Endocrinology in Queens – Endocrinologist Queens

Dr. Hortencia Garcia, MD Endocrinologist Queens, NY 

Your endocrine system controls your hormones. A great majority of your body’s functions depend on maintaining healthy glands that secrete hormones regulating your:

• Movement
• Growth
• Respiration
• Sexual development
• Reproduction
• Metabolism
• Sensory perception

Endocrinologist Queens, NYC

At the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center, the entire team of experts within the multi-specialty practice understand the vital role your hormones play in your overall well-being. Your primary care physician or another doctor treating you may refer you to an endocrinologist in the same facility. All the physicians work together for your benefit.

Preventing Hormone Imbalances

There are a number of gland and hormone conditions that you can’t prevent because they’re caused by genetics, aging or complications from birth. But you can take steps during your life to improve the odds that you won’t encounter problems from your endocrine system.

Most of the preventative steps are part and parcel of an overall healthy lifestyle. Consider lifestyle modifications such as:

• Getting sufficient iodine in your daily diet. This adjustment may mean using iodized salt or taking supplements, according to your doctor’s directions.
• Maintaining a healthy weight with a well-rounded, nutritional diet. If you suffer with obesity, your Medex team of doctors guides you through a weight-loss program and sets you up with sessions with a physical therapist to learn the best exercises for you.
• Following your doctor’s treatment plans for underlying conditions such as diabetes and infertility.

Eight Vital Glands

When your body doesn’t respond to hormone secretion the way it’s supposed to, you can develop an endocrine disease. The eight glands your doctor monitors for clues as to why you’re not well are:

1. Ovaries/Testes. Often, hormone imbalances are thought to only affect women because the ovaries go through so many natural changes from puberty to pregnancy and menopause. Testes are the glands in men that produce testosterone and sperm.
2. Hypothalamus. This gland regulates your moods, hunger, thirst, body temperature, sex drive and sleep.
3. Thyroid. Hormones from the thyroid are associated with your heart rate, as well as how fast you burn calories. It may be the source of obesity and inability to gain weight.
4. Parathyroid. This gland controls how much calcium is in your body. It may contribute to conditions such as osteoporosis.
5. Pituitary. This is the master gland that triggers growth. It controls all the other glands in your body.
6. Adrenal. Your cortisol levels are affected when this gland doesn’t work properly. Cortisol affects both your sex drive and your stress levels.
7. Pancreas. Since your insulin levels are controlled by this gland, it’s one of the first places your Medex doctor monitors when you have blood sugar issues.
8. Pineal. This gland produces melatonin, the hormone that affects your sleep.

A disorder in any of these glands can disrupt your life. Some of the common conditions you may develop when hormones go awry include:

• Bone disease
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Pituitary and adrenal disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Graves’ disease
• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
• Female hair loss, called androgenetic alopecia
• Adult acne
• Hirsutism
• Sexual issues, such as erectile dysfunction
• Hypogonadism
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hypocalcemia
• Cushing’s disease
• Addison’s disease
• Cystic fibrosis

Symptoms and Testing for Gland Disorders

Since the number and kinds of conditions that may arise due to a gland disorder are so varied, the symptoms of a hormone irregularity are just as varied. That’s why putting your health in the hands of a team of physicians at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center is so crucial.

Your doctors may conclude that further tests are in order before coming to a firm diagnosis. You may undergo procedures that confirm a condition or find the source within your endocrine system, such as:

• Sudomotor scan
• Spirometry
• The CV profiler
• Nerve conduction testing
• ANS monitoring
• Digital fundoscopy
• Thyroid ultrasound
• Body composition measurement
• Bone density scanning

FAQ

What does an endocrinologist do on the first visit?

On your first visit to an endocrinologist, the doctor will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical exam to assess any signs of hormonal imbalances. They may ask about your diet, lifestyle, medications, and family history of endocrine disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or hormonal deficiencies. Depending on your condition, the endocrinologist may order blood tests to check hormone levels, glucose, or other key markers. If necessary, they might recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound for thyroid issues. The visit typically ends with a treatment plan, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, or further testing to help manage your condition effectively.

Do I need a referral to see an endocrinologist?

Whether you need a referral to see an endocrinologist depends on your health insurance plan. If you have an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan, a referral from your primary care doctor is typically required before seeing a specialist. However, if you have a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or other insurance plans that allow direct specialist access, you may not need a referral. Medicare and Medicaid may also require referrals depending on state regulations. To avoid unexpected costs or coverage issues, it’s best to check with your insurance provider and confirm the endocrinologist is in-network before scheduling an appointment.

Can an endocrinologist help with weight loss?

Yes, an endocrinologist can help with weight loss by identifying and treating hormonal imbalances that may be affecting your metabolism. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes can contribute to weight gain and make it difficult to lose weight. An endocrinologist will evaluate your hormone levels, metabolism, and overall health, then create a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, and exercise guidance. In some cases, they may prescribe weight-loss medications or recommend additional medical interventions if necessary. If you’re struggling to lose weight despite diet and exercise, consulting an endocrinologist can help uncover underlying issues and provide effective solutions.

Should I see a gynecologist or endocrinologist for menopause?

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, both a gynecologist and an endocrinologist can help, but the best choice depends on your specific needs. A gynecologist specializes in women’s health and is typically the first doctor to see for menopause management, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and gynecological concerns like irregular periods, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. However, if you have severe hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, or metabolic issues affecting menopause, an endocrinologist may be better suited to evaluate your hormone levels and provide specialized treatment. If you’re unsure, starting with a gynecologist is recommended, and they can refer you to an endocrinologist if needed for further evaluation.

How long does an endocrinologist appointment take?

An endocrinologist appointment typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition and whether it’s a first visit or follow-up. Your initial appointment may take longer as the doctor will review your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and previous lab results, followed by a physical exam and possibly ordering blood tests or imaging to assess hormone levels. Follow-up visits are usually shorter, around 15 to 30 minutes, focusing on treatment progress, medication adjustments, and further recommendations. If you have a complex endocrine disorder, your visit may take longer to ensure a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

What doctor to see for pmdd?

If you are experiencing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), the best doctor to see is a gynecologist, psychiatrist, or endocrinologist, depending on your symptoms. A gynecologist specializes in hormonal and reproductive health and can help manage PMDD with birth control, hormone therapy, or lifestyle recommendations. A psychiatrist is ideal if you have severe mood-related symptoms, as they can prescribe antidepressants (SSRIs) or other mental health treatments. An endocrinologist may be helpful if hormonal imbalances are suspected beyond the menstrual cycle. If you’re unsure where to start, seeing a gynecologist first is recommended, as they can assess your condition and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Should I see an ent or endocrinologist for thyroid?If you have a thyroid condition, whether to see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) or an endocrinologist depends on your specific issue. An endocrinologist is the best choice for managing thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, and Graves’ disease, as they specialize in hormonal imbalances and medical treatments like medications and hormone therapy. However, if you have thyroid nodules, goiter, or thyroid cancer, an ENT (also called an otolaryngologist) may be necessary for further evaluation, biopsy, or surgery. In most cases, starting with an endocrinologist is recommended, and they can refer you to an ENT if surgical intervention is needed.