Endocrinologist Clinic in Little Rock AR

Endocrinologists primarily work with hormones. Hormones are chemicals that control many of the activities in the body, like growth, mood, reproduction, metabolism, and more. When everything is functioning as it should, life is good. Since the body has over 50 different hormones, working in complex ways, you will need the help of a specialist when problems occur. This is where an endocrinologist becomes helpful.

An endocrinologist specializes in understanding and treating the endocrine system and its disorders. This system is the network of glands that produce the hormones in our bodies. Endocrinologists treat conditions like diabetes, infertility, osteoporosis, thyroid diseases, growth and metabolic disorders, and disorders in the adrenal and pituitary glands where the hormones are produced.

Diseases and disorders that start in other areas of the body can also cause symptoms and problems in the endocrine system. When this happens, an endocrinologist will work with other specialists or your primary care provider to develop a treatment that is right for you.

If you are wondering when you should see an endocrinologist, it may be best to talk to your primary care provider first. They can help you decide and refer you as needed. If you are experiencing certain symptoms, then you may have something to talk to your primary care physician about.

Endocrine disorders often show themselves in many different ways. Endocrine disorders often leave you feeling very tired or worn out and you may see weight or mood changes. It can show changes in glucose or cholesterol changes in the blood. A change in the color of your skin, development of a moon face, excessive urination, change in menstruation, or loss of libido can also be factors.

Endocrinologists generally work on referrals. Many times, primary care physicians are able to treat some of the more common diseases without needing the help of a specialist. This can be cost-effective since the specialists are more expensive.

If you have a difficult or uncommon diagnosis, you should see a medical professional. Some things that could be of concern that may indicate that you should see an endocrinologist are:

– Problems with your vision
– Rapid weight gain or loss
– Kidney complications
– Drastic changes in blood sugar levels
– Tingling in your hands and/or feet.

When you encounter something like thyroid disease or diabetes mellitus, your primary care physician may refer you to an endocrinologist. The specialist can identify conditions and do tests that can lead to the treatments you need.

An endocrinologist will do much of what your regular doctor will do, such as taking blood pressure, height and weight. They will check your medical history, do a full-body examination, then take urine and blood samples.

The endocrinologist will check other parts of your body for abnormalities. Checking your hands and feet for sores or infections is quite common. Checking your gums and feeling your abdomen for abnormalities will also be done.

Mostly, the endocrinologist will ask you many questions about your family history, and certain lifestyle habits. They will also ask you about sleep or any current treatments you are having.

The questions you ask your endocrinologist will likely depend on what you are seeing the endocrinologist about. If it is regarding diabetes, the questions will focus more on that. If you are dealing with issues of the thyroid, the questions will focus more on that area.

Some questions are going to be the same for most issues.

– Ask about your blood test results. What is the doctor’s opinion about those?
– Will more tests be required? What are they?
– Ask the doctor if they think there may be other underlying health conditions.
– Ask the doctor about what actions need to be taken to address the health issues of concern.

The kind and compassionate medical professionals at Arkansas Diabetes and Endocrinology Center are here to help you. Call or book an appointment today. We serve patients from Little Rock AR, Conway AR, North Little Rock AR, Pine Bluff AR, Hot Springs AR, Benton AR, Sherwood AR, Russellville AR, Jacksonville AR, Cabot AR, Searcy AR, Bryant AR, Jonesboro AR, Forrest City AR, Magnolia AR, Camden AR, Malvern AR, Batesville AR, Arkadelphia AR, Clarksville AR, Monticello AR, Heber Springs AR, Morrilton AR, Stuttgart AR, Greenbrier AR, Sheridan AR and Vilonia AR.