Listed below is more information on common endocrinologic problems:

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Disorders of Cholesterol and Fat Metabolism (Dyslipidemias)
• Adrenal and Pituitary Disorders
• Thyroid Disease
• Disorders of Bone and Calcium Metabolism

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder. The department provides expertise in managing both insulin and oral therapies to control blood sugar and prevent complications. Patient care is coordinated with other physician specialists, such as specialists in eye and foot care, two areas in which complications of diabetes commonly occur. Patient care for gestational diabetes is coordinated with the patient's obstetricians. A diabetes educator is also available who actively participates in the care and education of patients.

Learn more about diabetes

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Disorders of Cholesterol and Fat Metabolism (Dyslipidemias)

Another common metabolic problem is an elevated level of LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides, or a reduced level of HDL. These abnormalities can be genetic, acquired or caused by several other disorders, and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. The department offers expertise in managing dyslipidemias through a variety of treatments.

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Adrenal and Pituitary Disorders

These disorders are uncommon, can cause very serious problems, and are often treatable once properly diagnosed. Functioning pituitary tumors can produce one or more of a variety of hormones that can produce subtle but important health changes. For example, in acromegaly, an excess of growth hormone leads to an increase in ring size and shoe size, excessive sweating, separation between the teeth, and changes in facial appearance. In Cushing's disease, an excess of cortisol leads to increased body fat, loss of muscle, a round face, easy bruising and metabolic abnormalities such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Prolactin-secreting tumors cause less menstruation in women, and loss of sexual function in men.

The loss of pituitary hormones (hypopituitarism) can be particularly subtle, leading to vague weakness, fatigue, weight loss and dizziness from low blood pressure.


Adrenal disorders, though uncommon, may cause serious but reversible problems. Addison's disease can appear clinically similar to hypopituitarism, but is also accompanied by excessive skin pigmentation. Other disorders related to the adrenal gland, such as hyperaldosteronism and pheochromocytoma, can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), and are potentially reversible.

Because these disorders require intricate testing, involving administration of agents to stimulate or inhibit certain aspects of pituitary or adrenal metabolism, endocrinologists usually undertake these workups. Treatment is coordinated with surgeons or other physician-specialists at PAMF and elsewhere.

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Thyroid Disease

After diabetes, the most common endocrine disorder is thyroid disease. This includes hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, nodular thyroid disease and thyroid cancer. Endocrinologists evaluate these disorders, biopsy suspicious thyroid nodules, and offer various treatment alternatives. When appropriate, radioactive iodine treatment is coordinated with the Nuclear Medicine Department at PAMF where Dr. Basso is also a physician.

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Disorders of Bone and Calcium Metabolism

The PAMF Osteoporosis Committee, which is headed by an endocrinologist, informs other PAMF physicians and patients about the recognition and management of this important disorder. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure bone density is coordinated with the Nuclear Medicine Department.

The Endocrinology Department also provides expertise in the diagnosis and management of other metabolic bone disorders, as well as abnormalities of calcium metabolism. These include osteomalacia, osteogenesis imperfecta, recurring kidney stones and hyperparathyroidism (the most common cause of high blood calcium).

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