Endocrinology Treatments and Procedures

Many hormonal disorders can be treated or managed with medication or hormone replacement therapy. Some conditions require more advanced treatment or surgery. Your endocrinologist in the Sutter Health network will talk with you about treatment options and guide and coordinate any advanced procedures you may need.

Expert Treatment for Hormonal Disorders

Some hormone disorders, such as an underactive thyroid, can be treated with daily hormone medication. Other diseases may require more complex treatment, such as surgery. An endocrinologist can review treatment options and help you choose the best one for you.

Drugs and Injections

A number of drugs can help treat hormonal disorders.

Glucocorticoid pills can replace hormones such as cortisol that may be low due to malfunctioning adrenal glands or pituitary gland.
Several types of oral medicine or injectable insulin can be used to treat diabetes.
Testosterone replacement in the form of topical gels or injections may work for men who have low testosterone.

An endocrinologist may also suggest thyroid surgery to remove a gland with a growth, or one so highly overactive or swollen it affects your breathing.

You may need surgery to remove the nearby parathyroid glands if they contain a growth. In some cases, surgeons remove parathyroid tissue because the tissue is highly overactive, leading to high calcium levels in the body.

In Your Corner

Losing Weight the Healthy Way

Weight gain is a common symptom of many endocrine disorders. If you’ve put on a few pounds, learn how you can take them off safely.

Diabetes, Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome Research

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of illness and death in the U.S. today, but it was uncommon just 60 years ago. Research is critical to slow down this growing health problem and treat the 29 million Americans who have it. Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make or use the hormone insulin properly. Cells don’t get the energy they need, and sugar from food – called glucose – builds up in the blood. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and is epidemic in this country.

Sutter Health Diabetes, Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome Research Sutter Health Diabetes, Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome Research