Endocrinology

Hormones play an essential role in the way your body functions. At Wesleyan Medical Practice in Owensboro, Kentucky, Sara Doolin-Thompson, DNP, specializes in endocrinology, which focuses on hormone-producing organs and glands. Dr. Doolin-Thompson has the necessary training to diagnose and treat conditions that affect your endocrine system. To learn more about endocrinology, call Wesleyan Medical Practice or schedule an appointment online today.

What is endocrinology?

Endocrinology is a medical specialty that focuses on the endocrine system, which monitors your hormone levels. Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate many of your bodily functions, such as:

• Metabolism
• Temperature
• Mood and emotions
• Sexual function
• Sleep
• Fertility
• Blood pressure

When your hormones aren’t balanced, you can experience noticeable symptoms like insomnia, mood swings, weight gain or loss, and temperature changes. Dr. Doolin-Thompson specializes in endocrinology. She performs comprehensive testing to identify and treat hormone disorders.

Which diseases can an endocrinologist treat?

Dr. Doolin-Thompson treats several types of endocrinology disorders, including:

Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which glucose (sugar) builds in your blood because your pancreas doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin. 

Thyroid diseases

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits toward the front of your neck. It controls many bodily functions, including metabolism.

Adrenal function

The adrenal glands, which are right above the kidneys, support your sexual development, metabolism, response to stress, and blood pressure.

Infertility 

A woman’s ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone hormones, while a man’s testes are responsible for testosterone creation. These hormones are essential for reproduction. An imbalance of any of these hormones can lead to infertility.

Pineal gland disorders

The pineal gland releases the hormone melatonin, which makes you feel tired. Disruptions in melatonin levels can cause insomnia, an inability to fall or stay asleep. Too much melatonin can also cause daytime drowsiness and too much sleep.

Pituitary gland disorders

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland that creates hormones for the ovaries, testes, and adrenal and thyroid glands. Pituitary gland disorders can affect your growth and development, weight, and libido.

What are the most common treatments in endocrinology?

The first step in treating your condition is pinpointing an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Doolin-Thompson and the team have the most advanced diagnostic tools available, including an on-site laboratory, for your convenience.

Once the team confirms your diagnosis, they may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, or hormone therapy treatments, such as testosterone replacement. Endocrinology conditions typically respond well to a holistic approach that includes more than one treatment.

Call Wesleyan Medical Practice today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about endocrinology.