Endocrinology

Overview

The most common endocrine problems include thyroid disease, diabetes and insulin resistance, adrenal and pituitary disorders, infertility of hormonal origin, and menopausal symptoms.

When should you see an endocrinologist?

Hormonal imbalances often develop slowly and insidiously, and their symptoms can resemble other illnesses.
It is worth asking for an endocrine assessment if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• sudden weight change (gaining or losing weight for no reason),
• fatigue, exhaustion, drowsiness,
• a rapid heartbeat, palpitations,
• hair loss, dry skin, heavy sweating,
• unexplained anxiety, irritability, mood swings,
• menstrual problems, infertility,
• increased thirst, frequent urination, signs pointing to diabetes,
• difficulty losing weight, a diet that has stalled,
• intolerance of cold or heat,
• an enlarged thyroid, swelling in the neck.

An endocrine check-up is advised even without symptoms if:

• there is a family history of thyroid disease, diabetes or autoimmune disease,
• you are planning a pregnancy, have PCOS, or are having fertility investigations,
• you are overweight or have insulin resistance, or high cholesterol or blood fat levels,
• you have hormonal changes related to the menopause.

Recognising hormonal conditions early prevents lasting metabolic and cardiovascular complications.

The most common types of endocrine and metabolic disorders

Thyroid diseases

• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): tiredness, weight gain, depression, feeling cold, dry skin.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): weight loss, rapid pulse, trembling, nervousness.
• Nodules, inflammation (Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease): with fluctuating symptoms.

Diabetes and insulin resistance

A disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that, over time, can cause heart, blood vessel and nerve complications. Typical symptoms: tiredness, binge eating, weight gain, abdominal obesity.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)

A hormonal condition that can involve cycle irregularities, acne, increased hair growth and insulin resistance.

Adrenal disorders

Disorders of hormone production that can cause low blood pressure, exhaustion, problems with salt balance or, conversely, an exaggerated stress response.

Pituitary disorders

They can cause menstrual problems, hormonal infertility, headaches or loss of part of the field of vision.

Hormonal changes around the menopause

Hot flushes, sleep problems, mood swings, weight changes – treatment can ease them considerably.

Possible causes of endocrine and metabolic disorders

There are often several factors behind them:

• genetic predisposition,
• autoimmune processes,
• stress and psychological strain,
• poor diet and lack of exercise,
• obesity and the insulin resistance it causes,
• hormone-disrupting substances in the environment,
• hormonal changes that come with pregnancy.

The hormone system is extremely sensitive, so even a small imbalance can cause significant symptoms.

What happens at an endocrinology appointment

The assessment starts with a detailed interview: the specialist maps out your symptoms, past illnesses, family history and lifestyle factors.
This is followed by a physical examination, which often includes feeling the thyroid, measuring blood pressure and analysing body composition.

If needed, the following tests are done to refine the diagnosis:

• Hormone tests (thyroid, sex hormones, adrenal and pituitary hormones),
• Glucose and insulin tolerance tests, HbA1c,
• Abdominal and thyroid ultrasound,
• Autoimmune markers,
• Metabolic panel (cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function).

The tests are quick and gentle, and give a highly reliable picture of your hormonal balance.

How to prepare for your endocrinology appointment

• Bring your previous laboratory results, ultrasound reports and a list of your medicines.
• Blood tests often need to be done on an empty stomach (we will let you know in advance).
• Only change how you take your medicines if a doctor tells you to.

Why choose the endocrinology clinic at Sabjanics Medical Center?

Outstanding expertise: highly experienced endocrinologists with modern diagnostic support.
Personalised treatment: we design treatment around each patient’s individual hormonal pattern.
Empathetic, discreet setting: we pay special attention to understanding sensitive, complex problems.
Comprehensive care: we are with our patients all the way, from diagnosis to long-term follow-up.

Without hormonal balance there is no real wellbeing, vitality or quality of life — and we will help you find the causes and the solution.

Do you have hormonal or metabolic complaints?
Would you like a comprehensive endocrine assessment?
Contact us with confidence – we will help you regain your balance and well-being!