Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the specialty that deals with hormonal disorders caused either by hormonal secretion imbalances (too many or too few hormones), or by tumors or nodules of the endocrine gland. The endocrine system produces o multitude of hormones that are essential for the correct functioning of the whole body, and endocrine disfunctions usually have a general impact, with signs and symptoms that can affect any organ.

The human endocrine glands are: adrenal glands, thyroid, parathyroid, pineal gland, pituitary gland, ovaries/testes, hypothalamus, thymus, pancreatic isthmus cells. The most common endocrine disorders are autoimmune thyroiditis and polycystic ovary syndrome, both being connected with feminine infertility. Endocrine symptoms vary depending on the gland involved, yet patients often complain of fatigue.

Many endocrine disorders start with a subclinical stage, in which the disease symptoms are not obvious, but in which hormonal investigations reveal the diagnosis. Early detection and treatment at this stage prevent complications and severe symptoms due to hormonal imbalance, maintaining the patient’s quality of life.

During the endocrinology consultations the following are assessed:

• Thyroid diseases – Hashimoto autoimmune thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease, thyroid goiter, thyroid nodules and tumors
• hyper/hypoparathyroidism
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• hormonal menstrual disorders
• hormonal imbalances leading to infertility
• excessive pilosity and hirsutism
• Addison’s disease
• Cushing syndrome
• gigantism and dwarfism
• precocious puberty
• menopause

On top of all these there is also the Thyroid ultrasound echography that can be performed at TOP-DERM CLINICS. The accuracy of this investigation is also given by the use of cutting-edge-equipment, Voluson S8t, produced by General Electric, the healthcare world leader.