Princeton Endocrinology Associates LLC

Products And Services

• Adrenal Disease

  Your adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system and produce hormones you can’t live without. There are many types of adrenal diseases that affect hormone production. At Princeton Endocrinology Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, the experienced providers have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal disease. To schedule an appointment with providers that take a patient-centered approach to care, contact the office by phone or through the online booking tool today. Adrenal Disease Q & A What are the adrenal glands? The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located at the top of each of your kidneys. Part of your endocrine system, your adrenal glands produce and secrete hormones that control metabolism, blood pressure, and immune health, as well as the hormones that help you manage stress. Some of the hormones produced by your adrenal glands include: Cortisol Epinephrine and norepinephrine Aldosterone DHEA and androgenic steroids Any change in structure or function of your adrenal glands affects the production and secretion of these hormones, which affects your health and wellness. What is adrenal disease? Adrenal disease is a general term that includes many of the conditions that affect the function or structure of your adrenal gland. Some of the most common adrenal diseases include: Adrenal Insufficiency Adrenal insufficiency is a rare adrenal condition that results in a decrease in the production of adrenal hormones. Types of adrenal insufficiency conditions include Addison’s disease, primary adrenal insufficiency, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. With adrenal insufficiency, you may experience a poor appetite, unexpected weight loss, or abdominal pain. Cushing’s Syndrome With Cushing’s syndrome, your adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of cortisol, one of your primary stress hormones. Too much cortisol may cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure. Cushing’s syndrome may develop from a problem with your pituitary gland, which is a tiny gland found at the base of your skull that controls the function of your adrenal gland. What can I expect during a consultation to discuss adrenal disease? The providers at Princeton Endocrinology Associates have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating adrenal disease. They take a patient-centered approach to care and you can expect a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation when you come to the office looking for help for possible adrenal gland problems. During your exam, your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and your medical and family history, and then performs a physical exam. To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, your provider may request diagnostic testing to assess your hormone levels. Diagnostic imaging may also be requested to further evaluate your adrenal glands and look for tumors that may be affecting function. How is adrenal disease treated? Your experienced provider at Princeton Endocrinology Associates creates a personalized treatment plan to manage your adrenal disease based on your diagnosis and symptoms. Treatment for adrenal disease may include medication to slow down hormone production or hormone replacement therapy to optimize hormone balance. In the same cases, surgery is recommended to remove any tumors. Princeton Endocrinology Associates is dedicated to providing the best possible care to optimize health and wellness. For comprehensive personalized management of your adrenal disease, call the office or book an appointment online today.

  Link: Adrenal Disease

• Diabetes

  Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives. Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. What Is Insulin? Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar move from your blood into your cells. Insulin is made by the beta cells in your pancreas. Your cells need sugar for energy. Sugar from food makes your blood sugar go up. Insulin lowers your blood sugar level by helping sugar move from your blood, into your cells. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body prevents the insulin it does make from working right. Your body may make some insulin, but not enough. How Insulin Can Help With Type 2 Diabetes: Many people with type 2diabetes follow meal and physical activity plans to help manage their blood sugar. But following a meal plan and staying active often are not enough to keep blood sugar in check. Medicine is almost always necessary. In type 2 diabetes, many people find that as their beta cells stop working over time, they need to take insulin. If you have been told that you could benefit from insulin but have delayed starting it, you are not alone. Many people worry about injecting themselves. They wonder if insulin has side effects. They wonder if taking insulin will interfere with their lives. Today, there are many insulin products and insulin devices available to treat all the stages of type 2 diabetes. You and your diabetes care team can work together to find the diabetes products that are right for you.

  Link: Diabetes

• High Cholesterol

  High cholesterol is a common issue for millions of Americans, and it can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lower your risk of complications and improve your overall health by visiting Princeton Endocrinology Associates for a cholesterol screening. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, the team has special training in lipidology and extensive experience in combining lifestyle changes with appropriate medications to lower cholesterol. To learn more, call the office or book an appointment online today. High Cholesterol Q & A What is high cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by your liver. It’s responsible for forming cell membranes and vitamin D, and producing some hormones. There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is sometimes called “bad cholesterol” because it can build up along the walls of your arteries, leading to a narrowing of your blood vessels and increasing your risk of blood clots. HDL is sometimes called “good cholesterol” because it breaks down LDL and prevents it from sticking to your artery walls. When there is too much LDL and not enough HDL, you’re diagnosed with high cholesterol. What causes high cholesterol? A number of factors can contribute to high cholesterol, including: Unhealthy diet Lack of exercise Smoking or using tobacco products Being overweight or obese In some cases, high cholesterol may have a genetic component. This may be the case if you eat a fairly healthy diet and maintain a normal weight, but are still diagnosed with high cholesterol. Depending on the cause of your high cholesterol, the team recommends appropriate treatment options. What are the symptoms of high cholesterol? Unfortunately, there are no specific symptoms of high cholesterol. If you don’t get tested, you might not find out you have high cholesterol until after you suffer a heart attack or stroke. Since high cholesterol can lead to life-threatening emergencies, it’s best to be tested regularly. How is high cholesterol diagnosed? The team recommends regular cholesterol screenings during your annual physical, or as needed depending on your age and overall health. Cholesterol screenings involve a simple blood test. A sample of blood is drawn from your arm and tested to identify the levels of LDL and HDL. Depending on the ratio between the two, your provider diagnoses high cholesterol if you have too much LDL and not enough HDL. How is high cholesterol treated? In most cases, high cholesterol treatment begins with diet and exercise. Your provider may recommend that you lose weight or quit smoking, if appropriate. If these conservative measures aren’t enough to lower your cholesterol within a few months, your doctor prescribes cholesterol-lowering medications. Schedule a cholesterol screening now by calling Princeton Endocrinology Associates or booking a visit online.

  Link: High Cholesterol

• Hirsutism

  Hirsutism is a condition that causes women to develop dark, coarse hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, inner thighs, and back. The highly skilled physicians at Princeton Endocrinology Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, work with their patients to determine the underlying cause of their condition and develop personalized treatment plans. To learn more, call the office or book an appointment online today. Hirsutism Q & A What causes hirsutism? In most cases, hirsutism is caused by an underlying problem with your hormones. Women with hirsutism often suffer from excessive male hormones (androgens) like testosterone. There are a number of conditions that can cause women to have abnormal hormone levels including: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Cushing syndrome Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Certain medications used to treat endometriosis, hair loss, and seizures can also cause hirsutism. How do I know if I have hirsutism? For some women, hirsutism can be difficult to distinguish from normal body hair growth. Hirsutism causes thick, dark hair growth in areas where the hair is usually fine and thin. If your condition is caused by high androgen levels, excessive body hair growth may be accompanied by symptoms like acne, increased muscle size, or deepening of your voice. If you suspect you’re suffering from hirsutism, the specialists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates can provide you with an accurate diagnosis. How is hirsutism diagnosed? During your appointment, your doctor performs a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and discussion of your medical history, to determine the cause of your excessive body hair growth. You’ll also have blood work performed to measure your hormone levels. In some cases, you may need a pelvic exam or ultrasound to assess your reproductive organs. Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor works with you to develop your personalized treatment plan. What treatments are available for hirsutism? Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your condition. The goal of hirsutism treatment is to address your underlying hormonal condition and eliminate the excessive hair growth. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include: Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) Anti-androgen medication Topical cream Electrolysis or laser hair removal If you’re overweight, losing weight may help reduce your androgen levels and improve your condition. Although hirsutism can be embarrassing, it is highly treatable. To find out which treatment is right for you, book an appointment by phone or online today with Princeton Endocrinology Associates.

  Link: Hirsutism

• Low Testosterone

  Testosterone production naturally decreases as men get older. However, some men experience low testosterone, which can affect libido, energy, and mood. The specialists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates are hormone experts and offer comprehensive care for low testosterone. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Princeton, New Jersey, or book online today. Low Testosterone Q & A What is testosterone? Testosterone is a male sex hormone. Though it’s the primary sex hormone in men, women also produce small amounts of testosterone. In men, the hormone is produced in the testicles and is responsible for many of the traits associated with men, including a deep voice, facial hair, and muscle strength. Men also need testosterone to make sperm. Testosterone production begins during puberty. But production of the sex hormone slows down as men get older, resulting in low testosterone levels. What are the symptoms of low testosterone? A decrease in testosterone production causes many of the symptoms associated with the aging process. Common symptoms of low testosterone include: Fatigue Decrease in muscle mass Weight gain Low libido Erectile dysfunction Depression Irritability If you’re experiencing these symptoms and have concerns about low testosterone, contact Princeton Endocrinology Associates to schedule an evaluation. How is low testosterone diagnosed? The experienced providers at Princeton Endocrinology Associates conduct a comprehensive evaluation when you come in with concerns about low testosterone. The endocrinology specialists ask detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history, and then they perform a physical exam. To assess health and testosterone levels, your provider also completes diagnostic testing that includes measurement of your blood testosterone levels. The testing confirms or rules out low testosterone and provides valuable information about your health and wellness. How is low testosterone treated? The specialists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates offer comprehensive care for the treatment of low testosterone. To restore hormone balance, they may recommend testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy may be given in a variety of forms, such as a: Pill Shot Cream Gel Patch Pellet Your provider schedules regular follow-up appointments after you start testosterone therapy to reassess your blood levels and monitor symptoms. They adjust your testosterone therapy as needed to optimize hormone balance. In addition to testosterone therapy, your provider may also offer recommendations aimed at improving overall health and wellness, such as diet changes, an exercise program, and stress-management techniques. For comprehensive care for your low testosterone from providers that place patient needs first, contact Princeton Endocrinology Associates by phone or book an appointment online today.

  Link: Low Testosterone

• Nutrition Medicine

  Your nutritional status plays a major role in your health and overall well-being. Problems with malnutrition or excess weight can lead to serious complications and a decline in your overall health. At Princeton Endocrinology Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, the practitioners are certified in nutrition medicine to address a number of issues including nutritional deficiencies and excess body weight. To learn more about nutrition medicine, call the office or book your appointment online today. Nutrition Medicine Q & A What is nutrition medicine? Proper nutrition is essential to maintaining good health. Your body relies on nutrients -- proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water -- to carry out a variety of essential functions. Your nutrition plays a role in everything from bone health to brain and muscle function. Nutritional deficiencies compromise your body’s ability to carry out important processes. In most cases, your body receives the nutrients it needs through your diet. A nutrient deficiency or malnutrition occurs when your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs from your diet. Certain medical conditions like celiac disease or short bowel syndrome can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Nutrient deficiencies can cause a number of symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, and weight loss. If you’re malnourished, the specialists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates can assess your condition and determine the best way to restore your health. As one way to treat nutritional deficiencies, the practice also offers at-home total parenteral nutrition. What is at-home total parenteral nutrition (TPN)? If you suffer from malnutrition, your doctor may recommend at-home total parenteral nutrition, which provides you with essential nutrients intravenously (IV). At-home TPN is typically a treatment for people who can’t absorb adequate nutrients or tolerate food by mouth. There are a number of conditions, including Crohn's disease, short bowel syndrome, and ischemic bowel disease, that can affect your digestive system’s ability to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. To deliver your essential nutrients through total parenteral nutrition, your doctor inserts a thin, flexible catheter into a large vein in your chest. This surgical procedure is typically performed under anesthesia. The TPN solution is infused with the help of a pump, and provides your body’s nutritional needs. What is the HMRⓇ Program? The HMR Program is an award-winning medically based weight-loss program that helps participants achieve and maintain healthy weight loss. The goal of the HMR Program is to instill healthy life habits and reduce your risk of obesity-related health concerns, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. HMR focuses on a structured diet and behavioral modification to reduce your caloric intake and help you develop healthy skills for long-term management of your weight. Princeton Endocrinology Associates partners with you to meet your weight-loss goals and make healthy living a part of your everyday routine. The HMR Program offers weekly classes and individual coaching with a health educator that supports you throughout your weight-loss journey. Once you meet your weight-loss goals, the team continues to help you build the right skills for successful long-term weight management. The HMR Program is ideal for anyone who wants to lose between 20 and 200 pounds. Both undernutrition and overnutrition can contribute to ill health, but nutrition medicine can help with treating both ends of the spectrum. For excellence in nutrition care, make an appointment at Princeton Endocrinology Associates by phone or book online today.

  Link: Nutrition Medicine

• Obesity

  Weight loss can have a number of positive effects on your hormonal health and overall wellness. If you struggle with obesity or losing weight on your own, the specialists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, can help you achieve healthy weight loss. The practice partners with Health Management ResourcesⓇ to provide an effective medically based, nonsurgical weight-loss treatment. To learn more, make an appointment by phone or book online today. Obesity Q & A How can weight loss improve my health? Being overweight poses a number of serious risks to your health. Obesity is linked to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, kidney disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Obesity can also affect your hormones and increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Getting your weight under control is the most effective way to reduce your risk of obesity-related diseases. Although it’s possible to lose weight on your own, many people struggle with hitting weight-loss plateaus or weight that always seems to return. Underlying medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease can further complicate the weight-loss process. Princeton Endocrinology Associates partners with patients to help them manage their weight for the long term. What is the HMRⓇ Program? The HMR Program is a medically based weight-loss program that’s designed to help you achieve healthy, maintainable results. It’s backed by over 30 years of research and proven strategy. The goal of the HMR Program is to go beyond dieting and help you develop healthy habits for a lifelong way of living. The program includes a structured diet at two calorie levels and effective behavioral modification techniques that allow you to adopt healthier skills, lose weight, and feel full and satisfied while doing it. HMR incorporates a variety of meal replacements, including weight-loss shakes, entrees, soups, and nutrition bars, to reduce your caloric intake and help you achieve your goals. What should I expect from the weight-loss program? The HMR Program offers a number of options depending on your weight-loss goals and overall health. The team at Princeton Endocrinology Associates is trained in behavior modification, personal training, public health, and weight management, and they help you adhere to your weight-loss plan. During the program, you work with a health educator that helps you develop healthier skills and provides support through your weight-loss process. The program also offers weekly classes to further support your efforts. Once you achieve your weight-loss goal, the team continues to support you and help you develop skills for long-term weight management. If you prefer to do the program without additional support, Princeton Endocrinology Associates also offers HMR at Home® with home delivery of your diet meals and program materials. To find out if the HMR Program is the right weight-loss plan for you, call Princeton Endocrinology Associates or book an appointment online today.

  Link: Obesity

• Osteoporosis

  Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Men as well as women are affected by osteoporosis, a disease that can be prevented and treated. In the United States, more than 40 million people either already have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to low bone mass. Risk Factors Certain risk factors are linked to the development of osteoporosis and contribute to an individual’s likelihood of developing the disease. Many people with osteoporosis have several risk factors, but others who develop the disease have no known risk factors. Some risk factors cannot be changed, but you can change others. Risk factors you cannot change: Gender. Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are a woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because of the changes that happen with menopause. Age. The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Your bones become thinner and weaker as you age. Body size. Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk. Ethnicity. Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. African American and Hispanic women have a lower but significant risk. Family history. Fracture risk may be due, in part, to heredity. People whose parents have a history of fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass and may be at risk for fractures. Risk factors you can change: Sex hormones. Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), low estrogen level (menopause), and low testosterone level in men can bring on osteoporosis. Anorexia nervosa. Characterized by an irrational fear of weight gain, this eating disorder increases your risk for osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D intake. A lifetime diet low in calcium and vitamin D makes you more prone to bone loss. Medication use. Long-term use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and some anticonvulsants can lead to loss of bone density and fractures. Lifestyle. An inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest tends to weaken bones. Cigarette smoking. Smoking is bad for bones as well as the heart and lungs. Alcohol intake. Excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of bone loss and fractures. Prevention To reach optimal peak bone mass and continue building new bone tissue as you age, you should consider several factors. Calcium: An inadequate supply of calcium over a lifetime contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Many published studies show that low calcium intake appears to be associated with low bone mass, rapid bone loss, and high fracture rates. National nutrition surveys show that many people consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones. Food sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream; dark green, leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, collard greens, bok choy, and spinach; sardines and salmon with bones; tofu; almonds; and foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice, cereals, and breads. Depending on how much calcium you get each day from food, you may need to take a calcium supplement. Calcium needs change during one’s lifetime. The body’s demand for calcium is greater during childhood and adolescence, when the skeleton is growing rapidly, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Postmenopausal women and older men also need to consume more calcium. Also, as you age, your body becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium and other nutrients. Older adults also are more likely to have chronic medical problems and to use medications that may impair calcium absorption. Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health. Food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, saltwater fish, and liver. Many people obtain enough vitamin D naturally; however, studies show that vitamin D production decreases in the elderly, in people who are housebound, and for people in general during the winter. Adults should have vitamin D intakes of 600 IU (International Units) daily up to age 70. Men and women over age 70 should increase their uptake to 800 IU daily. Exercise: Like muscle, bone is living tissue that responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Weight-bearing exercise is the best for your bones because it forces you to work against gravity. Examples include walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, weight training, tennis, and dancing. Smoking: Smoking is bad for your bones as well as your heart and lungs. Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared with nonsmokers, and they often go through menopause earlier. Smokers also may absorb less calcium from their diets. Alcohol: Regular consumption of 2 to 3 ounces a day of alcohol may be damaging to the skeleton, even in young women and men.

  Link: Osteoporosis

• Parathyroid

  Problems with your parathyroid glands can result in serious issues like osteoporosis or heart disease. Princeton Endocrinology Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, provides thorough evaluations and effective treatment for patients with parathyroid issues. The team takes time to develop the best care plan for each patient. To schedule your visit, call the office or book online today. Parathyroid Q & A What is parathyroid disease? Your parathyroid glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps your body maintain the right balance of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus are essential to a number of functions throughout the body including brain, nerve, and muscle health. Parathyroid disease refers to conditions that cause you to produce too little or too much PTH, disrupting this balance. There are two different types of parathyroid disease: hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. What is hyperparathyroidism? Most people with parathyroid disease suffer from hyperparathyroidism, which occurs when your body produces too much PTH. Excess amounts of PTH result in high levels of calcium in the blood. Over time, high calcium levels can lead to kidney stones or heart disease. In many cases, people with hyperparathyroidism don’t experience any symptoms. Advanced cases of hyperparathyroidism may cause osteoporosis or symptoms such as: Excessive urination Bone pain Joint pain Kidney stones Weakness Fatigue Hyperparathyroidism is often caused by a benign tumor that causes the parathyroid gland to produce too much PTH. Hyperparathyroidism can also be caused by underlying conditions like chronic kidney failure or severe calcium or vitamin D deficiency. What is hypoparathyroidism? Hypoparathyroidism is a much less common type of parathyroid disease. Hypoparathyroidism occurs when your parathyroid gland produces too little PTH. This causes an abnormal decrease in blood and bone calcium levels and an increase in blood phosphorus. If you have hypoparathyroidism, you may notice a number of symptoms including: Muscle aches or spasms Fatigue Dry skin or brittle nails Tingling in your fingers, toes, and lips Anxiety or depression The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is injury to the parathyroid gland after neck surgery. The condition can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, low levels of magnesium, or radiation treatment of the neck. What treatments are available for parathyroid disease? Before you begin treatment, your doctor performs a physical exam and blood tests to confirm the type of parathyroid disease you have. Other testing may be done to determine the cause of your parathyroid disease as well. Treatment for hyperparathyroid disease may involve watchful waiting or sometimes surgery to remove tumors on the gland. For hypoparathyroidism, treatment typically involves supplementation to normalize the levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D in your body. Sometimes medications are used as well. For expert treatment for parathyroid disease, call Princeton Endocrinology Associates or book an appointment online today.

  Link: Parathyroid

• Pituitary Disease

  Your pituitary gland is known as the “master control gland” and produces hormones that control the function of the other glands in your body. Though a pituitary disease is rare, it can affect many glands that make up your endocrine system. The team of specialists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, has advanced training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of pituitary disease. For comprehensive care from an experienced team, call the office or use the online booking tool to make an appointment today. Pituitary Disease Q & A What is the pituitary gland? Your pituitary gland is a very tiny organ found at the base of your brain. Part of your endocrine system, your pituitary gland produces hormones that direct many body functions, including the production of hormones in other glands. Some of the hormones produced by your pituitary gland include: Prolactin (for female lactation) Growth hormone (dictates childhood growth and muscle development) Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) (stimulates the production of cortisol) Thyroid-stimulating hormone Luteinizing hormone (stimulates release of sex hormones) Antidiuretic hormone (controls sodium and fluid levels) Any condition that affects the function of your pituitary gland may alter the production of these hormones, which may in turn affect your overall health and wellness. What is pituitary disease? Pituitary disease is a general term that includes various conditions affecting the structure and function of your pituitary gland. In most cases, pituitary disease develops from a pituitary tumor. Although a pituitary tumor may be benign and not affect hormone production, some tumors may lead to pituitary conditions such as: Acromegaly Adult growth hormone deficiency Cushing’s syndrome Diabetes insipidus Hypopituitarism Craniopharyngioma These pituitary conditions may cause an increase or decrease in hormone production. They may also affect production of hormones in other endocrine glands. What happens during a consultation for pituitary disease? The endocrinology specialists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates have advanced training and experience in all forms of pituitary disease. The specifics of your consultation may depend on your symptoms and medical history. During your consultation, your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and your medical and family history, and then performs a physical exam. To confirm or rule out a pituitary disease, your provider may request diagnostic tests to assess hormone levels. Imaging tests, such as an MRI or a CT scan, may also be requested to evaluate your pituitary gland. How is pituitary disease managed? Your provider at Princeton Endocrinology Associates develops an individualized treatment plan for the management of your pituitary disease based on your specific diagnosis, symptoms, and medical history. Your treatment plan may include: Hormone therapy Medication to decrease hormone production Surgical intervention to remove a pituitary tumor Your specialist reviews the details of your treatment plan with you and schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your disease and symptoms. Princeton Endocrinology Associates provides personalized patient-focused care. To schedule an appointment with the pituitary disease experts, call the office or request an appointment using the online booking tool.

  Link: Pituitary Disease

• Hormonal/Endocrine Disorders

  Information About The Thyroid This explains some of the conditions associated with the thyroid gland. As with any healthcare issue, you should talk to your healthcare provider about your particular situation. What Is The Thyroid, And Why Is It Important? The thyroid is an endocrine gland that plays a key role in regulating growth, development, and normal function of the body. It is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. The thyroid can affect your heart rate, your emotional state, your feelings of tiredness and hunger, and the condition of your skin and hair. In fact, your thyroid influences most cells in your body. Your thyroid controls your body’s functions by making several hormones, including thyroxine (T4), which is converted to triiodothyronine (T3). If you do not get enough iodine in your diet, your thyroid cannot produce enough T3 and T4. The amounts of T3 and T4 released into the bloodstream: Regulate the body’s ability to turn food into energy Affect the rates of tissue growth Affect the function of organ systems through the body The amount of thyroid hormones released by the thyroid gland is monitored and controlled by the pituitary gland which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) when the thyroid hormones are too low. When your thyroid is functioning normally, TSH levels are relatively low. Thyroid Function With thyroid disease, thyroid hormones are either over-produced or under-produced. Diseases of the thyroid gland include: Hypothyroidism– Not enough thyroid hormone is produced Hashimoto’s disease– An autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid to produce too little thyroid hormone, causing hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism– Too much thyroid hormone is produced Grave’s disease– An autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism Goiter– Enlargement of the thyroid gland Thyroid nodules– Growth of thyroid tissue causing circular or oval-shaped lumps in the thyroid gland Thyroid cancer– Growth of the thyroid gland, either goiter or thyroid nodules, that become cancerous Thyroid Disease Q & A What are the types of thyroid disease? The thyroid is a small gland at the base of your neck that produces thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones control a number of functions throughout your body, like how fast your heart beats and how quickly you burn calories. There are different types of thyroid disease including: Hypothyroidism Often referred to as an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism slows down your bodily functions and can cause you to feel sluggish, weak, and fatigued. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack and damage your thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism A hyperactive thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormone. Too much thyroid hormone speeds up your bodily functions, including your heart rate and metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can increase your risk of developing serious conditions like stroke or congestive heart failure. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes your thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone. Additional types of thyroid problems include thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. If you notice symptoms of thyroid disease, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Untreated thyroid disease can lead to serious problems like heart disease, infertility, and osteoporosis. What are the symptoms of thyroid disease? Thyroid disease can cause your body to produce too little or too much thyroid hormone. If you have hypothyroidism, your symptoms may include: Unintended weight gain Fatigue Muscle weakness Constipation Slow heart rate If you have hyperthyroidism, your symptoms may include: Unintended weight loss Increased appetite Increased anxiety Rapid or irregular heartbeat Bulging or irritated eyes Insomnia Diarrhea No matter which kind of thyroid disease you have, the hormone specialists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates can develop the right treatment plan for your condition. What treatments are available for thyroid disease? Before you begin treatment, your doctor performs a thorough evaluation including a physical exam, blood tests, and in-office ultrasound. After your diagnosis, you and your doctor work together to develop your personalized treatment plan. Your treatment depends on which type of thyroid disease you have. If you have hypothyroidism, your specialist prescribes thyroid hormone medication.

  Link: Hormonal/Endocrine Disorders

• Women’s Health

  Women can experience a variety of unique health concerns throughout their lives. Princeton Endocrinology Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, offers a number of women’s health services to help women address their hormonal health and overall wellness. The practice is led by a team of board-certified endocrinologists dedicated to high-quality, personalized care. To learn more, call the office or book an appointment online today. Women's Health Q & A What women’s health services are available? Women’s health focuses on issues that commonly affect women’s reproductive, hormonal, and overall health. From menstruation to pregnancy and menopause, women require specialized care throughout the various stages of life. At Princeton Endocrinology Associates, the specialists offer thorough evaluations for women struggling with menstrual or reproductive problems. If your condition requires specialist care, the team works with you to refer you to the right provider for your needs. The practice also offers advanced diagnostics and treatment for hormone-related issues that may affect women, such as thyroid disease and menopause. What causes hormone imbalances in women? Your hormones are responsible for controlling a variety of functions throughout your body including your heart rate and metabolism. Your body produces a number of different hormones, such as sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and insulin, to name a few. Hormone imbalances occur when your body produces too much or too little of a certain hormone. There are a number of issues that are related to hormone imbalances in women including: Autoimmune disorders Thyroid disease Eating disorders Certain medications Menopause Pregnancy and breastfeeding Hormonal birth control Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Hormone imbalances can affect a number of different functions in your body causing symptoms that include, but are not limited to: Fatigue Weight loss or gain Anxiety Infertility Irregular periods Vaginal dryness Hirsutism Thinning hair Bone loss If you suffer from symptoms of a hormone imbalance, the board-certified endocrinologists at Princeton Endocrinology Associates can help you determine the underlying cause of your imbalance and provide the most effective treatment. What is thyroid disease? Thyroid disease is an umbrella term for several conditions that affect the health and function of your thyroid gland. Although thyroid disease can affect anyone, women are more likely to develop problems with their thyroid. In fact, one in every eight women experiences thyroid disease. The two main types of thyroid disease include hyperthyroidism, which is an overproduction of thyroid hormones, and hypothyroidism, which is characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone production. In many cases, thyroid disease is caused by autoimmune disease or injury to the thyroid gland. Depending on the type of thyroid disease, symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat, weight gain, or weight loss. Princeton Endocrinology Associates offers accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for any type of hormonal issue that affects your health as a woman. To schedule your visit, call the office or book your appointment online today.

  Link: Women’s Health