Endocrinologists are medical experts who are experts in the field of endocrinology. They are responsible for dealing with problems that affect the parts of your body that produce hormones. Your hormones affect how you feel daily and impact your metabolism, growth, reproduction and sleep.
However, what reason would you have for visiting an endocrinologist instead of another healthcare provider? Let’s talk about the reasons and where you can find an endocrinologist Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch, FL.
1. You Notice Swelling or Nodules in Your Neck
Typically, your neck is not supposed to have any lumps. However, if this is happening it could be an indication of thyroid problems. Typically you would not know you have a problem unless your doctor notices this on an exam, or it is found coincidentally on a scan.
Thyroid nodules ar lumps or growths in an person’s thyroid gland which is at the base of their neck above the breastbone. In severe cases where they become quite large, they can cause breathing, swallowing, and voice problems.
Thyroid nodules can be due to several issues, such as a condition called thyroiditis or inflammation of your thyroid, they can affect the production of thyroxine , which is a hormone that your thyroid gland secretes. It may alsoindicate thyroid cancer.Thyroid nodules are more commonly seen in women than men. 90% of the time, thyroid nodules are not cancerous, but in order to determine the cause and if treatment is required, they need evaluation by an endocrinologist.
Factors that can also lead to thyroid nodules include X-rays or exposure to radiation in your head or neck, preexisting thyroid conditions such as thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, family history of thyroid cancer, and being over 60 years old.
2. You have have unexpected bone fractures, or collapsed vertebrae.
If your bones feel unnaturally tender or painful, it may be a sign of osteoporosis. Meaning “porous bone,” it is the most common bone disease.
Aside from weakness, it also increases the risk of fractures and may lead to bone loss. This disease is severe because it causes no other symptoms.
Age is a contributing factor to the development of osteoporosis. Other possible causes of this disease are:
- Family history
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Lack of regular exercise
- Steroids
- Bone cancer
- Low calcium intake
Once detected, an endocrinologist can stop the progression of osteoporosis with some treatments. These include:
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Medications
3. You Experience Extreme Hunger and Thirst
Increased hunger and thirst can be frustrating. It may also mean you have one of the three most common types of diabetes, which are:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that stops your pancreas from creating insulin. Type 2 diabetes causes insulin resistance and decreased insulin production over time. Gestational diabetes occurs during a woman’s pregnancy and significantly increases the risk for the developement of Type 2 diabetes.
You can manage diabetes by maintaining healthy glucose levels, exercising and following a healthy diet. You can reduce the risk of complications by managing blood pressure, lipids, and regular eye exams, foot care and lab work. An endocrinologist can help you to find the best medications and the latest treatments, to improve your diabetes control.
4. You Feel Sluggish, Tired, or Weak
You might have hypothyroidism if you often feel sluggish or too tired. These symptoms are caused by your metabolic rate slowing down and may develop over months or even years.
Hypothyroidism can result from several causes. One example is a condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Over time, hypothyroidism that isn’t treated, can lead to other health problems such as heart disease , goiter, or infertility.
Also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, it causes the body’s immune system to attack your thyroid gland.
Iodine deficiency is also another cause of hypothyroidism.
Fortunately, an endocrinologist can treat this condition. They can suggest prescription thyroid hormone replacement medication to compensate for decreased hormone production.
5. You Feel Shaky or Nervous
You may have hyperthyroidism if you often feel shaky or nervous. This condition causes increased thyroid production, can affect your mood, and make you restless.
Hyperthyroidism can result from other thyroid conditions, such as an autoimmune problem called Grave’s disease. It is also a hereditary condition that is more common in women.
Thyroid nodules are another cause of hyperthyroidism.
The treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the cause, but your endocrinologist can help you determine the right one. Your options include:
- Antithyroid medications
- Radioactive iodine
- Surgery to remove the thyroid gland
Consider visiting the best endocrinologists near you if you experience these things.
Best Endocrinologists Near You in Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch, FL
If you are looking for an endocrinologist near you, look no further than Intercoastal Medical Group. Our multi-specialty practice is home to a team of highly trained and qualified healthcare providers. We provide compassionate and competent care tailored to your needs.
To know more, call us today at (941) 379-1777 for our Beneva Professional Center location and (941) 538-0077 for our Lakewood Ranch II office. You can also fill out our convenient online form to request an appointment with an endocrinologist near you.
