Endocrinology
Endocrinologists care for the glands that make hormones—chemicals that control your energy, growth, weight, mood, fertility and more. If your body needs help keeping these hormones in balance, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in endocrinology at St. Bernards Clopton Clinic.
Endocrine Conditions
Your St. Bernards endocrinologist can diagnose and treat conditions such as:
- Adrenal disorders, including Addison’s disease
- Bone diseases, including rickets disease, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and Paget’s disease of the bone
- Diabetes in people ages 14 and older
- Hypogonadism
- Parathyroid disorders, including hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism
- Thyroid diseases, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, thyroid nodules (lumps) and thyroiditis
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pituitary gland disorders, including Acromegaly, Cushing disease and pituitary tumors
Diabetes Care
If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough of the hormone insulin or can’t use it well. An endocrinologist will likely prescribe medications to help you treat this condition. Tell your doctor if you need help paying for your medications. St. Bernards will work with you to find and apply for financial assistance.
Your endocrinologist may also recommend:
- A continuous glucose monitor that’s placed under your skin to alert you when your blood sugar level goes too high or too low
- Diabetes education, which teaches you how to manage the condition
- An insulin pump, a wearable device that delivers insulin through a tube under your skin, so you need fewer needle sticks and injections
Osteoporosis Treatment
To treat osteoporosis, your endocrinologist may prescribe medicine that helps your bones stay strong or grow new bone. They also check your calcium and vitamin D levels and tell you how to get enough in your diet. St. Bernards also may recommend exercises to strengthen your bones. With regular tests, we'll check how your bones are doing and adjust the care plan as needed.
