A Simple Guide to Your First Endocrinologist Appointment

Are you nervous to meet an endocrinologist? Or are you wondering what an endocrinologist does on the first visit? Here's what you can expect when you take your health into your own hands.

There are several reasons to visit an endocrinologist because endocrinologists not only treat a variety of diseases and certain types of cancer, but they also recommend lifestyle improvements that are good for your general well-being.

As the name suggests, an endocrinologist specializes in the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone regulation in the body. Along with diabetes, an endocrinologist will also treat hyperthyroidism, osteoporosis, Grave's disease, and Cushing's disease, to name a few.

When is it time to see an endocrinologist? Once you've been diagnosed with an endocrine condition by a doctor, it becomes very important to schedule an appointment. Some other red flags that may warrant an endocrinologist visit include:

• Problems with your vision
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Kidney complications
• Drastic fluctuations in blood sugar levels
• Tingling hands and feet (possibly from damaged nerves)

If you're planning to see an endocrinologist soon, here are a few things you should expect on your visit and some pointers on how to prepare.

What You Should Expect On Your First Visit

An endocrinologist visit isn't that different from an ordinary doctor's visit. The visit usually entails an analysis of your medical history, a full-body examination, and blood and urine samples.

The doctor will begin by taking your vitals and assessing your weight and height. They will also check your blood sugar level if you or another member of your family has diabetes, though this doesn't happen every time.

The endocrinologist will then perform a check-up to ensure you have no abnormalities on your body. This includes checking your hands and feet for any skin infections or sores, assessing gum health, and feeling your abdomen for any protrusions.

You may also receive a barrage of questions concerning information about your family history, eating habits, and other vital information that may help. You should remember to have all your pertinent documents at hand, especially if you have recently visited a nutrition doctor.

Finally, the doctor may want to know your approach to any current medical conditions, especially if you have diabetes. The endocrinologist may ask anything from your current treatment methods to your sleeping routine.

How Should You Prepare for an Endocrinologist Visit?

First, remember to have all the necessary documentation with you, including your ID, insurance information, and your medical records. If you have previous lab tests for any medical conditions, the better.  It’s also smart to have a list of questions to ask the endocrinologist.

It is advisable to bring a notebook with you to help you answer the endocrinologist's questions correctly. On your notebook, you can put down information regarding:

• Your most recent symptoms, even those unrelated to any particular endocrine condition
• All the medication you're currently taking, including OTC pain killers and allergy medicine
• Your blood sugar levels
• Any notable highlights in your personal life that may affect your overall mood
• Any relevant information on your family history since most endocrine disorders are genetic
• Your most recent vaccination shots and when you got them
• Any other medical questions you might have

With that on lock, you are now set to visit your  endocrinologist . If you're going to the endocrinologist to discuss nutrition, they might recommend a simple fix, like eating less sugar or salt. Just reducing salt consumption by five grams a day could save more than 1.4 million lives a year. If it's for a medical condition, you might need to get lab work performed or come back for a follow-up for further questions.