It is generally in the event of hormonal dysfunction that we consult an endocrinologist. What diseases can it reveal? How much does a consultation cost? What you need to know before going for a consultation.
Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, sleep problems… Behind these symptoms, hormones may be to blame. This is where the endocrinologist, a doctor specializing in the hormonal system, comes in. Thyroid, diabetes, menopause, fertility… Its scope of action is broad and concerns frequent disorders, often poorly identified. What exactly is its role, when to consult and how does follow-up take place? Is it refunded. Dr Jean Michel Borys, endocrinologist, responded to Journal des Femmes.
What is an endocrinologist?
An endocrinologist is a doctor specializing in the function and dysfunction of hormones. He studied medicine for 10 to 12 years. After the baccalaureate, the student goes through the PASS (Specific Health Access Pathway) or an LAS (License with health option) before entering medical studies. At the end of the 6th year, he takes the EDN (National Dematerialized Tests), which allows him to choose his specialty, such as endocrinology, according to his classification. The training then continues with an internship of 4 to 5 years. Once the internships have been validated, the specialized studies diploma (DES) obtained and the thesis defended, he becomes a doctor of medicine.
What is its role?
The endocrinologist is able to evaluate the functioning of the hormonal system, and to treat the disorders that a disruption can cause. He will check the proper functioning of hormonal regulation systems, the quantity of hormones and treat any pathologies linked to a disorder. Given the complexity of the hormonal system, the endocrinologist intervenes at many levels: digestive, sexual, nutritional, dermatological… “Hormones are substances in the body, messengers that control all of the body’s functions.“, explains Dr. Jean Michel Borys, endocrinologist. “These hormones are made by glands, which are found throughout the body. The largest is called the pituitary gland, in the brain. The ovaries, pancreas, thyroid are also glands“, he explains. Once delivered into the body, hormones control the entire body: heart rate, digestion, body temperature, weight gain or loss, etc.
What does an endocrinologist treat?
An endocrinologist can treat all hormonal pathologies. “The most common are thyroid pathologies.explains the specialist. It’s a gland in the neck, which affects many things: the heart, temperature, digestion, fertilization…” About 3 to 4% of people suffer from thyroid problems, mostly women. “This is the most common anomaly we see in the office.“. There are also many diseases linked to poor functioning of the glands: “For example, if the pituitary gland, which controls the others, does not function well (because of a cyst for example), this can lead to infertility, hair problems, etc.“, explains the doctor. In addition to these numerous pathologies, the endocrinologist takes care of diabetes: “Often, the endocrinologist is also a diabetologist, since diabetes comes from a problem with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.“.
When to consult an endocrinologist?
In general, we consult an endocrinologist in cases of:
- Thyroid pathologies (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodule, thyroid cancer, etc.).
- Pituitary gland disorders (Cushing’s disease, adenomas, etc.)
- Adrenal damage (Addison’s disease, etc.)
- Hormonal abnormalities of the reproductive system, such as infertility problems, early puberty, gonadal insufficiency, etc.
Do you need a prescription to consult an endocrinologist?
Normally yes. “In the majority of cases, it is the general practitioner or cardiologist who discovers something abnormal, and who sends the patients to us.“. It happens that a patient comes to consult without a prescription to monitor thyroid problems, or for a metabolism problem, such as unexplained overweight or obesity.
A first consultation with the endocrinologist generally begins with an interview. The patient explains his symptoms and history, and gives the doctor the essential documents (letter from the general practitioner, blood test results, etc.). The endocrinologist then performs a complete clinical examination. Once all these steps have been completed, the doctor can normally already make one or more diagnoses. However, to confirm or refute this, he may prescribe new examinations, if he deems it necessary. If this is the case, the patient must therefore return to see the endocrinologist with the results of these new tests. If a chronic illness is diagnosed (for example, diabetes, hypothyroidism, etc.), long-term monitoring will then be essential.
Prepare your visit to the endocrinologist
Before going to your appointment with the endocrinologist, remember to gather all the elements of your medical file. Blood tests, ultrasound, scanner, MRI… These analyzes are essential to help the specialist understand your symptoms. Obviously, if you have many symptoms, remember to list them so that you don’t forget any details during your consultation.
How much does a consultation cost? Is this reimbursed?
The prices for a consultation with an endocrinologist vary depending on the sector (sector 1 or sector 2) and any excess fees charged. In France, it costs on average between €30 and €80 for a consultation, with a price around €30 to €35 in sector 1, and higher prices in the event of overruns or specialized consultations. It is therefore advisable to find out in advance. As it is a specialist doctor, Health Insurance reimburses 70% of the basic rate, provided that you respect the coordinated care pathway, that is to say, have been referred by your treating doctor. The rest can be covered by the mutual insurance company, depending on the level of guarantee taken out.
Thanks to Dr Jean Michel Borys, endocrinologist.
