Conditions treated

The immune system stops the pancreas from making insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from the blood into cells for energy. Because little or no insulin is produced, daily insulin (by injection or pump) is needed for life. It can begin at any age, including adulthood.

The body still makes insulin but doesn't use it well, and over time may not make enough. Blood sugar rises gradually, often with no symptoms at first. It is managed with lifestyle changes, oral medicines, non-insulin injectables, and sometimes insulin.

Blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. It is both a warning sign and an opportunity, since changes to diet, activity, and weight can often prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

High blood sugar that first appears during pregnancy. It usually resolves after delivery but raises the future risk of type 2 diabetes, so follow-up testing is important.

Less common forms include LADA, a slowly developing autoimmune diabetes in adults; MODY, an inherited single-gene type; and diabetes caused by other conditions or medications. Identifying the correct type guides the right treatment.

When blood sugar drops too low it can cause shakiness, sweating, confusion, and, if severe, loss of consciousness. It is most common in people taking insulin or certain diabetes pills, and it needs prompt treatment with fast-acting sugar.

Long-term high blood sugar can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet, and the heart and blood vessels. Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with regular screening, greatly lowers these risks.

The thyroid makes too much hormone, speeding the body up. Symptoms can include a racing heart, weight loss, anxiety, tremor, and difficulty tolerating heat. Common causes include Graves' disease and overactive nodules.

The thyroid makes too little hormone, slowing the body down. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, and low mood. It is usually treated effectively with a daily thyroid hormone tablet.

Inflammation of the thyroid that can cause temporary overactivity followed by underactivity. It may follow a viral illness or pregnancy and can be painful or painless depending on the type.

A nodule is a lump within the thyroid; a goiter is an enlarged thyroid. Most are benign, but they are evaluated with ultrasound and occasionally a needle biopsy to be sure.

A cancer that begins in the thyroid gland, often discovered as a nodule. Most types grow slowly and have an excellent outlook with treatment, which usually involves surgery.

Too much of the stress hormone cortisol, from medication or a tumor. It can cause weight gain in the trunk and face, easy bruising, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.

The adrenal glands make too little cortisol, and sometimes too little aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and salt craving. Hormone replacement is essential and lifelong.

The adrenal glands make too much aldosterone, a common and treatable cause of high blood pressure that is sometimes accompanied by low potassium. Identifying it allows targeted treatment.

A rare adrenal tumor that releases adrenaline-type hormones, causing episodes of high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, and palpitations. It is usually treated with surgery.

An adrenal growth found by chance on a scan done for another reason. Most are harmless, but they are checked to confirm they are not producing excess hormone and are not cancerous.

An inherited difference in adrenal hormone production. The milder adult form can cause irregular periods, acne, or excess hair growth, and is managed with hormone-balancing treatment.

Usually benign growths of the pituitary, the gland at the base of the brain that directs many others. They can cause problems by producing too much of a hormone or by pressing on nearby structures.

A pituitary tumor that makes too much prolactin. It can cause irregular or absent periods, milk-like breast discharge, low libido, or fertility problems, and it often responds well to medication.

Too much growth hormone in adulthood, usually from a pituitary tumor. It causes gradual enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features and can affect the joints, heart, and blood sugar.

The pituitary does not make enough of one or more hormones, which then affects the glands it controls. Treatment replaces the specific hormones that are low.

Low growth hormone in adults can cause low energy, reduced muscle with increased body fat, and a reduced sense of wellbeing. It is diagnosed with specific testing and may be treated with hormone replacement.

Despite the name, this is unrelated to blood sugar. A hormone that controls water balance is lacking, causing intense thirst and large amounts of urine. It is treated by replacing the missing hormone.

The body holds onto too much water because of an excess of the water-balancing hormone, lowering the blood sodium level. It has many possible causes and is managed by treating the cause and adjusting fluids.

Overactive parathyroid glands raise the blood calcium level. It is often found on routine blood tests and may cause kidney stones, bone thinning, and fatigue, or no symptoms at all.

Underactive parathyroid glands lead to low calcium, which can cause tingling, muscle cramps, and spasms. It is managed with calcium and vitamin D, and sometimes hormone replacement.

Bones become thinner and weaker, raising the risk of fractures, often without warning until a break occurs. It is diagnosed with a bone density scan and managed with lifestyle measures and bone-strengthening medicines.

A softening of the bones, usually from a lack of vitamin D, causing bone pain and muscle weakness. It typically improves with vitamin D and calcium treatment.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and keep bones healthy. Low levels are common and can affect bones and muscles; they are corrected with supplements and, where possible, more sunlight and dietary sources.

Bone is remodeled too quickly in one or more areas, leading to enlarged or weakened bone, pain, or deformity. Many people have no symptoms, and effective treatments are available.

A common hormone condition in women that can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulty with fertility, often linked to insulin resistance. It is managed with lifestyle measures and medicines tailored to your goals.

Irregular, absent, or problematic periods can result from many hormone imbalances. Finding the underlying cause guides treatment and protects long-term health and fertility.

As ovarian hormones decline, symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep and mood changes, and bone loss can occur. Several options, including hormone therapy where appropriate, can help.

The ovaries produce too little hormone, which can affect periods, bone health, and overall wellbeing. Treatment depends on the cause and your stage of life.

The testes make too little testosterone, which can cause low energy, reduced libido, erectile difficulties, and loss of muscle or bone. It is confirmed with morning blood tests and may be treated with hormone replacement.

Enlargement of male breast tissue caused by a shift in the balance of hormones. It is often harmless but is worth evaluating to identify any underlying cause.

Unwanted coarse hair in women in a male-like pattern, usually related to the level or effect of male-type hormones. Treatment addresses both the cause and the hair growth itself.

A complex, treatable medical condition in which excess body fat affects health. It is influenced by hormones, genetics, environment, and behavior, and is managed with nutrition, activity, behavioral support, medications, and sometimes surgery.

A cluster of factors — extra weight around the waist, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol — that together raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Addressing each factor lowers that risk.

Unhealthy levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, which can be inherited or related to lifestyle and other conditions. Managing them lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Inherited conditions, known as MEN1 and MEN2, in which tumors develop in several endocrine glands. Knowing about them allows regular monitoring and early treatment, and family members can be tested.

Uncommon tumors arising from hormone-producing cells, which may or may not release hormones. They vary widely, and care is tailored to the specific tumor.

Conditions in which the immune system affects more than one endocrine gland, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands together. Monitoring helps catch and treat each part early.