How many hours does and endocrinologist put in?

Answer 1

If you have a hormonal disorder like Diabetes or a thyroid problem, chances are you see an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists care for patients with complex hormonal disorders and metabolic conditions. Other common endocrine problems include metabolic bone disease, pituitary and adrenal conditions, osteoporosis, growth disorders, and lipid and nutritional disorders.

Simply put, endocrinology is the study of endocrine glands - a group of glands in the body, which secrete hormones, evoking specific responses in other cells of the body and control basic bodily functions such as metabolism, growth and sexual development. These hormones travel to their target organs and cells and then bind to receptors either on cell surfaces or inside the cell. This results in a change in the activity of those cells. Endocrine responses are relatively slow, taking from seconds to days to occur.

The amount of hormones produced by each gland is carefully balanced. Too much or too little of a certain hormone can have effects throughout the body and cause various endocrine disorders. For example, in Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce any insulin, thereby requiring the diabetic to inject the insulin hormone into their body in order to regulate and maintain balance in the endocrine system.

Endocrinologists are trained to recognize problems with hormones and restore the natural balance of hormones in a patient's system. In addition, endocrinologists conduct research on the basic and clinical aspects of endocrine glands and disorders. They also provide treatment for a wide range of functions and disorders of the endocrine system, including metabolism, hormonal imbalances, menopause, osteoporosis and cholesterol disorders. Endocrinologists also develop new drugs and treatments for hormonal disorders.

Among the most common illnesses associated with endocrine disorders are diabetes and hypothyroidism, which can cause hormonal imbalances such as obesity, immune problems, kidney failure, fertility problems and even Heart disease and cancer. Endocrinologists help many of their patients treat their disorders and diseases with medication and proper diet. They also educate people and recommend exercise and other lifestyle health choices.