experience sudden or unexpected changes in weight or appetite.
• You have mood swings, anxiety, or depression that may be tied to shifting hormones.
• You notice changes in your hair, skin, or nails.
• Your menstrual cycle has become irregular, absent, or different from your norm.

What to expect at your first endocrinologist appointment?

“Endocrinologists are very thorough specialists,” says Dr. Gibson. “During a first visit, they will take a very detailed history of your present illness and conduct a comprehensive physical examination.”

She adds, “Because they rely heavily on objective data, they will likely order laboratory tests and imaging studies relevant to the specific hormone condition. Treatment, which might involve suppressing, stimulating, or otherwise addressing the particular hormone imbalance, is typically discussed and offered to patients as well.”

How do endocrinologists work with other specialists?

Since your hormones and the glands that produce them affect nearly every area of the body, endocrinologists often must collaborate with other members of your care team to help address the complete picture of a symptom or condition.

“We often act as ‘detectives’ to diagnose specific conditions and then work with other specialists to coordinate treatment plans,” Dr. Gibson says. “For instance, we might work with gynecologists for patients experiencing reproductive or menstrual issues, cardiologists for hormone-related hypertension, or with neurosurgeons for patients with pituitary conditions.”

Key takeaways

• An endocrinologist is an expert physician specializing in endocrine glands and the hormones they produce.
• Endocrinologists help with issues in the areas of fertility, menopause, your menstrual cycle, metabolic health, and more. 
• If you need to see an endocrinologist, Allara can help. 

FAQ

What is the most common disease treated by an endocrinologist?

The most common disease endocrinologists treat is diabetes. However, other common conditions include thyroid disease and PCOS.

What does an endocrinologist do?

Endocrinologists are specialists in the endocrine system, which includes several glands and the hormones they produce.

Does an endocrinologist treat diabetes?

Yes, an endocrinologist is a key part of the care team for people who have diabetes.

Why would a person go to an endocrinologist?

You might see an endocrinologist if you are experiencing symptoms related to an endocrine system gland or the hormones they produce. Your hormones affect many facets of your health, including sleep, weight or body composition, fertility, metabolic health, and more.

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