General Endocrinology

Lipids, or lipoproteins, are the fats found circulating in the bloodstream. They include low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and triglycerides. LDL, or "bad" cholesterol can contribute to the formation of plaque buildup in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which is linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL, or "good" cholesterol, helps to remove cholesterol from the blood, preventing the fatty buildup and formation of plaque.

The endocrinologists at Rochester Regional Health will discover the cause of your disorder and craft a personalized treatment plan for you. It may include modifying risk factors, medications to lower your cholesterol, or hormone therapy.

Both men and women have gonads. In males, they are the testes, the male sex glands that are part of the male reproductive system. They are located behind the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum.

The female gonads, the ovaries, are a pair of reproductive glands. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus, and they have two functions: they produce eggs and female hormones. Gonadal and menstrual disorders stem primarily from hormone dysfunctions; the ovaries and testes produce many of the same hormones, but in different amounts.

Gonadal disorders in men can lead to serious complications, including hypogonadism—a result of low testosterone production—sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Menstrual disorders in women are usually caused by imbalances in estrogen and progesterone. They can include abnormally early or late onset of puberty, very light periods, very heavy periods and irregular or absent periods. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonal disorder found in women of reproductive age. Women suffering from PCOS may have excess male hormone (androgen) levels or infrequent/prolonged menstrual periods, as well as small collections of fluid (follicles) in their ovaries. Additionally, their ovaries may fail to regularly release eggs.

When your bones are healthy (and when you are young) your bones gradually replace old bone tissue. Known as bone remodeling, it helps maintain adequate calcium levels in your body, and preserves bone density and strength. However, osteoporosis and other bone disorders interfere with this process.

For some, the right treatment for bone disorders are medications. Some osteoporosis medications are oral and others are injections. Your endocrinologist can help determine which is right for you.

Rochester Regional Health’s Diabetes & Endocrinology Center offers comprehensive, full-body treatment for the management of all pituitary, and adrenal gland disorders. Our experienced team will create a personalized treatment plan just for you and your journey.

Treatment for pituitary and adrenal gland disorders may include surgery, radiation therapy, or drugs that can make sure your body is creating the right amount of hormones. Your endocrinology team will ensure that your treatment plan is customized with your health in mind.

Your thyroid is a vital organ that controls numerous bodily functions. When your thyroid isn’t working the way it should, it impacts your entire body. Rochester Regional Health’s Thyroid Center offers a comprehensive treatment approach for the management of all types of thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism (underactive gland), hyperthyroidism (overactive gland), thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancers. Our experienced team of endocrinologists will create an individually designed treatment plan just for you.

Depending on your thyroid disorder, your provider may suggest anti-thyroid drugs (to temporarily reduce hormone production), radioactive iodine (permanently reduces hormone production), beta blockers (to control your symptoms), or surgery to remove your thyroid. 

Thyroid cancer can occur in people with no risk factors, or in people who have undergone radiation to the chest, head, or neck. The four main types of thyroid cancer are anaplastic, follicular, medullary, and papillary.

Following a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, biopsy, and genetic testing, your endocrinologist will create a personalized treatment plan that takes your health, your preferences, and your type and stage of thyroid cancer into consideration. Your treatment may include blood tests and exams once or twice a year, surgery, thyroid hormone therapy, radioactive iodine, external radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drug therapy.

In order to properly assess a lump or nodule in your neck, your provider will utilize several tests, including a physical exam, thyroid function tests, thyroid scans, an ultrasound, and/or a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Treatment for a thyroid nodule depends on which type of thyroid nodule you have, your symptoms, and risk of cancer.  These choices can range from watchful waiting (with exams and/or imaging) to surgical approaches.

If your nodule is producing more thyroid hormone than necessary, your provider may recommend radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications, or surgery.

If your nodule is cancerous, treatment usually requires surgery. However, your provider will customize a treatment plan that works best for your nodules and your wishes.