By Dr Syed Kashif Hussain Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist. Published.View professional profile on Top Doctors.
Consider seeing an endocrinologist when hormone, thyroid, diabetes or bone results stay abnormal, unexplained or hard to treat, or when a scan shows a pituitary or adrenal finding. Your GP is usually the first step, and private self-referral is also possible. In an emergency call 999.
What does an endocrinologist do?
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specialises in hormones and metabolism. They assess conditions of the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal and parathyroid glands, diabetes, bone health, and hormone-related weight and reproductive problems.
Which signs suggest it is time for a specialist opinion?
Reasons to consider a referral include:
- Thyroid or other hormone tests that are abnormal, borderline or do not fit your symptoms
- Diabetes that is hard to control, of uncertain type, or causing frequent low blood sugars
- A scan or blood test that found a pituitary or adrenal abnormality, or a high calcium level
- A fragility fracture, or a bone scan showing osteoporosis
- Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight change or irregular periods that remain unexplained after initial tests
Do you need a GP referral?
Many NHS pathways go through your GP. For private care, referral requirements, including those of private medical insurers, are confirmed when you enquire. A GP letter and recent results are helpful to bring or send.
What should you bring to the appointment?
It helps to have:
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Recent blood test results and scan reports
- Letters from other clinicians
- Glucose meter or sensor readings, if you have diabetes
- The questions you most want answered
Can you be seen online?
Virtual consultations are available to adults across the UK, and in-person appointments take place in Cambridge. If an examination or tests are needed, the next steps are discussed with you.
Common questions
Is an endocrinologist the same as a diabetologist?
Not exactly, but in the UK many consultants train in both diabetes and endocrinology, so one doctor can assess both.
Do I have to be unwell to see an endocrinologist?
No. Some people come for a second opinion, a clear explanation of results or a plan, and then continue routine care with their GP.
Further reading
- NHS: Type 2 diabetes
- NHS: Osteoporosis
- NICE guideline NG145: Thyroid disease, assessment and management
Clinical content awaiting consultant review.