Endocrinology

What is Endocrinology?

Endocrinology is a specialised field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating disorders, and managing conditions that affect the endocrine system. The endocrine system involves a complex group of hormone producing glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate a variety of bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, mood, and reproductive processes.

Disorders of the endocrine system can lead to various health problems and can occur in three ways: hyposecretion, which happens when glands do not secrete enough hormones; hypersecretion, which occurs when hormones are excessively secreted; and the development of tumours in the endocrine glands. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to see an endocrine doctor for further evaluation and management: 

• Fatigue and weakness

• Unexplained weight changes

• Changes in mood or behaviour, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, or difficulty concentrating

• Menstrual irregularities

• Sexual dysfunction, such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, or infertility

• Skin problems, such as acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), or dry skin

• Bone loss, such as osteoporosis and osteopenia

Common Endocrine Conditions

Endocrinologists manage a broad spectrum of hormonal and metabolic disorders, with diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes) being a primary area of focus. Thyroid disorders are also central to the specialty, including conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goitre, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

Beyond these common conditions, endocrine specialists also address wider aspects of metabolic health such as lipid disorders and bone conditions like osteoporosis, which often may involve parathyroid dysfunction and disturbances in calcium metabolism.

Below are additional common endocrine conditions to be aware of: 

• Metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Pituitary gland disorders such as pituitary tumours, hyposecretion or hypersecretion of pituitary hormones

• Adrenal gland disorders such as primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, Addison's disease, and Cushing’s syndrome

• Hypogonadism including testosterone deficiency in men and oestrogen deficiency in women

• Growth disorders such as delayed growth in children and acromegaly

Endocrinological Procedures and Diagnostic Tests

At Prince Court Medical Centre, our endocrinology team uses a range of specialised procedures and diagnostic tests to accurately detect and manage hormonal disorders.

Endocrine diagnosis often begins with blood-based hormone tests, which help identify imbalances in hormone production. In more complex cases, functional testing such as hormone stimulation or suppression test is used to assess how the glands respond to physiological triggers. These advanced diagnostics allow for personalised treatment plans based on gland function and hormonal response.

Below are common endocrinological procedures offered at PCMC:

• Hormone Tests: Blood tests to assess hormone levels and detect overactive or underactive glands.
  
  
• Hormone Stimulation Tests: To evaluate whether a gland such as pituitary or adrenal can produce adequate hormone levels when medically stimulated.
  
  
• Hormone Suppression Tests: To determine if a gland is producing excess hormones by testing its ability to reduce output when suppressed.
  
  
• Biopsy for Endocrine Lesions: A small tissue sample is collected and analysed to differentiate between benign growths and malignant tumours, particularly in the thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary glands.
  
  
• Hormonal Therapy: Treatment that either replaces insufficient hormones such as insulin and thyroxine or suppresses hormone production in cases of excess involving testosterone or cortisol overproduction.

One of the Best Hospitals for Endocrine Doctors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Expertise and Specialisation 

If you are looking for specialised care for your endocrine disorder, Prince Court Medical Centre is an excellent choice. We have a team of experienced endocrinology experts who have been trained in the latest techniques and methods of diagnosing and treating endocrine diseases and hormonal imbalances. With our expertise, we can provide you with personalised care that takes into account your unique needs, medical history, and lifestyle

Comprehensive Diabetic Management Services

At Prince Court Medical Centre, we boast a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals including endocrinologists, diabetes educators, dietitians, and ophthalmologists who work together to develop a comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and management plan for patients with diabetes.

How We Care for You

Diabetic diagnosis and management include:

• Blood sugar monitoring

• Oral glucose tolerance test

• HbA1c testing

• Continuous glucose monitoring

• Insulin pump

• Diabetes medication management

• Insulin therapy

• Lifestyle modification programmes

Obesity and Weight Management Services

We offer obesity and weight management services as well, with our endocrine specialists working closely with a team of dietitians, nutritionists, and exercise physiologists to create personalised weight management plans that cater to individual needs and preferences.

Specialised Care for Thyroid Diseases

Furthermore, we provide specialised care for thyroid diseases, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer. We offer a wide range of diagnostic tests, such as hormone tests, thyroid ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration biopsy and thyroid scintigraphy, to accurately diagnose and manage these conditions. Surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to treat various thyroid disorders.