Endocrinology

The adrenal glands are located above your kidneys and are responsible for producing essential hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. We diagnose and treat conditions in which adrenal glands produce too many or too few hormones, such as Cushing syndrome, where your body produces too much cortisol, and Addison's disease, where your body does not produce enough cortisol, if any.

In both cases, we typically diagnose through a urine test, blood test or an imaging exam, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hormone levels are measured in the laboratory tests, while imaging provides pictures of your glands to detect abnormalities, such as tumors.

Treatments for adrenal conditions differ, but can include one or more approaches, including hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle adjustments, medication, nutrition counseling, radiation therapy and surgery.

Male hypogonadism is a male-specific condition in which the gonads do not function properly. Gonads produce testosterone in men, which plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty and in sperm production. This condition can be congenital or caused by an infection or injury, but it is diagnosed through hormone testing, semen analysis or CT and MRI imaging. One effective treatment we offer for hypogonadism is hormone replacement therapy where you take testosterone, whether that be through gel, injection or patch.

Metabolic diseases affect the chemical reactions that take place in the body to convert or use energy. There are several different kinds of metabolic diseases, and they can be genetic and/or caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices. If a patient has a severe metabolic disorder or multiple metabolic disorders, they may be at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

We offer a wide range of treatments, including nutrition counseling, education, therapy and medication. Two common metabolic diseases we treat are diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Diabetes is a condition that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin, which is a hormone that converts blood sugar (glucose) into energy. If left untreated, this disease can lead to severe conditions, such as blindness, circulatory problems, heart disease, kidney failure and pregnancy complications. Our endocrinologists work with primary care doctors and nutrition services providers to create individualized diabetes care plans so that you may know about proper diabetes management.

The thyroid gland influences metabolic processes in the body and thyroid conditions can range from mild to severe. We offer treatments for a range of thyroid disorders, including:

• Hyperparathyroidism — A condition in which the thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones
• Hypothyroidism — A condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones
• Thyroid eye disease (TED) — An autoimmune disease in which immune cells attack the thyroid gland

The pituitary gland is a tiny, pea-sized organ found at the base of the brain. As the "master control gland" of the body, it makes and stores hormones and simulates other glands to produce hormones.

With pituitary disorders, too many or too few hormones are produced. These conditions can be caused by injuries but are most commonly caused by pituitary tumors. We offer a range of treatments, including tumor removal, hormone replacement therapy and medication.

PCOS is a disorder in which a woman's ovaries are enlarged and small cysts form on their outer edges. This disorder may be genetic or caused by environmental factors. Left untreated, it could lead to obesity, heart disease and infertility. We offer a range of treatments for PCOS, including medications and therapies.

Children can also be affected by endocrine disorders, from diabetes and thyroid problems to chromosomal abnormalities and growth or weight issues. The pediatric endocrinologists within TriStar Medical Group's pediatric endocrinology program create treatment plans tailored to your child's specific needs in a friendly and safe environment.