Endocrine Assessment

Examining the endocrine system involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing. Clinically, healthcare providers assess for physical signs of endocrine dysfunction, such as thyroid gland enlargement, changes in body mass index, or signs of conditions like Cushing's disease. Diagnostic tests, including blood tests for hormones like thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone, and cortisol, play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis.

The assessment of endocrine disorders typically involves a detailed patient history to identify risk factors and symptoms, a physical examination focusing on signs of hormone excess or deficiency, and specific diagnostic tests to measure hormone levels directly. Dynamic tests assessing the endocrine glands' response to stimulation or suppression may also be used for certain conditions.

You should consider seeing an endocrinologist if you have symptoms suggesting an endocrine disorder (such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or irregular menstrual cycles), if you've been diagnosed with an endocrine condition and need specialized care (like diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease), or if your general practitioner recommends consultation for complex hormonal issues.