Definition of Endocrinologist
Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in hormone diseases, such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, thyroid diseases and hypertension. The study of these diseases is called endocrinology.
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Background
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The endocrine system is made up of several glands, which produce and regulate hormones. Hormones help control many functions, such as metabolism, bone growth and reproduction.
Training
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Endocrinologist training often takes more than 10 years, including four years in medical school, three to four years in an internship and residency program, and two to three years learning to diagnose and treat different diseases.
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Specialization
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Many endocrinologists specialize in a certain type of endocrinology, such as pediatric endocrinology, comparative endocrinology or thyroid endocrinology.
Diabetes
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Diabetics have too much sugar in their blood. Endocrinologists help patients manage diabetes through diet changes and medicine, such as insulin.
Hypertension
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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can sometimes be caused by high levels of aldosterone, a hormone. Endocrinologists can treat high blood pressure by adjusting hormone levels.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Melissa Wiese
