Endocrinology

Endocrine diseases are common and affect millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life. If these conditions are not properly managed, they can lead to long-term complications, affecting metabolism, growth, mental health and the ability to perform daily activities.

Endocrinology consultations at MedicalES Pantelimon in Bucharest

MedicalES Pantelimon Clinic offers endocrinology consultations, featuring a team of dedicated specialists and state-of-the-art medical equipment. We focus on a comprehensive and careful evaluation of the patient, providing a personalized treatment plan tailored to all healthcare needs.

For appointments or additional information, please contact us by phone at 031.433.84.00 / 0720.060.990 or via our online appointment form.

The endocrine system

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and tissues that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various body functions through chemical signals transported via blood.

Main components of the endocrine system:

• Pituitary gland (Hypophysis), often referred to as the “master gland” due to its essential role in controlling other endocrine glands. It regulates important functions such as growth, reproduction and metabolism;
• The hypothalamus connects the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland and regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst and other essential functions;
• The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, has the role of producing hormones critical for regulating metabolism, including the rate at which the body uses energy;
• The parathyroid glands are four small glands behind the thyroid that regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood;
• The adrenal glands, situated above the kidneys, produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which help the body respond to stress and regulate metabolism;
• The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions. In the endocrine system, it releases insulin and glucagon, essential for maintaining blood glucose levels;
• Gonads (ovaries for women and testicles for men) are responsible for producing sex hormones, like the estrogen and progesterone in women, respectively testosterone in men, playing a key role in reproduction;
• The pineal gland which produces melatonin, is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Main functions of the endocrine system are regulating metabolism, growth, reproduction, stress responses and homeostatic balance.

Endocrine diseases

Endocrine diseases encompass a wide range of conditions caused by hormonal imbalances or dysfunctions of endocrine glands, affecting various biological functions such as metabolism, growth, electrolyte balance and reproduction.

Thyroid diseases

The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating metabolism and disorders of this gland can cause a variety of symptoms.

• The hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, constipation and sensitivity to cold. A common cause is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition which affects the thyroid;
• The hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excess hormones. A common cause is Graves disease, an autoimmune condition causing hormone overproduction. Symptoms include rapid weight loss, nervousness, excessive sweating, fast heartbeat and insomnia;
• Goiter represents the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may occur in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. It can result from iodine deficiency or autoimmune conditions;
• The thyroid nodules are small growths on the thyroid gland, which may be benign or malignant. Sometimes, they produce excess thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.

Hypophysis (Pituitary) diseases 

The pituitary gland controls many other endocrine glands and is vital for growth, metabolism and reproduction.

• Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors in the pituitary gland that may cause overproduction or deficiency of hormones, such as excess prolactin production;
• The gigantism and acromegaly are caused by overproduction of growth hormone (GH). In children, the overproduction of GH leads to gigantism, characterized by excessive growth, while in adults, acromegaly results in abnormal growth of hands, feet and facial features;
• The growth hormone deficiency can lead to insufficient growth in children and decreased muscle mass and bone density in adults.

Adrenal gland diseases

The adrenal glands produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline, which are essential for stress response and blood pressure regulation.

• Addison’s disease, a rare condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, skin hyperpigmentation and severe dehydration;
• The Cushing’s syndrome is the result of excessive cortisol production, often due to adrenal tumors or long-term corticosteroid therapy. Symptoms include weight gain, rounded face, thin skin, stretch marks and osteoporosis;
• Pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that produces hormones causing severe high blood pressure, palpitations, excessive sweating and headaches.

Parathyroid diseases

The parathyroid glands regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH).

• The hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands produce insufficient parathyroid hormone, leading to low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia) and symptoms like muscle spasms, cramps and tingling sensations;
• The hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too much hormone, leading to elevated blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Symptoms include muscle weakness, bone pain, kidney stones and digestive issues.

Reproductive gland diseases

The parathyroid glands regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH).

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women characterized by hormonal imbalances causing irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts and difficulty conceiving. PCOS is often associated with elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance;
• The hypogonadism occurs when the gonads produce insufficient sex hormones (testosterone in men, estrogen/progesterone in women). It can cause low libido, muscle loss, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and infertility;
• Premature menopause represents a condition where ovarian function ceases before age 40, leading to menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and increased osteoporosis risk;
• Gynecomastia in men, hormonal imbalances which can cause breast tissue enlargement due to increased estrogen or decreased testosterone levels.

What is endocrinology?

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine focused on studying, diagnosing and treating conditions of endocrine glands and hormonal imbalances. Endocrinologists are specialists with expertise in managing diseases such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, pituitary dysfunctions and other hormonal conditions.

When do you need an endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is needed when hormonal disorders are suspected or when an endocrine disease diagnosis has been confirmed and requires specialized treatment. Common reasons to see an endocrinologist include weight changes, fatigue, thyroid issues, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, growth or puberty disorders, high blood pressure, infertility, premature menopause, osteoporosis, or imbalances in calcium and phosphorus levels.

Common symptoms of endocrine disorders

The symptoms of endocrine disorders can include chronic fatigue, unexplained weight changes, menstrual irregularities, mood swings, hair loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, palpitations and muscle pain or weakness.

What happens during an endocrinology consultation?

An endocrinology consultation begins with a medical history review, including symptoms, past health issues and current treatments. A physical examination follows, focusing on accessible endocrine glands and external signs of hormonal imbalances. Laboratory tests and imaging studies may then be recommended to evaluate hormonal function. Based on the results, the doctor will establish a diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan.

Conditions treated by an endocrinologist

Endocrinologists diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the endocrine system, including:

• Diabetes mellitus;
• Metabolic syndrome;
• Obesity;
• Endocrine cancers and tumors;
• Goiter;
• Graves’ disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism);
• Hashimoto’s disease (autoimmune hypothyroidism);
• Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism;
• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid);
• Thyroid masses and nodules;
• Growth hormone deficiency or excess (acromegaly, gigantism);
• Hypogonadism;
• Ovarian cysts;
• Menopausal disorders;
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS);
• Premenstrual syndrome;
• Sexual hormone imbalances;
• Hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia;
• Bone metabolic diseases;
• Osteopenia and osteoporosis;
• Vitamin D deficiency.