Endocrinology

Hormones play an important role in our health and general well-being, helping to control things like our metabolism, regulation of sugar, salt and calcium levels, growth, puberty and reproduction.

Our bodies contain a number of organs, known as endocrine glands, which secrete hormones that maintain and regulate body function. Should anything affect these glands, they may produce less or more of a specific hormone. Any change or an imbalance in hormone levels can significantly affect the way our body feels and functions and has the potential to cause serious health problems.

Symptoms of a hormone disorder are varied and may include:

• Weight loss
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Excessive tiredness
• Dry skin
• Kidney stones
• Aches and pains in joints
• Blood sugar levels irregularities

Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the hormone-producing glands. A doctor who specialises in this field of medicine is known as an endocrinologist.

At The Highfield Hospital, our Consultant Endocrinologists assess and treat all hormonal disorders and are available to help you. If you would like to book a consultation with them, please book an appointment online today and we can arrange that for you without delay.

A hormone can be thought of as a chemical messenger. The endocrine glands release hormones into the blood, which transports them around the body to another area, on which they act to produce a specific effect.

The endocrine glands are glands within the body that produce hormones. The main glands are:

• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary
• Thyroid – located in the neck, produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine 
• Parathyroid – comprise four small glands which regulate calcium levels in our body
• Thymus – located behind your breastbone (sternum), between the lungs
• Adrenal – located above the kidneys; it produces a variety of hormones including adrenaline
• Pancreas – regulates blood sugar
• Ovaries – produce progesterone and oestrogen
• Testes – twin endocrine glands that produce testosterone.

The endocrine system can be thought of as being like a thermostat in a house. When working normally, a constant temperature is maintained. If the thermostat stops working, the temperature can vary considerably.

Of course, the endocrine system has a far wider reach than a simple thermostat in a house. Numerous areas, systems and organs of the body can be significantly affected by a hormonal disorder or imbalance.

Common endocrine disorders/conditions that our Consultant Endocrinologists are asked to help with include:

• Overactive thyroid (thyrotoxicosis)
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Calcium disorders – including hyper- and hypo-parathyroidism
• Adrenal Disorders – Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency) and Conn’s syndrome (production of too much aldosterone)
• Hypogonadism – diminished functional activity of the gonads. In a male, this means less testosterone is produced, in a female less oestrogen is produced
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – can cause a few different symptoms, including irregular periods
• Pituitary Problems - including prolactinoma (a type of tumour) and non-functioning adenoma (a benign tumour in the pituitary gland)
• Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Because hormones travel around your body, diagnosing the cause of any symptoms can be quite complex and involve a number of tests/investigations to confirm.

At your first appointment, your consultant will take a medical history and discuss your symptoms with you. They may ask you questions like:

• What symptoms do you have?
• When did you first notice them?
• Have they been getting worse over time?
• Are there any particular triggers (e.g. food, activities etc.)?
• What effect are your symptoms having on everyday life?

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, you may require additional tests to aid diagnosis. As well as blood tests, our on-site facilities include X-Ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound, so any of these can be quickly and easily arranged for you when required.

Once the results are back and a diagnosis has been made, your consultant will be able to talk through treatment options with you. Endocrine disorders require regular monitoring to ensure treatment is adjusted as and when required in order to optimise symptom relief.

People come to The Highfield for assessment and treatment of their hormonal disorders for a number of reasons. Some have been referred by their GP, diabetes nurse or another healthcare professional. Others have chosen to self-refer based on their symptoms.

Many of our patients live in or around Manchester, but due to the expertise of our Consultant Endocrinologists, people also travel from much further afield for a consultation.

Regardless of how you’ve been referred to us or the distance you’ll be travelling to visit with your consultant, at The Highfield you will always benefit from:

• Rapid access to an experienced Consultant Endocrinologist – Hormonal disorders can have a significant effect on both your quality of life and your overall health. To avoid more serious health problems developing, you’ll want to get expert help, fast. The Consultant Endocrinologists working at The Highfield are vastly experienced and would be delighted to help you. It’s simple to book an appointment for a time that’s convenient to you.
• Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, 98.4% of the people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend The Highfield Hospital to their family and friends. While we are incredibly grateful for this feedback, we don’t take it for granted and continue to focus on delivering the highest standard of care for everyone who visits us for help with their hormonal disorder.
• Bespoke treatment – Hormonal disorders and imbalances can sometimes be challenging to treat and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to treatment. With regular follow-up appointments and assessment, your consultant will ensure you continue to receive the optimal treatment for your particular condition throughout your time with us. Continuity of care can be an important factor when treating hormonal disorders. At The Highfield, you will always see the same consultant when you visit with us.
• Remote consultations available – Consultations are routinely carried out in person at The Highfield, but we are able to offer remote consultations by telephone or online video call if required and where clinically appropriate.
• Multidisciplinary team: Your Consultant Endocrinologist is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals including gynaecologists, neurologists, diabetes nurses and radiologists to ensure you are expertly supported and cared for during your time with us.
• Location – We’re conveniently situated on the outskirts of Rochdale, easily accessible by public and private transport. Our on-site car park has 93 spaces, so you won’t need to worry where to park when you visit with us.

Whatever hormonal disorder you’re struggling with, expert help is available for you at The Highfield.

Your consultant will thoroughly investigate your symptoms, diagnose the cause(s) and discuss suitable treatment options with you. Treatment will be tailored to your specific needs and carefully monitored and optimised as required over time.

Whether you live in Rochdale itself, elsewhere in Manchester, or further afield, please book an appointment online today to arrange your visit with us. We look forward to helping you.