What is an Endocrinologist?
An Endocrinologist is a doctor with a special interest in the endocrine system. This is the hormone system in your body. Your endocrinologist will have completed additional specialist training in this area. They may work within a hospital team of professionals such as specialist endocrine nurses or endocrine pharmacists.
You can find out more here.
What happens in an Endocrinology appointment?
Your endocrine doctor will usually see you in an outpatient setting. A nurse or healthcare professional may ask to measure your height and weight, take your blood pressure and heart rate (observations) before your appointment. This is so that your endocrinologist has a good idea of your health when they see you. Most hormone levels are assessed and monitored through blood tests, so you may be asked to visit the phlebotomy (blood test) department during your visit as well. Some hospitals send out forms ahead of the appointment so you can have blood tests before the day. This is helpful because the results are then ready for you to discuss with your endocrinologist in your appointment.
Your endocrinologist will ask questions about you, your health and about the history of your condition. This might involve talking about your general health before you were pregnant, during pregnancy and after. You will also be able to describe your symptoms now and your quality of life. Some endocrinologists use a quality-of-life score to measure how you are feeling through a short questionnaire.
If you have adrenal insufficiency (lack of cortisol requiring steroid replacement) your endocrinologist should make sure you are given an emergency injection kit. Many hospitals provide training for how and when to use this.
Tips
It is very important to bring a list of other medications, and supplements, you are on. It can also be helpful to write a list of things you would like to remember to tell your endocrinologist or questions you would like to ask. You could even ask whether they are happy for you to record the meeting and make sure you take a pen and pad to take notes. We find that brain fog tends to descend at any time (most usually when it’s inconvenient!) and sometimes being in the appointment or hospital can be intense enough that we forget the burning questions we meant to ask.
Going for a hospital appointment can be tiring and overwhelming, especially if you have your baby or toddler with you. It’s worth asking a family member or friend to come with you if possible, and to help you have time to rest once you get home.
Checklist
Endocrinology Appointment – things to bring:
o Medication for the day
o List of medication and doses you take
o List of questions for endocrinologist and a pen and pad to take notes
o Change for parking fee (if needed), or download relevant parking app
o Snack and drink (you might be waiting a while!)
Checklist – Endocrinology Appointment – things to ask for:
o Emergency Hydrocortisone injection kit (if you have adrenal insufficiency)
o Emergency injection training (if required and available at your hospital)
o Copy letters to your General Practitioner (GP)
