When Patients Need To Seek Help From An Endocrinologist In Conroe TX

By Francis Riggs


An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in a variety of diseases related to the hormone secreting glands. Primary physicians often refer their patients to this type of specialist when they are suffering with an imbalance of hormones. Thyroid disorders and diabetes are two of the most common problems that patients need help with when seeking out an endocrinologist in Conroe TX.

To become an endocrinologist, candidates will undergo up to a decade of training. These individuals complete four years of medical school after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Medical school graduates must complete three to four years of residency before applying for a state license to practice medicine.

Hormones are responsible for regulating a wide range of physiological processes. These include reproduction, growth, metabolism, and food absorption. The production of hormones also helps people respond to the environment and provides the energy necessary to function properly.

The endocrine system consists of many glands located in various parts of the body. The hypothalamus, ovaries, thyroid, thymus, adrenals, testes, and pituitary are some of those glands. The glands in this system introduce hormones directly into the blood stream for delivery to target organs elsewhere in the body. The exocrine system is different because it feeds hormones directly to an organ through a duct.

An endocrinologist restores hormone balances to normal levels in individuals who need it. The type of disease dictates the treatment necessary. In some case, the patient needs more hormones while in others the patient has too much. Certain medications can replace hormones or prevent the appropriate gland from producing too much. Dietary changes are often effective for treating people with these disorders.

Diabetics will often see the endocrinologist to help regulate their blood sugar level. Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body does not receive enough insulin from the pancreas to control sugar consumed in foods. The high levels of sugar cause damage to other organs. Prescription medications or insulin injections regulate blood sugar levels. Patients can help the condition by reducing the amount of sugar they consume.

Patients with thyroid disorders may suffer from thyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low. Individuals with insufficient thyroid hormone develop numerous symptoms that may include fatigue, constipation, dry skin, aches in the muscles and joints, fluid retention, or depression. Women may experience excessive menstrual bleeding. Endocrinologists often prescribe synthetic hormone replacement to correct this disorder.

Having too much thyroid hormone in the body can lead to tremors, weight loss, excessive sweating, and an inability to tolerate heat. Patients with this condition often have a rapid heart rate and may feel nervous or anxious. Antithyroid medication keeps the thyroid from producing too much hormone. Symptom relief with this treatment can occur in one to eight weeks after beginning treatment.

Endocrinologists can help patients with many other diseases besides diabetes and thyroid disorders. They may work closely with gynecologists to treat infertility or manage menopause symptoms. Many endocrine disorders require life-long care, which requires an effective relationship between physician and patient.




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