TREATMENT - ENDOCRINOLOGY
WHAT DOES ENDOCRINOLOGY DEAL WITH?
Endocrinology investigates the communication among cells, tissues and organs and how this communication is regulated and controlled by the body.
More specifically, endocrinology focuses on the diseases of the endocrine system: the thyroid and the parathyroid gland, the adrenal gland, the pituitary gland, the ovary, the testicles and the pancreas.
This system securing the balance of the body is a very complex one, as it has a nervous systemic and an endocrine component; while these components have a high level of integration on their own, they also interact with one another and other systems as well, and this complex coordination organizes the functions that are indispensable for the sustenance of the organism.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK THE HELP OF AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
The most frequent symptoms are the following:
- lesions or enlargements of the thyroid gland
- functional disorders of the thyroid gland during pregnancy
- endocrine disorders, hormonal problems
- constipation
- high blood pressure
- palpitation
- weight gain, weight loss
- kidney stone formation
- diabetes mellitus
- sleeping disorder
- vertigo
- nipple discharge
- hair loss
- sweating
- diarrhoea
Endocrinology treatment may also be necessary if a traditional therapy has failed. Therefore an endocrinologist who usually works together with a number of other professionals is the best choice when you experience a variety of symptoms.
WHAT ARE HORMONES?
Endocrine glands produce hormones; these molecules, transported by our blood, act distant from their site of production.
They are responsible for the regulation of many physiological processes, such as digestion, blood production, the function of sensory organs, mood manipulation and behavioural activities.
Hormones play an important role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, they affect cellular growth, development, heart and renal function, the skeletal system and the reproductive processes.
According to the function they have 3 major categories:
- Maintaining metabolism
- Cellular growth and differentiation
- Reproduction
One of the most important functions of the endocrine system is to maintain the balance of metabolism. Essential hormones in this category are the insulin produced by the pancreatic islets, the thyroid hormones, the cortisol produced by the adrenal gland and the parathormone produced by the parathyroid gland that controls calcium levels in the blood.
The process of growth and differentiation fall under the category of children’s endocrinology, but this system also has pathological conditions in adulthood that may affect the whole organism.
Another very important issue is reproduction; today, as levels of childlessness increase this topic attracts more and more attention. Reproductive disorders are often caused by the decreased integrity of the endocrine system.
WHEN IS IT LIKELY THAT THE HORMONES ARE THE CULPRIT?
Often generic problems, such as fatigue, can be caused by endocrinologic problems. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should always consider consulting an expert.
Mood swings, malaise, palpitation, sudden weight gain or weight loss, hair and skin problems (acne, hair loss), untimely puberty, increased growth of bodily hair, menstruation problems, impotence or insomnia may all be the signs of hormonal problems.
We can safely say that these symptoms may cover the entire spectrum of internal medicine.
WHAT ARE THE DISEASES OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM?
We can speak about the diseases of the hormonal system when the functioning of the hormones do not meet the needs of the organism. It can mean underactivity (when there are not enough produced) or overactivity (when the body produces too many hormones). Also, a previously sufficiently functioning hormone may lose its effectivity, and the body need to produce an increasing amount of the same hormone to achieve the necessary biological effect (hormone resistance). Benign and malignant tumours may also develop in the endocrine glands, which may cause the enlargement of the glands or a palpable nodule therein.
HOW CAN WE DIAGNOSE A SUSPECTED DISEASE OF THE ENDORCINE SYSTEM?
If during the medical history taking and the physical examination the physician suspects a hormonal disease, lab test or imaging exams may be necessary.
Timing is of the essence when performing hormonal examinations are performed. The time of the day and other factors also need to be taken into consideration: depending on the menstruation cycle or certain medication, the optimal timing for the blood test may vary.
In many cases the ultrasound examination of the organ is the best option out of the imaging exams, but often other radiology methods, CT, MR, radioisotope scan, or invasive methods may also be necessary. In certain cases aspiration cytology biopsy may be needed.
CONSULT WITH OUR EXPERTS SO WE CAN HELP YOU!
Choose us and minimize the waiting time for treatment. We can give you an appointment at the earliest convenience.
OUR PHYSICIANS
DR. BALÓ TÍMEA
Internist, endocrinologist
ENDOCRINOLOGY PRACTICE PRICES:
- Endocrinology consultation: 40 000 Ft
- Ultrasound scan prescribed at endocrinology consultation: 35 000 Ft
- Recipe writing 7 000 Ft
