ENDOCRINOLOGY

The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, which travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, and control most of our body’s major systems.

The endocrine system regulates our heart rate, metabolism – how the body gets energy from the foods we eat – appetite, mood, sexual function, reproduction, growth and development, sleep cycles, and more. When the glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, diseases develop that can affect many aspects of life.

Certain hormones can increase blood pressure and raise levels of lipids (blood fats—cholesterol and triglycerides) which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

The thyroid gland has a direct impact on metabolism. Thyroid conditions can cause weight gain or loss, impact energy levels and impact your overall well-being.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to fracture. Hormonal conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hypercortisolism, or hyperprolactinemia can lead to osteoporosis.

Adrenal disorders can affect blood pressure, kidney function and metabolism.

Pituitary disorders and tumors can affect growth as well as most of the major hormonal functions.

Gender dysphoria is the distress related to sex assigned at birth not matching gender identity. Learn more about Masculinizing Hormone Therapies and Feminizing Hormone Therapies.

Diabetes has an impact on blood sugar levels and insulin production. Diabetes affects around 26 million Americans, with an additional 79 million suffering from prediabetes. Patients with diabetes need to understand their treatment options and the lifestyle changes that will help them manage the disorder and avoid long-term health impacts. The main goal of glucose control in diabetes is to prevent diabetes complications such as eye, kidney, nerve and circulatory problems. Diabetes treatment has improved over the years due to innovative technologies.

Blood Glucose Meters (Self-Monitoring)

Insulin Pumps. Insulin pumps deliver small doses of insulin in a steady measured dose (basal rate) and also “on demand” (bolus dose) around mealtimes.

Continuous Glucose Monitors. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measures glucose levels in the fluid between body cells every few minutes throughout the day and night. Commonly used CGMs include:

• FreeStyle Libre (or Flash CGM)

• Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring

• Guardian Connect system

• Eversense CGM system

Automated Insulin Delivery (Closed-Loop: Artificial Pancreas). The nickname for these closed-loop systems is “artificial pancreas.” The main functionality of the artificial pancreas would mimic a human pancreas delivering the exact dose of insulin as needed automatically.