An endocrinologist helps patients understand and manage hormone-related conditions. They assess your symptoms and medical history to diagnose your condition and prescribe medication. Here is when to see an endocrinologist:
Aging
An endocrinologist can help you manage age-related hormonal changes, such as decreased estrogen, growth hormones, and melatonin. Doctors prescribe customized bioidentical hormone therapy, which involves introducing hormones that are chemically or structurally similar to those produced by your body. This helps your body accept new hormones, slowing aging symptoms, restoring hormonal balance, and improving skin health.
Depression
Depression often causes poor moods and a loss of interest in activities. Symptoms usually include chronic tiredness, social isolation, and overwhelming feelings of fear. Endocrinologists help patients manage emotional and physical responses to depression by conducting blood tests to identify hormonal imbalances. Paired with a psychiatric consultation, your doctor can create a hormone replacement therapy plan that works in collaboration with professional therapy or psychiatric services.
Low Energy Levels
Hormonal imbalances can lead to frequent exhaustion. Feeling drained without undergoing significant physical activity often indicates a hormonal imbalance. Thyroxin, produced by the thyroid, increases your metabolic rate. Its deficiency lowers your energy levels and causes hair loss and memory lapse. Excessive thyroxin production results in anxiety and restlessness.
Cortisol and melatonin are involved in sleep management. Imbalances in these hormones may limit your sleep, causing energy drops and daytime tiredness. Your doctor assesses your symptoms to create a customized fatigue management plan.
Poor Sleep
Endocrinologists treat sleep disorders resulting from endocrine system problems. Imbalances in cortisol, melatonin, and estrogen affect sleeping patterns. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause mood shifts and fatigue, interfering with your sleep cycle. Melatonin is released in your body in response to darkness to trigger sleep. Its production lowers with age, leading to insomnia. Cortisol production increases during anxiety and stress. High cortisol levels in the blood prevent you from falling or staying asleep. Your doctor treats poor sleep through prescription pills and cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps restructure the feelings and thoughts that cause insomnia.
Low Sex Drive
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder involves the loss of sexual interest over time. Low libido often results from exhaustion, anxiety, and inadequate exercise. Your sex drive is also influenced by dopamine, oxytocin, estrogen, and testosterone. Doctors perform physical exams to determine the cause of low libido. Some causes include hormone imbalances, chronic illness, or cancer.
Doctors conduct pelvic exams to look for signs of disease in your reproductive organs. Blood tests allow them to detect sex hormone levels, high cholesterol, liver disorders, diabetes, and thyroid problems. These common issues may result in a diminished sex drive. Hormone therapy may be recommended to balance your body’s sex hormones and restore libido. Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes like improved diet, increased exercise, or eliminating substance use.
Visit an Endocrinologist Today
Endocrinologists provide treatments to combat the effects of hormone depletion. Their services include sleep management, energy restoration, and hormonal regulation. Endocrinologists may also treat chronic illnesses like diabetes and osteoporosis. Contact a reputable endocrinologist today to learn more about their services.
