quick facts about endocrinology

Endocrinology is the specialist branch of medicine that deals with the interplay of complex hormonal and associated metabolic disorders, which can have a profound influence on an individual's health and well-being.
A visit to the endocrinologist usually involves:
  • A detailed medical history
  • A thorough clinical examination related to the endocrine dysfunction being suspected and any other associated system
  • Plan any relevant blood and/or urine tests
  • Plan any imaging tests - ultrasound/ CT scans/ MRI scans/ Radio-isotope scans.
  • An explanation of your management plan.
Some endocrine or hormone-related problems can be diagnosed and managed by primary healthcare professionals (General Practitioners and their colleagues). 

An Endocrinologist can review you for an accurate diagnosis and a detailed treatment plan for your hormone-related health challenges. If your GP has identified an endocrine/metabolic disorder, a review by an Endocrinologist can help to manage your disorder and its associated conditions, as these conditions are often chronic (lifelong), complex, and can affect multiple organ systems.  A review by an endocrinologist is useful when a hormonal disorder becomes complex or atypical, or when standard therapies are not yielding appropriate results.

Get expert care for your hormone health. Endocrinologists are specialists who stay at the forefront of new treatments and clinical studies related to hormonal disorders. Don't wait to feel better—take the next step in your health journey.
Endocrine tests are designed to assess the structure and function of the endocrine gland in question.

Depending on which test you’re having, you may:
  • Require a blood test at any time or at a particular time of the day. 
  • Require several blood tests taken at regular intervals to better understand the pattern of a hormonal disorder.
  • Require an injection or a tablet or to drink a particular liquid to help facilitate the test.
  • Have to ‘fast’ for several hours before the test. 
  • Have to collect your urine - either over 24 hours or the first morning sample
  • Have to collect your saliva.
  • Undergo Ultrasound/CT scan/MRI scan/Radio-isotope scan of the endocrine organ being investigated.