Endocrinology

At Westchester Health, our Endocrinology Department consists of board trained and certified physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the endocrine system, a network of glands that produce and release hormones that help control many important bodily functions.

Our endocrinologists all have extensive experience in their field, using the latest technology and techniques to treat and provide preventative care for all types of endocrine disorders including diabetes, adrenal disorders, thyroid problems, lipid disorders, osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases.

Prevention as well as treatment

At Westchester Health, our focus is not only on the evaluation and treatment of endocrine disorders but also on preventative care. In addition to providing the highest quality of endocrine system care, our Endocrinology group works closely with your primary care provider and other specialists to implement a total treatment plan customized for your specific condition to achieve the best possible outcome. We also focus on educating you and your family about lifestyle changes you can make to control, improve or even eradicate your endocrine disorder.

What makes Westchester Health’s Endocrinology Department different?

At Westchester Health, we firmly believe that good treatment starts with good listening. We also believe that the best patient is an informed patient, and that patient education is critical to your long-term health.

From the first time you arrive at our offices, we spend as much time with you and your family as is necessary to make sure you understand your condition, the diagnostic tests we are recommending and all of your treatment options. Throughout your journey with us, we will continue to explain our recommended course of treatment and answer any questions you may have so that you understand what to expect.

Whether you have been with Westchester Health for years or are new to our practice, you quickly recognize that our Endocrinology group truly cares about each and every one of our patients. When you need us, we are here for you.

Always at the forefront of medicine

The world of medicine continues to change and evolve, especially regarding the treatment of diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. As part of Northwell Health, our endocrinologists participate in its Department of Endocrinology training programs, making sure they are continually up-to-date on the newest breakthrough treatments for our patients’ endocrine conditions. This emphasis on ongoing training also ensures that our endocrinologists have ready access to the latest technological advances in the treatment of the endocrine system.

Pediatric Endocrinology

To provide the highest quality of care to children with endocrine disorders, we have a pediatric endocrinology specialist on staff who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the endocrine system in children, including obesity, adrenal disorders, thyroid problems, growth disorders, pituitary disorders and disorders of puberty. This pediatric endocrinologist works closely with your child’s pediatrician and other specialists to coordinate and implement the best treatment plan for your child’s individual needs. To learn more, visit our Pediatric Endocrinology page.

Endocrinologists are specially trained physicians who diagnose diseases related to the glands.

The diseases these specialists are trained to treat often affect other parts of the body beyond glands. Endocrinologists treat people who suffer from hormonal imbalances, typically from glands in the endocrine system. The overall goal of treatment is to restore the normal balance of hormones in a patient’s body. Some of the more common conditions treated by endocrinologists include:

Acne

Acne is primarily caused by elevated hormone levels (male androgens or related compounds), which is why so many young people get pimples during puberty. These hormones stimulate the oil glands in pores on the face, chest and back to make more oil, which in turn can clog those pores. Whiteheads, blackheads and raised red bumps are all the result of clogged pores. Treatments include OTC washes, topical creams, antibiotics, and/or other prescription medications to improve the skin’s complexion.

Adrenal gland disorders

The adrenal glands, located on the top of each kidney, are responsible for releasing a number of hormones. Adrenal gland disorders occur when the adrenal glands produce too much or too little of these hormones. There are many adrenal gland disorders, including Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and pituitary tumors. Surgery or medication can treat many adrenal gland disorders, but treatment depends on which specific condition you have.

Diabetes

The most common endocrine disorder, diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are too high. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in your blood. With type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin at all. With type 2 diabetes (the more common type), your body does not make or use insulin well. Over time, diabetes can cause serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, blindness, pregnancy complications and kidney failure. Diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or lifestyle. There is no cure, but a variety of medications and lifestyle changes can help manage diabetic symptoms and improve your overall health.

Growth disorders

Growth disorders are endocrine problems that prevent children from developing normal height, weight and sexual maturity. The pituitary gland produces growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other tissues. Children who have too little of this hormone may be very short, while too much which can cause gigantism, where their bones and body grow too much. There are approximately 22 pediatric growth disorders, including Addison’s disease, delayed puberty, hypogonadism, short stature and Turner syndrome. Surgery or medication can treat many adrenal gland disorders, but treatment depends on which specific condition you have.

Lipid disorders

Lipids, or lipoproteins, are fats in the bloodstream. They include low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and triglycerides. If you have high levels of these, you’re at increased risk for developing heart disease. A combination of medications and lifestyle changes is a common treatment plan to correct high cholesterol and triglycerides.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, which can result in painful fractures and immobility. Osteoporosis tends to run in families, and women are four times more likely than men to develop it. Weight-bearing exercises and strength training can help prevent, or slow, osteoporosis.

Pituitary gland disorders

The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland at the base of the brain. Called the "master control gland," it produces hormones that affect growth and the functions of other glands in the body. If you have a pituitary disorder, you have too much or too little of one of your hormones. Injuries can cause pituitary disorders, but the most common cause is a pituitary tumor. Doctors generally use surgery, radiation therapy and medications to treat a pituitary tumor and return hormone production to normal levels.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have delayed, infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels which can cause acne. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that influences most of the metabolic processes in your body. There are five kinds of thyroid disorders: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, goiter and thyroid cancer. Most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.