Endocrinology is the study of hormones. Hormones are important chemicals that control and co-ordinate many of the body’s functions and are essential for our every day survival. An Endocrinologist is a specialty doctor that treats conditions that are caused by problems with hormones.
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Literature on this site is for information purposes only, please do not use it to self-diagnose or any form of self-treatment. We recommend that you see a registered healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment plan.
Examples of tests done in Endocrinology
If cortisol in your blood is low or your symptoms strongly suggest Addison’s disease, you’ll need to have a synacthen stimulation test to confirm the diagnosis.
Synacthen is a synthetic copy of a hormone naturally made by the body to stimulate the adrenal glands to release steroid hormones.
You will have a blood test to check the level of cortisol before being given an injection of Synacthen and then 2 more blood tests will be done at 30 and 60 minutes after the injection.
Depending on the levels measured – a diagnosis of Addison’s can be either made or ruled out.
There are a number of blood tests that can check for problems with the endocrine system:
TSH/T4 are thyroid functions tests that can check how well the thyroid is functioning and can tell if it is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism).
HBA1C /GTT (glucose tolerance test) are tests that can be done to check for diabetes.
FSH,LH, Prolactin, testosterone are tests that can be done to check reproductive hormone levels. These are useful in diagnosing menopause, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and can be part of a fertility investigation.
Dexamethasone is a steroid hormone made in the body which can inhibit the production of cortisol.
In patients with Cushing’s syndrome, the cortisol production is not inhibited.
A blood test is done to measure cortisol levels before administration of dexamethasone and then after the injection.
If cortisol levels remain high despite the dexamethasone this is an indicator of Cushing’s syndrome.
This is the gold standard investigation to establish a diagnosis of acromegaly or gigantism.
This
test is also used to assess response to medical/surgical treatment of acromegaly.
This test measures the amount of metanephrines in your urine that your body makes over a 24-hour period.
Metanephrines are sometimes called “fight or flight” hormones. These include noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine.
This test is done to check for a tumour on the adrenal glands called a phaeochromocytoma.
Ultrasound, MRI and CT scans can be useful in diagnosing tumours of the pituitary gland in the brain, adrenal gland tumours and thyroid tumours.
The consultant will ask you to describe your symptoms and concerns and take a medical history.
The consultant will carry out an appropriate physical examination.
The consultant will arrange appropriate tests and investigations such as blood tests and imaging.
I completed CCT in Diabetes & Endocrinology and General Medicine from Manchester deanery. Also completed MD in Clini...
Dr Chahal qualified from St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London School of Medicine in 2001. He trained in endocrino...
Dr Siva Sivappriyan is a leading consultant physician in diabetes and endocrinology and honorary senior lecturer at ...
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