What Does an Endocrinologist Treat?

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine dealing with hormone-producing glands and the metabolic processes they control. In Turkey, an endocrinologist first completes internal medicine training and then around three years of subspecialty training.

Glands and Conditions

• Thyroid: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, nodules, goitre, thyroid cancer follow-up
• Pancreas: diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, hypoglycaemia
• Parathyroid: high or low calcium
• Adrenal glands: Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, adrenal masses, hormonal hypertension
• Pituitary: adenomas, high prolactin, growth hormone disorders
• Ovaries and testes: PCOS, low testosterone, hirsutism

Metabolic conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency are also part of endocrinology. These often occur together, and the endocrinologist's role is to evaluate the whole picture.

When Should You See an Endocrinologist?

• High blood sugar or a strong family history of diabetes
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Persistent fatigue, cold intolerance, palpitations or tremor
• A neck swelling or a thyroid nodule on ultrasound
• High calcium on a blood test
• Hypertension starting at a young age or resistant to treatment
• Irregular periods, excess hair growth or breast discharge
• An incidental adrenal or pituitary mass on imaging
• Low bone density

What Happens at the Visit?

A detailed history, physical examination and relevant hormone tests, often best performed in the morning while fasting. Bring previous results and a list of medications. To book, visit our appointment page.