Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases

Endocrinology and metabolic diseases shape the health of many people worldwide. Challenges in managing these conditions require precision and coordinated care.

Biruni Hospital offers advanced expertise and resources to address complex hormonal and metabolic disorders. Turkey provides a healthcare environment where modern treatments meet growing patient needs.

Specialized teams work to deliver tailored solutions for chronic illnesses, obesity, diabetes, and rare endocrine conditions. This balance of skill and innovation positions Biruni Hospital as a reliable center for endocrine care.

What are endocrinology and metabolic diseases?

Endocrinology and metabolic diseases often affect how the body regulates energy, weight, mood, or physical development. They rarely show clear signs at the start, which makes them hard to catch without focused attention and testing.

Most people reach a diagnosis after a long process of vague symptoms or repeated tests for unrelated issues. Sometimes it starts with fatigue or weight gain, or more serious problems like infertility or abnormal growth. Doctors then trace the problem back to hormones or metabolism.

What doctors look for in these cases

• Sudden changes in weight or appetite
  
• Unusual fatigue that does not match activity levels
  
• Early or delayed puberty in children
  
• Persistent high blood sugar or insulin resistance
  
• Irregular menstruation or sexual dysfunction
  
• Bone loss or unexplained fractures in younger patients
  

What are the main procedures used to treat endocrine and metabolic diseases?

This section explains the key treatments and evaluations available for endocrine and metabolic conditions at Biruni Hospital.

Thyroid surgery

Thyroid surgery is performed when part or all of the thyroid gland needs to be removed. Usually, it’s due to suspicious nodules, overactive glands, or cancer. It follows a process that includes diagnosis, imaging, and surgical planning.

Some patients go on to need lifelong hormone replacement, while others recover with minimal ongoing treatment.

Steps and aspects of thyroid surgery

• Neck ultrasound and nodule size tracking
  
• TSH and thyroid hormone level testing
  
• Biopsy for nodules that appear suspicious
  
• Preoperative assessment and anesthesia clearance
  
• Lobectomy or total thyroidectomy decision
  
• Nerve protection during surgery to avoid vocal damage
  
• Postoperative calcium and hormone monitoring
  
• Endocrinologist follow-up for hormone therapy
  
• Pathology review for cancer or benign findings
  
• Regular imaging for recurrence check if needed
  

Insulin pump and glucose monitoring

An insulin pump provides a steady dose of insulin through the day to help manage blood sugar more precisely. It’s used for patients with type 1 diabetes or those with unstable glucose levels even on standard injections.

The process includes setting up the pump and training patients on how to use it. Glucose monitors are often paired with pumps for real-time sugar readings and alerts.

Steps and aspects of insulin pump setup

• Evaluation of glucose control history and lifestyle
  
• Education on carb counting and correction dosing
  
• Selection and setup of pump model and infusion site
  
• Blood sugar trend tracking before and after meals
  
• Sensor calibration for continuous glucose monitoring
  
• Emergency planning for pump failure or low glucose
  
• Weekly data review with diabetes nurse
  
• A1C testing to check long-term blood sugar control
  
• Technical support for hardware or software issues
  
• Ongoing endocrinologist adjustment of therapy plan
  

Adrenal function evaluation

Adrenal disorders affect how the body handles stress, blood pressure, or metabolism. If the glands produce too much or too little hormone, it can trigger serious health problems. Diagnosing these conditions depends on dynamic hormone testing and imaging scans.

Steps and aspects of adrenal evaluation

• The symptom review focused on energy, mood, and blood pressure
  
• Morning cortisol and ACTH testing
  
• Salivary or urine hormone level checks
  
• Stimulation or suppression hormone challenge tests
  
• Electrolyte and glucose blood analysis
  
• CT or MRI to detect gland enlargement or tumors
  
• Endocrine surgical referral if mass is detected
  
• Medication to replace or suppress hormones
  
• Ongoing hormone balance tracking post-treatment
  
• Emergency planning for Addison’s or crisis risk
  

Pituitary tumor diagnosis and care

Pituitary tumors can disrupt multiple body systems by releasing excess hormones or blocking hormone production. These growths sit close to the brain and optic nerves, so they can also cause headaches or vision problems.

Steps and aspects of pituitary care

• Hormonal profile including growth and stress hormones
  
• Visual field test to check for nerve pressure
  
• MRI of the brain focusing on the pituitary
  
• Tumor board discussion to plan next steps
  
• Endoscopic surgery through the nasal passage if needed
  
• Postoperative hormone and fluid level testing
  
• Radiation if surgery doesn’t fully remove tumor
  
• Regular monitoring for recurrence or gland failure
  
• Hormone replacement if output is permanently reduced
  
• Long-term specialist follow-up and support
  

Metabolic surgery for obesity and diabetes

This type of surgery is used for patients with obesity and metabolic issues that don’t improve with lifestyle changes. It can reduce weight and also improve or even reverse diabetes in some cases.

Steps and aspects of metabolic surgery

• BMI and obesity-related health issue assessment
  
• Psychological and nutrition evaluation pre-surgery
  
• Planning for gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
  
• Preoperative risk review, including heart and lung checks
  
• Surgery with small incisions and fast recovery focus
  
• Step-by-step postoperative diet progression
  
• Support with physical activity and behavior change
  
• Monitoring for vitamin and mineral deficiency
  
• Diabetes control and A1C tracking after surgery
  
• Long-term medical follow-up to prevent weight regain

How to prepare before undergoing an endocrine or metabolic procedure?

Preparation is key to ensure a safe and effective procedure. These steps help set the stage for the best outcomes.

• Full hormone panel testing
  
• Medication adjustment
  
• Imaging and scans
  
• Anesthesia clearance
  
• Blood sugar control
  
• Blood pressure management
  
• Fasting and dynamic test prep
  
• Patient education
  
• Nutritional support
  
• Mental readiness
  

What happens after treatment for endocrine or metabolic diseases?

The time after treatment is critical as the body adjusts to changes in hormone levels and heals from surgery or therapy. Careful monitoring and management during this period prevent complications and ensure long-term success.

Short-term postoperative care

• Vital signs monitoring
  
• Frequent hormone level testing and medication adjustment
  
• Pain management without oversedation
  
• Wound care and dressing changes
  
• Nutrition and hydration support
  
• Gentle movement to improve circulation
  
• Emotional support for mental strain
  
• Early follow-up visits to adjust care
  

Long-term post-operative care

• Regular hormone testing
  
• Long-term hormone replacement if needed
  
• Monitoring for late complications or tumor recurrence
  
• Lifestyle changes to maintain health
  
• Routine screening for diabetes, heart, and bone risks
  
• Patient education on recognizing symptoms of imbalance
  
• Coordinated care among specialists
  

Final insights on endocrinology and metabolic care

Managing endocrine and metabolic diseases demands precise diagnosis, thoughtful treatment, and ongoing care. Biruni Hospital’s expertise and approach deliver tailored solutions for complex conditions. This focus on accuracy and coordination helps patients navigate these challenging health issues successfully.