Online Endocrinologist

Adrenal Insufficiency

Also known as Addison’s disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands where the glands does not function properly and it does not produce enough hormone called cortisol in your body.

Thousands of people in the UK have Addison’s disease, with hundreds of cases diagnosed each year. Common symptoms include tiredness, body weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss.

You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms. You can book a consultation online with our GPs or directly with our specialist endocrinologist if you suspect you have adrenal insufficiency. 

Diabetes

This is a condition where your body has too much sugar than it need. There are different types of diabetes depending on the cause.

Type 1 diabetes causes the level of sugar in your blood to become too high because your body cannot produce enough of a hormone called insulin, which controls blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes causes the level of sugar in your blood to become too high because your body does not respond well to insulin produced in your body, which controls blood sugar.

Type 3c diabetes causes the level of sugar in your blood to become too high because your body lack insulin due to damage to the organ (pancreas) that is responsible for the production of insulin in your body.

You can book a consultation online with our GPs or directly with our specialist endocrinologist if you suspect you have this condition.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), leading to an overactive metabolism. If left untreated, it can cause heart problems, osteoporosis, and severe weight loss. Early recognition and treatment are essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Common Causes

1. Graves’ Disease (Autoimmune Hyperthyroidism) – The most common cause; the immune system overstimulates the thyroid.
2. Toxic Nodular Goiter – Overactive thyroid nodules producing excess hormones.
3. Thyroiditis (Inflammation of the Thyroid) – Temporary hyperthyroidism due to viral infection or immune dysfunction.
4. Excess Iodine Intake – From diet, medications (amiodarone), or supplements.

Rare Causes

• Pituitary Tumors – Can overproduce TSH, overstimulating the thyroid.
• Overmedication with Thyroid Hormone – In people treating hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Physical Symptoms

• Unexplained weight loss, despite normal or increased appetite.
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), palpitations, or irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation).
• Tremors (shaky hands or fingers).
• Excessive sweating & heat intolerance.
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) – Swelling in the neck.
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.
• Hair thinning or brittle nails.

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms

• Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Poor concentration or brain fog.

Eye Symptoms (Graves’ Disease Only)

• Bulging eyes (exophthalmos).
• Dry, irritated, or red eyes.
• Double vision or light sensitivity.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Sudden unexplained weight loss.
• Severe tremors or muscle weakness.
• Bulging eyes or vision changes.

How ConsultDoc Helps with Hyperthyroidism Management

Symptom Tracking & Risk Assessment

• Log weight changes, heart rate, and other symptoms.
• Monitor trends for early detection and treatment adjustments.

Virtual Consultation with Endocrinologists

• Discuss symptoms and receive personalized treatment plans.
• Get expert guidance on medications, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Diagnostic Support & Lab Test Recommendations

• Guidance on TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibody tests.
• Assistance in understanding test results and treatment options.

Treatment Guidance

• Information on antithyroid medications (Methimazole, PTU) and their side effects.
• Beta-blockers (Propranolol) for symptom relief (heart palpitations, tremors).
• Radioactive iodine therapy – A permanent treatment option for some cases.
• Surgery (Thyroidectomy) – For large goiters or severe cases.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations

• Avoid high-iodine foods (seaweed, fish, iodized salt) if iodine-sensitive.
• Manage stress & anxiety through mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
• Monitor calcium & vitamin D levels to prevent bone loss.

Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism

• Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) – Confirms overactivity.
• Thyroid Antibody Tests – Detects Graves’ disease.
• Thyroid Ultrasound or Radioactive Iodine Uptake Scan – Identifies nodules or inflammation.
• ECG (Electrocardiogram) – Checks for heart rhythm issues.

Treatment Approaches

Medications

• Antithyroid Drugs (Methimazole, Propylthiouracil – PTU) – Reduces thyroid hormone production.
• Beta-Blockers (Propranolol, Atenolol) – Controls symptoms like rapid heart rate and tremors.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)

• Shrinks the thyroid over time, often leading to hypothyroidism, requiring lifelong hormone replacement.

Surgery (Thyroidectomy)

• Removes part or all of the thyroid; necessary in severe or cancerous cases.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Reduce caffeine & stimulants to minimize heart symptoms.
• Adequate sleep & stress management to control anxiety.
• Regular check-ups for medication and thyroid function monitoring.

Prognosis

• Mild cases may resolve with medication.
• Moderate to severe cases require long-term management or definitive treatment (RAI or surgery).
• Graves’ eye disease may persist even after thyroid treatment.

Conclusion

Hyperthyroidism is treatable, but early detection is key. ConsultDoc provides virtual consultations, symptom tracking, lab test guidance, and expert medical advice to help individuals manage their thyroid health effectively.

You can book a consultation online with our GPs or directly with our specialist endocrinologist if you suspect you have this condition.

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism is the condition where there is reduction in the function of the reproductive gland (testis in male and ovaries in female) leading to little or no sex hormones in the body. You can book a consultation online with our GPs or directly with our specialist endocrinologist if you suspect you have this condition.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism commonly referred to as underactive thyroid is where the thyroid gland does not produce adequate thyroid hormones for the body. You can book a consultation online with our GPs or directly with our specialist endocrinologist if you suspect you have this condition.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones in your body over many years making them fragile and easy to fall to bits. You can book a consultation online with our GPs or directly with our specialist endocrinologist if you suspect you have this condition.

Overweight & Obesity

Obesity is a condition where the body has surplus amount of fat. You can check if you have obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator.

Tiredness All The Time

Feeling tired all the time, is a surprisingly common symptom that most people present to their doctor and this can have a wide range of potential causes. It can manifest as persistent exhaustion that isn’t relieved by rest, making it difficult to concentrate, be productive, and enjoy daily activities. 

While occasional tiredness after a busy day is normal, tiredness all the time that interferes with your daily routine required medical attention.

The reasons behind constant tiredness can be varied, ranging from lifestyle factors like insufficient sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise to underlying medical conditions such as anaemia, thyroid disorders, or even mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Identifying the root cause is crucial for finding effective solutions. 

Paying attention to other accompanying symptoms and seeking medical opinion from Consultdoc specialist can help pinpoint the reason behind your persistent fatigue and guide you towards appropriate treatment options.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Many people are unaware they have low vitamin D levels until symptoms appear or a blood test confirms it.

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

• Lack of Sunlight Exposure – Limited outdoor activity or excessive sunscreen use reduces vitamin D synthesis.
• Dietary Deficiency – Low intake of vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy.
• Darker Skin Tone – Higher melanin reduces vitamin D production from sunlight.
• Obesity – Excess fat stores vitamin D, making it less available for use.
• Gut Disorders – Conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or IBS can impair vitamin D absorption.
• Kidney or Liver Disease – Reduces the body’s ability to convert vitamin D into its active form.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

• Fatigue & low energy
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Bone pain, especially in the lower back and legs
• Frequent colds, infections, or slow wound healing
• Mood changes, depression, or anxiety

Severe Symptoms (Long-Term Deficiency)

• Osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults
• Increased risk of fractures & osteoporosis
• Joint pain & stiffness
• Hair loss or brittle nails
• High blood pressure & heart disease risk

How ConsultDoc Helps with Vitamin D Deficiency Management

1. Symptom Tracking & Risk Assessment

   • Log symptoms to track severity and duration.
   • Assess risk factors based on lifestyle, diet, and medical history.

2. Virtual Consultation with Healthcare Providers

   • Get professional guidance on testing and treatment options.
   • Discuss underlying conditions affecting vitamin D levels.

3. Diagnostic Support & Lab Testing

   • Information on 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test to confirm deficiency.
   • Assistance in understanding test results and optimal vitamin D levels.

4. Treatment & Supplement Guidance

   • Recommendations for vitamin D3 supplements (cholecalciferol) vs. vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).
   • Safe dosage guidance (e.g., 1000-4000 IU daily based on needs).
   • Advice on combining vitamin D with calcium & magnesium for better absorption.

5. Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations

   • Food sources rich in vitamin D – Salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, fortified milk, mushrooms.
   • Sun exposure tips – Safe sunbathing recommendations for natural vitamin D production.
   • Exercise & weight management to improve bone and muscle health.

Diagnosis of Vitamin D Deficiency

• Blood Test (25-hydroxyvitamin D level) – Confirms deficiency levels:
  
  • Deficient: <20 ng/mL
  • Insufficient: 20-30 ng/mL
  • Optimal: 30-50 ng/mL

Treatment Approaches

1. Supplements

   • Mild Deficiency: 1000-2000 IU daily
   • Moderate Deficiency: 4000 IU daily
   • Severe Deficiency: 50,000 IU weekly (prescription)

2. Dietary Adjustments

   • Increase vitamin D-rich foods & fortified products.

3. Sunlight Exposure

   • 15-30 minutes of direct sunlight several times per week.

4. Addressing Underlying Conditions

   • Treat gut disorders, kidney/liver disease, or obesity-related absorption issues.

Prognosis

• Mild cases improve within weeks of supplementation.
• Severe deficiency may take months to restore optimal levels.
• Long-term monitoring helps prevent recurrence.

Vitamin D deficiency is common but preventable. ConsultDoc provides virtual consultations, lab test guidance, supplement recommendations, and lifestyle coaching to help individuals restore optimal vitamin D levels and improve overall health.

NHS Conditions

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