An endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating hormone-related conditions. They have specialized training in the endocrine system and can help diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses that can arise when hormone imbalances or endocrine gland problems occur. Endocrinologists diagnose endocrine conditions, develop treatment and management plans for them, and prescribe medication. They perform a series of tests to understand the problem, determine the best treatment, and help patients with lifestyle changes that can improve the medical condition. Endocrinologists specialize in treating disorders of the endocrine system, which is the network of hormone-producing glands in the body. They can treat conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, infertility, growth issues, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, some cancers, and disorders in the hormone-producing adrenal glands and pituitary glands.

To become an endocrinologist in the United States, a person must obtain a bachelor’s degree (usually four years of college), approximately four years of medical school, and a two- to three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics. After completing four years of college, endocrinologists go through medical school. Then they will spend about six additional years of training specializing in endocrinology. They will need to first get a certification in internal medicine and then get a separate one in endocrinology if they want to be board certified as an endocrinologist.

People may benefit from seeing an endocrinologist since they’re likely more knowledgeable on their condition and more up-to-date on different medications, technology, and clinical trials that can help treat their condition. Primary healthcare providers can diagnose and help manage many endocrine conditions. However, endocrinologists are experts in endocrinology and endocrine conditions.