What is endocrinology?

Diabetes is diagnosed when high blood sugar levels are detected.

• Type 1 diabetes occurs when the cells that produce the hormone insulin in the pancreas gland are attacked and destroyed by the immune system.
• Type 2 diabetes occurs when cells stop responding to insulin (which acts as a key to let glucose sugar into cells) and the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to overcome this.

A wide range of antidiabetic medications is available, and seeking specialist advice can help to find the right blend of treatments. Whether you have recently received a diagnosis, or have lived with diabetes for some time and find it difficult to control your blood sugar levels, we are here to help.

• If you have type 2 diabetes, a healthy diet and exercise are often sufficient to control your blood glucose levels, but it is sometimes necessary to take tablets or to use injections.

Type 2 diabetes is most common in middle-aged or older adults, although you may still be at risk even if you are younger, especially if you are overweight or are of African-Caribbean or South Asian heritage.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes tend to come on slowly and raised glucose levels are often only diagnosed by routine medical screening tests. You may feel tired and have problems with recurrent thrush, for example. You may also find that you’re more thirsty or pass urine more often, however these symptoms are more severe in type 1 diabetes.

• If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need daily insulin injections to achieve normal glucose levels.

We understand that the thought of injecting yourself can be alarming, and we provide reassurance and practical help so that you or your child feel confident about the process. Naturally, advice on diet and exercise is also part of our comprehensive treatment plan.

You will be shown how to do a simple blood or urine test at home to measure your glucose levels. This will enable you to adjust your insulin, food and activity levels according to your daily routine.

You will need at least an annual review with examination and blood screening, as well as eye-screening with a local ophthalmologist.

Our professional, multidisciplinary and approachable team will provide you with all the information you need to feel confident about managing your condition.

Your thyroid gland produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3), which control your metabolic rate - the speed at which your cells use energy as fuel.

• An underactive thyroid gland will cause you to slow down, gain weight and become sensitive to the cold
• An overactive thyroid gland leads to palpitations, weight loss, restlessness, sensitivity to heat, sweating and hyperactivity
• Thyroid nodules or swelling of the whole gland (goitre) can cause a lump (goitre) in the front of the neck

 After a blood test to assess thyroid function, your private endocrinologist can advise on the best course of treatment depending on your diagnosis. Our clinic offers the reassurance of comprehensive after-care and ongoing monitoring by a leading specialist.

Treatment for an underactive thyroid gland involves taking daily hormone replacement tablets, to raise your thyroid hormone levels. However, the normal range for thyroxine hormone (T4) is wide, and sometimes it needs a thyroid specialist to help you find the correct dose of treatment to control your symptoms. 

If you have an underactive thyroid and find it difficult to lose weight or feel tired, despite being told that your thyroid hormone levels are normal, you may benefit from seeing an endocrinologist to finely tune your thyroid hormone dose.

If you have an overactive thyroid our Consultant Endocrinologist will take a detailed history, examine your thyroid and request any necessary investigations to offer a firm diagnosis. They will provide a clear explanation of your treatment options, which may range from medication to (less frequently) radio-iodine treatment and surgery.

Thyroid nodules or swelling of the whole gland (goitre) can cause a lump (goitre) in the front of the neck. Some nodules are felt quite easily, while others are hidden deep in your thyroid tissue or located low in the gland, where they are difficult to feel.

After a blood test to assess thyroid function, you may have an ultrasound, radionuclide scanning and a fine needle aspiration if necessary. While the majority of thyroid nodules are benign, it is important to rule out thyroid cancer to either put your mind at rest, or to start any necessary treatment as soon as possible. Most nodules do not need to be removed, but you may be referred to a thyroid surgeon to remove a suspicious or cancerous nodule.

We recognise that finding a lump is a worrying time, and we will support you every step of the way, answering your questions, ensuring you always know what is happening, and helping you choose the right treatment for you as an individual. Our private clinic offers you the reassurance of comprehensive after-care and ongoing monitoring by a leading specialist in the field.

Doctor Rebecca Scott is one of the leading specialists in her field and will talk through your hormonal problem in detail and take a full medical history. She may order further investigations and blood tests if necessary. After diagnosis, she will work with you on a tailored treatment plan. The overall goal of treatment for endocrine disorders is to restore a normal hormone balance to control your symptoms. You will receive comprehensive after-care and monitoring of your condition, with appointment times to suit you, including early morning and late evening and weekends.

Our consultation fees vary depending on the type and length of your appointment, and whether any tests or treatments are required. You can view a full list of our endocrinology consultation and procedure fees here under consultations.

Endocrinologists also specialise in treating other abnormalities of the endocrine system, such as high or low levels of growth hormone, parathyroid hormone or adrenal hormones, as well as rare hormonal disorders.