Examples include diabetes, thyroid disease, infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
An endocrinologist is first trained ininternal medicine,pediatrics, orgynecologybefore specializing in endocrinology.
It also looks at why you may need an endocrinologist and what to expect at your first appointment.

BURGER / PHANIE / Canopy / Getty Images
What Does an Endocrinologist Do?
Endocrinologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention ofendocrine disorders.
The practice of endocrinology is guided by laboratory tests more than most medical specialties.
What Makes Up the Endocrine System?
What Conditions Do Endocrinologists Treat?
Depending on the state and medical subspecialty, licenses are renewed every seven to 10 years.
How Much Do Endocrinologists Make?
Roughly 75% operate as private practices in a profession largely dominated by females.
Why Would I Be Referred to an Endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists are rarely your first point of contact for a medical condition and almost never work asprimary care physicians.
The diagnosis will direct the treatment plan.
You should also ask the referring doctor to forward any pertinent files in advance of your appointment.
Diagnosis
Blood and urine tests are standardly used to measure hormone levels in blood or urine samples.
Other tests involve stimulating or inhibiting agents that assess how an endocrine gland reacts.
Many disorders can be treated with hormone replacement therapies (HRT) and other medications that normalize hormonal imbalances.
Surgery and other more invasive procedures may also be needed.
infertility, thyroid disease, or PCOS.
It takes roughly 13 years from college through board certification to become an endocrinologist in the United States.
Many endocrinologists specialize in different fields of endocrinology, including diabetes, infertility, and cancer.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Endocrine diseases.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.What is an endocrinologist?