Who is an Endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists (اینڈو کرینولوجسٹ) are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hormone-related issues. They not only have to cater to the underlying issue causing the disruption in hormone production but also manage the resultant complications as well.
Since hormones control major processes in the body, even slight deregulation in their production has grave implications for health. Hence, endocrinologists play an important role in improving the well-being of such patients.
Endocrinologists are physicians and thus use conservative and non-invasive treatment options.
When should you see an Endocrinologist?
Most people end up visiting an endocrinologist at the referral of their primary care physicians.
People suffering from already diagnosed problems also need to periodically visit their endocrinologist to stay on top of their disease. Moreover, those suffering from adrenal disorders and certain cancers also need the help of an endocrinologist.
Patients having problems controlling diabetes also need to see a hormone specialist (ماہرہارمون), as uncontrolled diabetes affects the nerves, eyes, kidneys and thus is a dangerous state to be in.
Similarly, one should visit an endocrinologist if they have thyroid disorder, in which either the gland is under or over producing the hormone. Follow-up care is also dispensed by these specialist doctors when there are changes within the body, as is the case with certain diseases and conditions like pregnancy. The doctor in such cases might need to review your treatment.
Although osteoporosis is generally related to aging, it may also be caused by hormonal changes in the body, in which case, the disease is overseen by an endocrinologist.
Similarly, women suffering from PCOS (پی سی اوز) might also need to visit an endocrinologist, as it too steps from hormonal issues. In men, low levels of testosterone are a cause for serious concern. Leading to impaired sexual health, infertility etc., this condition needs to be remedied by hormone-specialist doctors.
Cancer can also strike any of the endocrine glands, in which case, an endocrinologist has to manage the disease and the hormonal changes that it brings.
What are an Endocrinologist’s main areas of concern?
Endocrinologists are involved in the disease diagnosis, for which they have to run several tests alongside conducting a physical exam like checking heart rate etc.
They are also involved in disease treatment and management, with latter being more often the case.
Some of the diseases that come under the domain of an endocrinologist include adrenal disorders, diabetes, growth disorders, lipid disorders, metabolic abnormalities, obesity, osteoporosis, thyroid dysfunction, sexual dysfunction and fertility issues.
What are the most common endocrine diseases in Pakistan?
There are multiple health challenges facing the field Pakistan with regards to endocrine disorders. Dearth of substantial data has resulted in lack of proper treatment guidelines. Issues pertaining to women’s health and fertility are especially under-reported, due to the stigma attached to them.
Moreover, public awareness also is sorely lacking with regards to endocrine disorders, perpetuating the crisis. Following is the roundup of top endocrinology disorders as observed in Services Hospital, Lahore.
|
Disease
|
Percentage of Patients Affected
|
|
Diabetes Mellitus
|
65.72%
|
|
Hypoglycemia
|
15.24%
|
|
Hyperthyroidism
|
4.76%
|
|
Hypothyroidism
|
2.86%
|
|
Hypopituitarism
|
2.85%
|
|
Puberty Disorders
|
1.90%
|
|
Fertility Disorders
|
1.90%
|
|
Inherited Disorders
|
0.95%
|
|
Pituitary Tumors
|
0.95%
|
|
Parathyroid Gland Disorder
|
0.95%
|
|
Metabolic Bone Disease
|
0.95%
|
|
Carcinoid Syndrome
|
0.95%
|
How to become an Endocrinologist in Pakistan?
For to become the best endocrinologist in Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Karachi, people have to first complete their M.B.B.S, after which they have to complete a year of training program, also known as house-job.
After, they have to appear in the FCPS Part I exam, conducted by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. They have to choose medicine as their specialty, as endocrinology is a domain of internal medicine.
Once successfully passing the exam, people can start their specialist training, give Part II exams. After passing and completing the specialization training, people are certified by the relevant authorities.
What kinds of Endocrinologists are there?
Endocrinology (اینڈو کرینولوجی ) is further divided into subcategories. These include:
- Diabetologist: Diabetes (ذیابیطس) needs to be managed well, as otherwise the damage done to the body is great. Diabetologists help with the management of the disease.
- Endocrine oncologist: Specialists help exclusively in treating the cancers of the endocrine glands.
- Internal Medicine Endocrinologist: These doctors treat glandular disorders and other diseases that affect adults.
- Pediatric Endocrinologist: These doctors are concerned with the hormonal problems present in children and adolescents.
- Reproductive Endocrinologist: Experts of this field focus on the fertility issues.
- Thyroid disease specialist: Hypothyroid and hyperthyroid are specifically addressed by these experts.
What are Endocrinologists called in Pakistan?
Endocrinologists are referred to as:
- Hormone Specialist
- Hormone Doctor
- Thyroid Specialist
- Thyroid Doctor
- Mahir-e-Hormone
- اینڈو کرینولوجسٹ
- ماہرہارمون
