Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases

The Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases is the branch of science that studies the endocrine glands in our body, the functions of the endocrine glands and the hormones they secrete.

Hormones control different activities in our body. Different types of hormones control reproduction, metabolism, growth, and development. Hormones also control how we respond to our environment and help provide the appropriate amount of energy and nutrients needed for our body's functions.
The glands that make up the endocrine system are; hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries (ovaries in women, testicles in men), adrenal gland (fatty tissue, endothelium (cells lining the inner wall of blood vessels)).

Swelling in the neck, hair loss, dry skin, sweating, irritability and palpitations may be signs of goiter or thyroid gland diseases, while vision problems, headache and breast milk discharge may be symptoms of pituitary gland diseases.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol and lipid metabolism diseases, increased hair growth and menstrual irregularities are also disorders that require detailed research in terms of endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Diabetes and obesity are candidates to become one of the biggest public health problems of our age.

Osteoporosis, commonly known as bone loss, is another endocrine and metabolic disease whose incidence has increased greatly due to the aging of the world population due to the extended life expectancy. Osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures have become an important economic and social problem today.

Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases

In this context, Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals provides separate services in our Endocrine and Metabolism department, diabetes and osteoporosis (osteoporosis) clinics.

In addition, in our Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals Endocrine and Metabolism Department, thyroid gland diseases and goiter, obesity, hypertension, pituitary gland diseases, adrenal gland diseases, sexual development disorders, high cholesterol and lipid metabolism diseases, growth and developmental delay (short stature) and tumors of the secretory glands (thyroid cancer, pituitary and pancreatic tumors, etc.) are diagnosed and treated in cooperation with other relevant departments.

Who is an Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist and What Are Their Duties?

An Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist is a doctor who has received training in endocrine system diseases and metabolic disorders and specializes in this field. Specialists diagnose diseases by performing hormone tests, determine appropriate treatment methods and take the necessary measures to improve the quality of life of patients. They also guide their patients in the management of chronic diseases.

What Diseases Are Included in Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases?

Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases covers a wide range of diseases that affect the body's hormone balance and metabolic processes. These diseases include:

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
• Type 2 Diabetes: A condition in which the body develops resistance to insulin and insulin production is inadequate.
• Gestational Diabetes: It is a temporary type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

• Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of hormones.
• Hyperthyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones.
• Thyroid Nodules: Small, usually harmless lumps that occur in the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid Cancer: Malignant tumors that develop in the thyroid gland.

• Addison's Disease: A condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.
• Cushing Syndrome: It is characterized by excessive production of the hormone cortisol in the body.
• Adrenal Hyperplasia: This is a condition in which the adrenal glands enlarge and produce excess hormones.

• Hypopituitarism: A condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones.
• Acromegaly: Abnormal growth of body tissues due to excessive production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.
• Prolactinoma: It is a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that produces the hormone prolactin.

• Metabolic Syndrome: A condition in which a number of metabolic risk factors coexist (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat).
• Obesity: A condition that causes health problems due to excess body fat.
• Osteoporosis: Bone density decreases and becomes brittle.

• Hyperparathyroidism: A condition in which the parathyroid glands produce excessive parathyroid hormone.
• Hypoparathyroidism: A condition in which the parathyroid glands fail to produce sufficient parathyroid hormone.

• It is a condition that causes hormonal imbalance and cyst formation in the ovaries in women.

• Hyperlipidemia: The presence of abnormally high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.

Endocrinologists diagnose and treat these diseases, and create customized treatment plans to improve patients' quality of life.

What are Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Examinations?

Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Examinations begin with a review of the patient's medical history and physical examination. Blood tests are commonly used to measure hormone levels. Imaging methods (ultrasound, MRI, CT) and biopsies can also help in the diagnostic process. Specialists perform regular checkups to monitor the course of the disease and response to treatment.

What Methods Are Used in the Treatment of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases?

In endocrinology and metabolic disease treatments, various methods are used depending on the type and severity of the disease. Drug treatments, hormone replacement therapy, surgical interventions and lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) are among these methods. Experts create the most appropriate treatment plan according to the individual needs of their patients.

When Should You Go to the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Department?

You should visit the department of endocrinology and metabolic diseases when you show signs of hormone imbalances or metabolic disorders. These symptoms include extreme fatigue, sudden weight changes, constant thirst, frequent urination, hair loss, skin problems and bone pain. Also, if you suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes or thyroid diseases, you should visit this department for regular check-ups and treatment.

What is done during an Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Examination?

During the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Examination, your doctor will first listen to your medical history and current complaints in detail. Then, he/she will perform a physical examination and request the tests he/she deems necessary (blood tests, hormone levels, imaging tests). Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will create a treatment plan specific to you and explain how to implement this plan. During the treatment process, it is important to follow your response to the treatment by meeting with your doctor regularly.