An endocrinologist is a doctor who specialises in treating patients with endocrine problems, including thyroid diseases. Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system and disorders such as thyroid, diabetes, osteoporosis, infertility and reproductive endocrinology, the immune system, autoimmune disease and other hormonal disorders.

 

Hormones regulate the growth of the human body. These when released by the various glands in the body result in the normal, healthy growth of human beings. On the other hand deficiency or excess of hormones can lead to aberrations in the growth pattern. As an endocrinologist you will treat patients with this form of abnormality. 

 

For example a child may exhibit symptoms of stunted growth. In this case you, as an endocrinologist, will have to first diagnose if this is the result of natural causes such as the genetic make up of the child or is it the result of a hormonal imbalance. Next you must investigate the causes for this imbalance. The reasons could be anything from a lack of hormone development to a dysfunctional gland. As an endocrinologist you will then decide how to go about it. The treatment could vary from just prescribing tablets and injections to complicated surgery.

 

However you must realise that an endocrinologist in effect is performing a function that the body was supposed to perform. So as an endocrinologist you have to be very careful about the kind of treatment you adopt. You will need to constantly follow up with your patients and ensure that there are no side effects. Too less of hormones will not be able to get the desired effect. Too much and you might end up with a 15 feet 15 year old!

 

The field of endocrinology is not restricted to treating tall and short people. As an endocrinologist you will also treat hormone related diseases such as thyroid disorders, diabetes and osteoporosis.