Endocrinology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders related to hormones.
Hormone production controls or regulates a number of bodily functions, including metabolism, respiration, reproduction and movement. Sometimes too much of a hormone can be produced (hypersecretion), and sometimes too little hormone can be produced (hyposecretion).
For instance, if the adrenal glands produce too little of their hormone, the result can be Addison’s disease or diabetes. When the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, metabolism can become accelerated and patients can develop an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia).
An endocrinologist specializes in balancing the body’s delicate hormone levels. Conditions that can be treated by an endocrinologist include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Cholesterol problems
- Menopause
- Metabolic disorders
- Thyroid disease
- Infertility
Low Testosterone?
A common condition treated by endocrinologists is low testosterone. As men age, it is common for their testosterone levels to decline.
Low testosterone can result in a number of symptoms, including:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Feeling run down
- Decreased mental quickness
- Irritability
- Depression
- Poor Sleep
- Decreasing strength and endurance
- Loss of muscle mass
- Fat accumulation
There are several treatment options available for men affected by low testosterone levels. An endocrinologist can develop a treatment plan that will help patients increase their testosterone and live a more fulfilling life.