Endocrine-function related diseases such as diabetes, pituitary disorders, infertility, metabolic disorders, menopause, osteoporosis, and thyroid disorders are all on the rise. Estimates now suggest that 1 in every 10 Indians suffers from thyroid disorders. At Apollo Clinic Kolkata, we offer comprehensive services in the diagnosis, treatment and management of endocrine disorders.
What is Endocrinology?
Endocrinology is the branch of medicine and physiology that relates to the endocrine system. Our endocrine system is primarily a network of glands that produce and release hormones, which help control important body functions. The endocrine system influences the body’s ability to convert calories into energy, the paediatric growth of bones and tissues, even how the heart beats. When one or more of these glands don’t function properly, they cause hormonal imbalances thus leading to an endocrine disorder.
What is the first step?
The first step is to identify the signs and symptoms of endocrine diseases. Endocrine disorders have subtle symptoms and vary depending on the particular part of an endocrine system that is affected. Symptoms of some common endocrine disorders are:
Diabetes – excessive thirst or hunger, fatigue, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, unexplained weight loss or gain
Pituitary disorders – abnormally large lips, nose or tongue, hands or feet, body and joint aches, altered facial bone structure, deepening voice, fatigue and weakness, sexual dysfunction including decreased libido, sleep apnoea, vision impairment, overgrowth of bone and cartilage and thickening of skin
Addison’s disease – depression, diarrhoea, fatigue, headache, skin appears to be bronze colour, low blood glucose, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, missed menstrual periods, nausea, vomiting, craving for salt, unexplained weight loss, weakness
Cushing’s syndrome – fat between shoulder blades (buffalo hump), skin discoloration, fatigue, incessant thirst, osteoporosis, frequent urination, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, irritability and mood changes, rapid heart rate, tremors, red or thick skin on the shins, unexplained weight loss
Hyperthyroidism – diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, goitre, heat intolerance, irritability and mood changes, rapid heart rate, tremors, unexplained weight loss, weakness
Hypothyroidism – cold intolerance, constipation, decreased sweat production, dry hair, fatigue, goitre, slowed heart rate, joint and muscle pain, missed menstrual periods, swollen face, unexplained weight gain In some cases, endocrine disorders could be life-threatening. Hence, it is critical to seek immediate medical intervention if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
How can we help you?
At Apollo Clinic Kolkata, our team of expert endocrinologists provides ongoing evaluation, diagnoses and treatment for problems arising from hormone-secreting glands such as thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, ovaries, testes and adrenal glands. We also firmly believe that prevention is always better than cure and offer services designed to encourage primary prevention of endocrinology problems.
The diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders are led by laboratory tests. Most diseases are diagnosed through stimulation/excitation or suppression/inhibition endocrine tests. In this method, a stimulating agent is injected to test the functioning of hormones. A sample of the blood is then analysed to evaluate the changes of the important hormone or metabolites.
Our Endocrinology Centre’s laboratory is fully equipped with state-of-the-art investigation equipment such as radio imaging, radioimmunoassay, nuclear medicine and DEXA scan for detecting all kinds of endocrine disorders including:
- Diabetes – Type 1, 2 and Gestational
- Recognition and Management of Hypoglycemia
- Obesity management
- Bone Health and Osteoporosis
- Thyroid disorders, including thyroid during pregnancy
- Lipid disorders
- Reproductive disorders
- Growth disorders
- Pituitary disorders
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Addison’s disease
- Hormone replacement therapy
We also have dedicated dieticians to provide a lifestyle and diet advice for endocrine disorders including insulin information and education.
Apollo Support
At Apollo Clinic Kolkata’s Endocrinology Centre, we provide comprehensive care and non-invasive diagnostic services related to endocrine disorders. Our multidisciplinary team of committed adult and paediatric endocrine specialists, nurses, nutritionists, biochemists and radiologists work as one to provide best-in-class diagnostic evaluation and long-term management of endocrinology issues.