Hormones are essential to the body. They play a critical role in fetal growth and development and continues to influence the body throughout adulthood. Your hormones act as a chemical messenger that travels to the different parts of the body, which controls many functions and processes, including sleep cycles, appetite, pain perception, bone density, reproduction, mood, and more.  

Every time there are hormonal imbalances in the body, some functions get disrupted or affected. This is why it’s essential to keep your endocrine system healthy. One way to make sure that your body’s hormone production is normal is by consulting an endocrinologist. You can also visit this doctor if you think you’re experiencing health conditions that may be a result of hormonal imbalances in the body. 

What Is An Endocrinologist?  

An endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the endocrine system and hormonal imbalances. A doctor needs to train for an additional two or three years after completing four years in medical school and post-graduation internal medicine to become an endocrinologist.  

What Conditions Does An Endocrinologist Treat?  

Diabetes  

This is a disease that occurs when the body cannot produce insulin properly, which results in an abnormal metabolism rate and elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream and urine. This health condition can start as a metabolic syndrome caused by hormonal and nutritional imbalances that can develop into full-fledged diabetes if left unaddressed.  

Diabetes can lead to high blood pressure, a higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, kidney problems, and many more. Because a significant player in this condition is the abnormal insulin levels, consulting an endocrinologist can help treat this illness. 

An endocrinologist can help treat this illness by working closely with a patient to regulate blood sugar levels through medication and proper diet. If you have diabetes caused by insulin imbalance and are residing in Florida, finding an endocrynologist in Orlando is your best option to help ease your condition.  

Infertility  

 A woman’s reproductive health can be compromised if the endocrine system doesn’t adequately produce estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones that are primarily responsible for menstruation and reproduction. 

Hormone-related health problems can lead to ovarian dysfunction or short luteal phase which can affect a woman’s chances of getting pregnant or maintaining pregnancy. This is why it can be helpful for women who may have trouble conceiving to consult an endocrinologist to diagnose the cause of infertility.  

Thyroid Disorders 

The thyroid gland influences most of the metabolic processes in the body through the hormones it releases. When there is an over or underproduction of the thyroid hormone, various conditions can develop. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are two thyroid related disorders that can have various negative effects on the body. 

  • Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition characterized by the excessive production of thyroid hormones, resulting in an increased metabolic process. This condition can present symptoms such as tremors, fatigue, increased sweating, and unintentional weight loss.  
  • Hypothyroidism: This condition is a result of insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones in the body. Those who have hypothyroidism suffer from fatigue, constipation, muscle, and joint pain, and, in some cases, depression.  

Goiter  

Another condition commonly treated by an endocrinologist is goiter. This condition happens when the thyroid gland is abnormally large, causing difficulty in swallowing or breathing.  

The treatment for goiter can vary, depending on the severity of swelling. In cases when the size isn’t too noticeable or problematic, extensive treatments are usually not needed. 

  • Eat A Healthy And Balanced Diet  

When your body’s hormone production is out of balance, you’ll experience a number of health issues like fatigue, frequent mood swings, sleep issues, weight gain or weight loss, high blood pressure, and many more. Eating food rich in vitamins and minerals, protein, and amino acids can help your body produce adequate amounts of hormones that influence the body’s regular functions. 

  • Avoid Alcohol, Excessive Sugar, And Caffeine

Excessive intake of sugar, alcohol, and caffeine can all negatively affect the endocrine system. These can weaken the blood, liver, and adrenal glands, resulting in low hormone functions. Switch to fresh food and avoid processed ones containing too much sugar, and avoid drinking too much alcohol and caffeine to keep your hormone levels normal.  

  • Get Enough Sleep  

Adequate sleep will help your body recover from day-to-day activities and help your hormone production stay leveled. 

  • Exercise Regularly  

Physical activities like yoga can help lower stress levels and even out your hormones while elevating your endorphins and serotonin which are feel-good chemicals in the body. Exercising regularly also minimizes your risk for developing any hormone-related health conditions and keeps your blood pressure normal.  

Takeaway 

Different hormones in your body play an essential role in your physical, mental, and emotional health, so it’s crucial to regulate your body’s hormone production.  

You can always practice a healthy lifestyle to make sure your body’s endocrine system is functioning correctly. But, if your current condition is out of your control, the best course of action is to visit an endocrinologist.  

An endocrinologist can help restore regular hormone production in your body and prescribe treatments that can help you recover from your health condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms or illnesses you may think is related to abnormal hormone production, don’t think twice about consulting with an endocrinologist near you.