Endocrinologist

Conditions Treated

• •Hypothyroidism — Underactive thyroid causing slow metabolism. Extremely common in India, especially in women.
• •Hyperthyroidism — Overactive thyroid producing excess hormones, speeding up metabolism.
• •Type 2 Diabetes (Complex) — Diabetes requiring specialist management — insulin initiation, pump therapy, or complications.
• •PCOD/PCOS — Polycystic ovary syndrome causing hormonal imbalance in women of reproductive age.
• •Osteoporosis — Weakening of bones due to calcium/vitamin D deficiency or hormonal changes.
• •Adrenal Disorders — Conditions affecting the adrenal glands — Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or Addison's disease (insufficient cortisol).

Health Tips

• •Take thyroid medication consistently at the same time daily
• •Get vitamin D and calcium levels checked annually
• •Manage stress — it directly affects hormones
• •Exercise regularly for hormonal balance
• •Don't take biotin supplements before thyroid blood tests
• •Avoid soy and calcium supplements within 4 hours of thyroid medication

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Bring all recent blood reports — thyroid panel, HbA1c, vitamin D, calcium, hormone levels
• •List all current medications with doses and timing
• •Note symptoms with dates — when they started, what makes them better or worse
• •Check if fasting is required for blood tests (usually yes for glucose, lipid panel)
• •Mention all symptoms, even those that seem unrelated — hormones affect multiple systems
• •Ask about medication timing — some hormones need to be taken at specific times
• •Discuss any weight changes, mood changes, or energy level changes
• •Ask about dietary supplements — some interfere with hormone medications
• •Take thyroid medication on empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before food
• •Schedule follow-up blood tests as recommended (usually every 6-12 weeks initially)
• •Monitor symptoms and note any changes for next visit
• •Don't change medication doses without consulting your doctor

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Is my thyroid medication dose correct?
• •Should I be tested for other hormonal imbalances?
• •What blood tests do I need and how often?
• •Can lifestyle changes reduce my medication?
• •Are my symptoms related to my hormones or something else?
• •What are the long-term risks if my condition isn't well-controlled?

When to See a Specialist

An Endocrinologist specializes in hormonal disorders affecting the thyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary, pancreas, and reproductive hormones. See one when hormone-related conditions aren't controlled by your GP.

• •Thyroid problems not controlled with medication
• •Diabetes requiring insulin or complex management
• •Unexplained weight gain or loss despite normal diet
• •Excessive fatigue with normal blood reports
• •PCOD/PCOS with hormonal imbalance
• •Calcium or vitamin D disorders
• •Growth problems in children
• •Adrenal gland disorders — Cushing's, Addison's

Seek emergency care for thyroid storm (rapid heartbeat, high fever, confusion) or adrenal crisis (severe weakness, low BP, vomiting).