Endocrinology

The endocrine system is a part of the very large and complex hormonal system of a human being. Its functioning affects not only well-being but also health status, as hormonal imbalance, which can result from any malfunction in this system, can lead to a number of systemic diseases.

Among the main organs of the endocrine system responsible for producing the necessary amount of hormones for vital activity are the thyroid gland, the pancreas, and the adrenal glands.

The thyroid gland produces two types of hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which contain iodine, as well as calcitonin, a hormone that regulates calcium metabolism in the body. The process of producing these hormones is controlled by the pituitary gland, which synthesizes thyroid-stimulating hormone.

These hormones are responsible for thermoregulation, participate in energy metabolism, and affect the functioning of the nervous system. Various processes in the body that either decrease the production of hormones by the thyroid gland or increase their quantity can lead to disease.

The pancreas produces insulin – a hormone that influences metabolism, particularly participating in carbohydrate metabolism and playing a crucial role in glucose utilization. It is the lack of or excessive amount of insulin produced by the pancreas that leads to diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

The adrenal glands produce hormones of the corticosteroid class, such as cortisol and sex hormones, which influence the production of reproductive system hormones, both female (estrogens) and male hormones (testosterone).

Excessive or insufficient amounts of certain hormones can lead to changes in the state of all organs and tissues of the human body. To prevent the development of serious diseases, it is important to undergo regular preventive check-ups to evaluate the condition of the endocrine system and to detect diseases arising from hormonal imbalance at an early stage.

Diagnosis

The human hormonal system is an integral system in which all organs are closely interconnected and influence each other’s functioning. If there is a malfunction in one of the organs, this may lead to the disruption of other organs, which can result in poor well-being and the development of serious diseases.

The complexity of diagnosing endocrine diseases lies in the fact that some symptoms of hormonal disruptions are the same for different diseases. To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is important to conduct a series of comprehensive diagnostic measures. In the medical network "Dobrobut,” patients with endocrine disorders have access to all types of diagnostics, which, combined with the experience and knowledge of our qualified doctors, will help restore well-being and improve the quality of life for each patient.

Instrumental Diagnosis

The most common and informative method of instrumental diagnosis of endocrine disorders is ultrasound diagnostics. Using ultrasound diagnostics, an endocrinologist or diagnostic doctor evaluates the structure and shape of the endocrine glands, as well as detects the presence of nodules, formations, and tumors in the thyroid gland.

In the medical network "Dobrobut," patients with endocrine pathologies can undergo the classical type of instrumental diagnostics - ultrasound of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, abdominal cavity, and pelvic organs. Additionally, the medical network "Dobrobut" performs expert ultrasound using elastography technology, which allows for a targeted study of the stiffness of nodules in the thyroid gland. Ultrasound elastography provides more information about nodular formations in the thyroid gland, which is significant for the clinical assessment of the nodule concerning the risk of malignant processes.

If more detailed information about the condition and structure of the thyroid gland is needed, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) with the introduction of a contrast agent that enhances the clarity and detail of the image is used.

To determine the mineral density of bones, as well as to assess the risk of fractures and diagnose osteoporosis, densitometry is employed. The procedure is quick and painless, requires no preparation, and has no contraindications.

Laboratory Diagnosis

Laboratory diagnostics play an important role in the diagnosis of endocrine diseases, helping to recreate a complete clinical picture of the disease.

Laboratory tests in the medical network "Dobrobut," in conjunction with instrumental diagnostics, are prescribed for:

• detection of the hormonal background of the thyroid gland (tests for TSH, free T4, free T3 hormones) and autoimmune diseases (anti-TPO, anti-TG);
• identification of oncological processes (calcitonin test);
• determination of the state of the parathyroid gland (test for parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, vitamin D);
• diagnosis of pancreatic endocrine pathology (tests for blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin, glucose tolerance test, insulin, C-peptide, proinsulin, HOMA index);
• diagnosis of the hormonal background of the adrenal glands (cortisol, renin, aldosterone, adrenaline, noradrenaline);
• determination of the hormonal background of the gonads (testosterone, estradiol, DHEA sulfate, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dihydrotestosterone);
• determination of the hormonal background of the pituitary gland (prolactin, LH, FSH, ACTH, vasopressin).

The main laboratory studies available in the medical network "Dobrobut" for establishing a diagnosis are:

• glucose tolerance test;
• testing for all hormonal panels;
• fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB);
• molecular genetic testing using FNAB samples for the diagnosis of well-differentiated carcinomas.

To determine blood glucose levels throughout the day and assess carbohydrate metabolism status, glucometry is prescribed. This method is effective and informative for maintaining the health of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is used for examining nodular (malignant) formations and conducting microscopic studies of cells.