6 Signs You Should See an Endocrinologist
Consider seeing an endocrinologist if you have symptoms like dark patches of skin or excessive thirst.
Diabetes, hypothyroidism and acanthosis nigricans are all conditions an endocrinologist can diagnose.Your body's hormonal system is a delicate and complex network that impacts many aspects of your health. From energy levels to metabolism, mood to reproduction, hormones play a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly. When something goes awry in the hormone department, your body may show subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs that it's time to call in a specialist. That's where an endocrinologist comes in.
Endocrinologists are medical experts in hormones and the glands that produce them, like the thyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands. If you're dealing with unexplained health concerns and aren't sure where to turn, understanding the signs that may indicate seeing an endocrinologist could make all the difference. We asked health experts to share red flags that might mean it's time to book an appointment. Keep reading to find out more about these six signs.
Feeling tired now and then is normal, especially after a busy day or a poor night's sleep. But if you're constantly battling low energy and fatigue that doesn't improve no matter how much rest you get, it could be a sign of an underlying hormonal issue.
One potential cause is hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), which slows your metabolism, leading to exhaustion, weight gain and sluggishness. Another potential cause? 'Chronic fatigue and abdominal pain could indicate Addison's disease, which is a lack of cortisol production by the adrenal glands, and is best worked up by an endocrinologist,' cautions Austin Shuxiao, M.D.
An endocrinologist can assess whether your thyroid is functioning properly through specific blood tests that measure hormone levels, such as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). Ignoring persistent fatigue can have long-term implications, so seeking professional guidance from a specialist is crucial if this symptom is disrupting your daily life.
Have you noticed a drastic change in your weight, either a gain or loss, without altering your diet or exercise routine? 'Unexplained weight changes, whether sudden gain or loss, can be a sign that something more than diet and activity level is at play,' explains Lisa Young, P.h.D., RD. 'If you're eating consistently and staying active but your weight shifts dramatically, it may point to an underlying hormonal issue,' adds Young.
'Conditions like thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance or adrenal imbalances can all affect how your body stores fat, burns energy and regulates appetite,' explains Young. 'An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can slow metabolism, leading to weight gain, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may result in unintentional weight loss. These imbalances can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight despite your best efforts, and may warrant a closer look by an endocrinologist.'
With the stresses we experience in everyday life, feeling 'moody' can be normal on occasion. But if you are feeling 'mood swings' on a daily basis, hormones may be to blame. Conditions like thyroid disorders, menopause or adrenal gland dysfunction might be linked to frequent mood swings, anxiety or even depression. If these emotional changes seem to come out of nowhere, an endocrinologist may help you find the underlying cause.
Menstrual irregularities, like infrequent periods, heavy bleeding or skipped cycles, could indicate hormonal concerns and may warrant a visit to an endocrinologist. These might be symptoms of an underlying issue like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a thyroid disorder or other hormonal concerns that can impact overall health and fertility.
Some symptoms warrant a visit to a reproductive endocrinologist, an endocrinologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating hormonal and fertility-related conditions. You may consider visiting a reproductive endocrinologist if you face persistent menstrual irregularities, such as those previously mentioned, or if you have been trying to conceive without success for more than 12 months (or 6 months if you are over 35 years old). Additionally, conditions like recurrent miscarriages, a history of pelvic infections or structural abnormalities of the reproductive organs are strong indicators that a specialist's evaluation may be necessary.
Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine-related concerns, caused by issues with insulin production or insensitivity. Symptoms like excessive thirst may signal diabetes or pre-diabetes. This occurs because high blood sugar levels lead to an increased concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. When the kidneys cannot reabsorb all this excess sugar, it is excreted in urine, along with significant amounts of water. This increased urination causes the body to lose fluids, triggering the sensation of thirst as the body attempts to replenish its water balance. If left unmanaged, these conditions may lead to serious complications affecting your heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Persistent dry mouth (xerostomia), especially when it's not linked to medications or hydration, is another related condition that may be a sign you need to see an endocrinologist, according to Sandip Sachar, DDS. 'Diabetes affects saliva production and increases the risk for gum disease, delayed healing and oral infections, adds Sachar. 'If I notice dry mouth in conjunction with other oral signs like frequent gum abscesses or slow healing after dental procedures, I might recommend the patient get evaluated by their primary care physician or an endocrinologist to rule out diabetes or other systemic conditions.'
'You should consider seeing an endocrinologist if you notice dark, thick, velvety patches of skin, especially in areas like the neck, armpit or groin,' explains Brittany Brown, RD, IBCLC, CDE. 'This skin change is called acanthosis nigricans, and can be an early sign of insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances.' Brown adds that this condition may point to a higher risk of developing diabetes or another endocrine condition, and early intervention can make a big difference for your health.
Hormonal health is a pillar of overall wellness, but the signs that something is off can be easy to overlook or attribute to unrelated factors. Whether you're dealing with drastic changes in energy, mood, weight, or appearance, an endocrinologist has the expertise to uncover and treat the root cause. "If you feel like something's not right, push for answers. Hormonal problems are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, especially in women,' explains Ken Berry, M.D.
If you recognize any of these signs in your life, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Catching and managing hormonal imbalances early may improve your quality of life and promote long-term health. Your body knows when something is wrong— listen to it, and get the care your body deserves.
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