Akron General offers treatment
for the most common endocrine diseases and disorders,
which include:
Diabetes
Patients with diabetes don't
produce enough insulin resulting in too much sugar
in their blood, which can result in problems in
the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Endocrinologists
treat diabetes with diet and medications, including
insulin. Patients may also be referred to Akron
General's Diabetes Center for education in managing
the disorder.
Diabetes
Center
Thyroid
Patients with thyroid disorders
often have problem with energy levels, as well
as muscle strength, emotions, weight control and
hot/cold tolerance. Endocrinologists treat patients
with too much or too little of the thyroid hormones
by helping patients reach a hormonal balance.
Osteoporosis and Bone disorders
Osteomalacia (which causes bones
to soften) and osteoporosis (which causes bones
to weaken) are often caused by a drop of the level
of the hormones that protect bone tissue. Menopause,
loss of testicle function and aging may create
a risk for bone fractures.
Reproduction and Infertility
Endocrinologists diagnose and
treat the precise hormone imbalance that causes
infertility, and also assess and treat patients
with reproductive problems based in glands. They
treat patients who need hormone replacement, including
those with menopause symptoms, irregular periods,
endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, premenstrual
syndrome and impotence.
Obesity and Overweight
Endocrinologists treat patients
who are overweight or obese, often because of
metabolic and hormonal problems. Thyroid, adrenal,
ovarian and pituitary disorders can cause obesity.
Endocrinologists also identify factors linked
with obesity such as insulin resistance and genetic
problems.
Pituitary gland disorders
The pituitary is often called
the master gland of the body because it controls
other glands, and the pituitary makes several
vital hormones. Over or under production of pituitary
hormones can lead to infertility, menstrual disorders,
growth disorders and overproduction of cortisol
(Cushing's syndrome). Endocrinologists control
these conditions with medications and refer patients
who need surgery.
Growth disorders
Adults with growth hormone deficiency
can experience emotional and psychological distress
as well as fatigue. Safe and effective growth
hormone replacement therapy is available for people
with abnormal growth.
Hypertension
About 11 percent of people with
hypertension have too much aldosterone, a hormone
produced in the adrenal glands. Approximately
half of these cases are caused by growths that
can be removed by surgery.
Lipid (cholesterol) disorders
Patients with lipid disorders
have trouble maintaining normal levels of fat
in their blood. Hypertension is common in people
with lipid disorders, which can put patients at
higher risk for coronary heart disease. Endocrinologists
are trained to detect factors that may be related
to lipid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, steroid
use, or genetic or metabolic conditions. Lipid
disorders can be found in several conditions that
require special management, including metabolic
syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity.
Special diets, exercise and medications may be
prescribed to manage lipid disorders.
