Key takeaways
- Endocrinologists treat hormone and metabolism problems.
- Hard-to-control diabetes and thyroid problems are common reasons to go.
- Weight gain that does not respond to effort can be hormonal.
- Some insurance plans need a referral first.
Your primary care doctor handles many health issues well. But some problems need a specialist in hormones and metabolism. Here are eight signs it may be time to see an endocrinologist.
- Your diabetes is hard to control. Your A1C stays high, you have frequent lows, or you need insulin.
- Your thyroid tests are abnormal or you still feel unwell on thyroid medicine.
- You have a lump in your neck or a thyroid nodule on a scan.
- You are gaining weight despite real effort, or want medical weight loss.
- Your periods are irregular, or you have signs of PCOS like acne and extra hair growth.
- Your calcium is high on a blood test, which can point to a parathyroid problem.
- You broke a bone from a minor fall or have low bone density.
- A scan found an adrenal nodule, or you have high blood pressure with low potassium.
What to bring to your first visit
Bring your medicine list, recent labs, scan reports and a list of questions. This helps your endocrinologist start with the full picture.
Next step
Learn more on our page about Endocrinology care in Chicago, or get in touch to request a visit.
From the practice of Dr. Mahwash Siddiqui, MD, DABOM, FACE
Triple board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist in Chicago. This article is for general education and is not medical advice.