Endocrinology

General introduction

The endocrine system is a network of glands that make hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and help control many of the body's functions, including:

growth and development
metabolism and energy levels
reproduction and sexual function
sleep
mood
blood pressure

The endocrine system includes the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands and pituitary gland, as well as the ovaries and testes.

Conditions we treat

Our endocrinology team diagnoses and manages conditions caused by problems with hormones and the glands that produce them.

These can include:

diabetes, including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes
thyroid conditions, including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), goitres and thyroid cancer
bone and calcium conditions, including osteoporosis, vitamin D or calcium imbalances and hyperparathyroidism
reproductive and sexual health conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods, menopause, infertility and raised prolactin levels. Some of these conditions may be managed by gynaecology or fertility specialists, depending on the cause
adrenal and pituitary conditions, including Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease and conditions affecting growth hormone
lipid disorders, including problems with cholesterol

How to access this service

Your GP will usually assess your symptoms first.

If they think you may have a hormone-related condition or a problem affecting part of your endocrine system, they can refer you to our endocrinology service for further assessment.

About the team

Our endocrinology service is provided by a team of consultants and other healthcare professionals with experience in general medicine and a wide range of endocrine conditions.

Useful information

If you are referred to our service, you may need regular blood tests and sometimes scans. Some blood tests need to be carried out early in the morning, usually between 8am and 9am.

If this is not your local hospital, please consider whether you will be able to travel to the hospital for these tests.

Many endocrine conditions can be effectively managed by your GP practice without the need for hospital care. For example, most people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or mildly raised calcium levels do not need to see a specialist endocrinology team.