Your body relies on a delicate web of signals to function properly. When that web is disrupted, you might feel tired, notice weight changes, or experience other unexplained symptoms. At Summit Health, our endocrinology team specializes in diagnosing and treating the complex hormone imbalances that affect your daily life.
We provide comprehensive endocrinology services designed to get to the root of your symptoms. Whether you need ongoing diabetes care, support for thyroid disorders, or treatment for metabolic conditions, our specialists are here to help you manage your health with precision and compassion.
Understanding your endocrine system
The endocrine system is a sophisticated group of organs, known as glands, located throughout your body. These glands produce hormones—chemical messengers that travel through your bloodstream to control essential functions.
Hormones influence nearly every aspect of how you feel and function, including:
- Metabolism and energy levels
- Growth and development
- Reproduction
- Response to stress and surroundings
When your glands produce too much or too little of a specific hormone, it creates an imbalance. Because hormones travel throughout the body, these imbalances can affect multiple systems at once, making diagnosis and treatment a specialized field.
Key glands in the endocrine system
Our providers focus on the health of the entire system, including these vital glands:
- Pituitary, Hypothalamus, and Pineal Glands: Located in the brain.
- Thyroid and Parathyroid: Located in the throat area.
- Thymus: Located in the upper chest.
- Adrenals and Pancreas: Located in the abdomen.
- Reproductive Glands: Testes (male) and Ovaries (female).
Conditions we treat
Endocrine diseases can range from common issues like diabetes to rare metabolic disorders. Our goal is to provide hormone imbalance treatment that stabilizes your condition and improves your quality of life.
Diabetes care
Diabetes is one of the most common conditions we treat. It affects how your body produces insulin or how it responds to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Without proper management, diabetes can impact your heart, kidneys, and vision. Our team works with you to develop a sustainable care plan that keeps your blood sugar in check.
Thyroid disorders
The thyroid gland regulates your metabolism. Thyroid disorders generally fall into two categories:
- Hyperthyroidism: The gland produces too much hormone, often causing weight loss and rapid heartbeat.
- Hypothyroidism: The gland produces too little hormone, often leading to fatigue and weight gain.
We also treat structural issues such as thyroid nodules and provide comprehensive care for thyroid cancer.
Metabolic and lipid disorders
We assist patients struggling with metabolic disorders that affect how the body processes food. This often includes management of excessive weight gain. Additionally, we treat cholesterol (lipid) disorders, helping to normalize abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels to reduce the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Bone health and osteoporosis
Hormones play a major role in bone density. We treat osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone loss and increases the risk of fractures, helping you maintain skeletal strength as you age.
Find an Endocrinologist near you
View Our SpecialistsOur diagnostic and treatment capabilities
Summit Health endocrinologists use advanced technology to evaluate your condition efficiently. Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Our on-site capabilities include:
- Thyroid ultrasound and biopsy: We perform ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies to evaluate thyroid nodules safely and accurately.
- Nuclear Endocrinology: Specialized scanning to assess gland function.
- Bone density scanning: We use Dual-Emission X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure bone mineral density and assess osteoporosis risk.
- Full-service laboratory: Our on-site medical lab ensures you get your blood work results quickly, allowing us to adjust your treatment plan without delay.
Pediatric Endocrinology
Children need specialized care as they grow. Our Pediatric Endocrinology team treats infants and children facing endocrine challenges. The most common issues we address in pediatric patients include diabetes care, obesity management, physical growth abnormalities, and concerns regarding sexual development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the glands and hormones of the body. They diagnose and treat conditions that arise when hormone levels are unbalanced, such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, and metabolic disorders. They focus on restoring the normal balance of hormones in your system.
You should consider seeing an endocrinologist if you have been diagnosed with a hormonal condition like diabetes or osteoporosis, or if you are experiencing symptoms that your primary care doctor suspects are related to hormones. Common signs include unexplained fatigue, significant weight changes, excessive thirst, or hair loss.
Yes. Our team includes specialists who diagnose and treat cancers of the endocrine glands, including thyroid cancer. We use ultrasound-guided biopsies to detect issues and work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
In Type 1 diabetes, the body stops producing insulin completely, usually due to an autoimmune reaction. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it well (insulin resistance). Our diabetes care team is equipped to help patients manage both forms effectively.
Referral requirements depend on your specific insurance plan. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to see if a referral is necessary before booking your appointment with a specialist.