Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the study of hormones. Hormones are critical for survival and imbalances can cause problems with body composition, muscle and bone strength, appetite and weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, salt and water balance, mood, energy, growth, hair growth, libido, and reproduction.

The main hormone-releasing glands are the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, and pancreas. We now understand that hormones are also released by muscle, bone, intestine and even fat cells.

Hormones are tightly regulated by complex feedback systems which sense how much the body needs and prompt release of more or less hormone just as it is required. Even small problems in the control of hormones can have major impacts on how we feel and function.

Important endocrine conditions:

• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes

• Obesity

• Thyroid problems such as Graves’ Disease and hypothyroidism

• Pituitary and adrenal gland disorders including tumours, hypopituitarism, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s Syndrome

• High blood pressure including endocrine hypertension caused by conditions such as primary aldosteronism

• Hyponatraemia and other problems with blood salts

• Bone and calcium metabolism issues including osteoporosis and hyperparathyroidism

• Male androgen deficiency, and male sexual difficulties including in men receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for prostate cancer

• Female reproductive disorders including PCOS, hirsutism, primary ovarian insufficiency, and menopausal symptoms

• Gender dysphoria including where gender-affirming hormone treatment is needed

• Neuroendocrine tumours