Edocrionology

The endocrine system is the internal "control system" that keeps our body in balance (homeostasis). Hormones, to a large extent, determine our physical appearance, well-being or health. The first signs of endocrine dysfunction are often underestimated or incorrectly attributed to other diseases. We offer appropriate diagnostics and treatment method selection – and this allows a return to normal functioning in most cases.

What is exactly endocrinology and how can it help me?

Endocrinology is the field of medicine dealing with the internal secretion of hormones and the function of the glands that produce these hormones. Hormones are chemicals released into the bloodstream that determine the proper functioning of many organs in our bodies - hence, another name for the hormonal system – the endocrine system. The endocrine glands (organs) include:

• Thyroid
• Parathyroids
• Ovaries (female)
• Testicles (males)
• Adrenals
• Pancreas
• Pituitary gland.

What functions do hormones have in my body?

It is safe to say that hormones determine the quality of our daily lives. They have a number of significant functions in the body, and their role begins already in the womb – in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. They determine the proper development of the child, the course of growth and the maturation process. In the adult, they are responsible for, e.g.:

• Maintenance of normal body weight, appetite and metabolism
• Regulation of normal heart rate and blood pressure levels
• Appearance and quality of skin and hair
• Cholesterol levels
• Blood sugar levels
• Emotional states – mood, satisfaction
• Psychomotor performance, perception and reaction time
• Proper sleep
• Fertility
• Warm and cold sensations.

What are the symptoms of an endocrine disorder?

There are dozens of possible symptoms of endocrine dysfunction. Certainly, if they are recurrent and no other diagnostics have provided the desired answers, it is very likely that hormones are the cause of the abnormality.

One of the most common endocrine disorders is type II diabetes. It is estimated that by 2030, up to 4.5% of the world's population will suffer from it. Thyroid disease ranks second in endocrine problems. The most common symptoms of endocrine disorders are:

• Significant weight changes – rapid weight loss or weight gain
• Excessive hair loss, hair breakage or balding
• Fatigue, sluggishness, irritability, apathy, anxiety, mood swings
• Dizziness, headaches, visual disturbances
• Menstrual disorders, breast pain, breast discharge
• Sleep disorders – drowsiness or insomnia
• Dry skin, skin discolorations
• Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, hand tremor, heart failure
• Recurrent fluctuations in blood pressure 
• Chronic edema of the feet and hands
• Chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting
• Problems getting or keeping a pregnancy
• Abnormal response to temperature – feeling hot / feeling cold
• Excessive urination and thirst
• Excessive sweating
• Abnormalities of muscle or bone mass
• Osteoporosis or kidney stones.

How and what does an endocrinologist treat?

An endocrinologist is a specialist who comprehensively draws knowledge from a range of morphological, physiological, biochemical and even genetic tests. Some of the most common conditions treated in endocrinology clinics include:

• Thyroid diseases – hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease) and hyperthyroidism (Graves-Basedow's disease), tumors and goiters
• Pancreatic diseases – diabetes, endocrine tumors
• Adrenal diseases – adrenal tumors, hormonal hypertension, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal hyperactivity and hypoactivity, Addison's disease
• Pituitary diseases – pituitary tumors, pituitary hyperactivity or hypoactivity, uremia, SIADH (Schwartz-Bartter) syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, acromegaly, Cushing's disease
• Parathyroid diseases – hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, tetany
• Androgenic syndromes – baldness, excessive hair, acne
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Gonad/sex gland diseases – puberty disorders, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, andropause
• Male or female infertility.

Are you seeing any of the symptoms mentioned above in yourself and do not know the cause? Be sure to make an appointment with a good endocrinologist!

At our Tartaczna 2 Medical Center, we offer comprehensive access to professional diagnostics of endocrine diseases. You will able to benefit from the professional advice of an experienced specialist and undergo a full range of laboratory tests and ultrasound examinations of the thyroid, quickly and without queues. We hope to see you there!