Endocrinologist: Definition & What They Treat

An endocrinologist is a physician specializing in the endocrine system—glands that secrete hormones regulating metabolism, growth, reproduction, mood, and more.

Conditions Treated

• Diabetes mellitus (Type 1, 2, gestational, MODY)
• Thyroid disorders: Hypo/hyperthyroidism, nodules, cancer
• Calcium/bone: Osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, Paget's
• Adrenal: Addison's, Cushing's, pheochromocytoma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Pituitary: Adenomas, hypopituitarism, DI, acromegaly
• Reproductive: PCOS, infertility, hypogonadism, menopause
• Lipid/metabolic: Dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome
• Neuroendocrine tumors

Training

• MD/DO → 3-yr Internal Medicine residency → 2–3 yr Endocrinology fellowship → Board certification (ABIM).

Endocrinologists manage chronic, complex hormonal disorders requiring long-term titration and multidisciplinary coordination.