Endocrinology & Metabolism

At Ochsner Health, we address various forms of diabetes through diagnostic testing and tailored treatment plans. Diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels when the body struggles with insulin production or utilization, a critical hormone produced by the pancreas.

Types of diabetes we treat:

• Prediabetes
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Steroid-induced hyperglycemia

Lab work may include:

• Hemoglobin A1c test
• Fasting blood sugar test
• Random blood sugar test
• Oral glucose tolerance test

Treatments offered:

• Lifestyle management
• Glucose monitoring
• Continuous glucose monitor
• Oral antihyperglycemic agents
• Insulin
• Insulin delivery device
• Insulin pump therapy

Learn more about diabetes care at Ochsner.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 7%–10% of women of childbearing age and often leading to infertility. In the U.S., about 5 million to 6 million women have PCOS but may not be aware of it.

Our team includes experts in endocrinology, obstetrics and gynecology, dermatology and reproductive health. We also connect patients with nutrition and mental health services tailored to address PCOS-related concerns. Our focus is on delivering personalized care based on established standards within our specialties.

Signs of PCOS include:

1. Male hormone (androgen) excess
   1. Elevated testosterone levels in blood
   2. Clinical signs of androgen excess such as acne, facial hair and excess body hair, and thinning hair on the scalp
2. Problems with ovulation
   1. Irregular or absent menstrual cycle
   2. Infertility
3. Ultrasound findings
   1. Large ovaries with many small follicles (which look like cysts, hence the name "polycystic"). These follicles are not cancerous.

Ochsner has the only center for the care of pituitary disorders in the Gulf South. Our center is designed to provide care to all patients with newly diagnosed and preexisting pituitary disorders. Our program is built upon a strong foundation of recognized excellence in neurosurgical and neuroendocrine care and research.

Learn more about pituitary disorders.

The Ochsner endocrinology department has years of experience treating adrenal disorders. We provide quality care based on the most recent adrenal research and evidence-based guidelines. With skilled surgeons specializing in adrenal surgery, along with advanced imaging technology and expert endocrinologists, we provide a team-based approach to adrenal disease all in one place.

Conditions we treat:

• Adrenal nodules/incidentalomas
• Adrenal masses
• Adrenal insufficiency/Addison’s disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Primary hyperaldosteronism
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Adrenal insufficiency

Treatments provided:

• Diagnostic tests may include:
  • CT scan
  • MRI Scan
  • Adrenal venous sampling
  • Hormone testing (lab and urine studies)
• Treatments offered:
  • Hormone replacement
  • Hormone suppression
  • Adrenal surgery referral

Our skilled team of doctors focuses on treating various bone, calcium and mineral disorders linked to skeletal and parathyroid hormone functions. We provide bone density testing, lab services and an infusion center for advanced testing and treatment.

Our facility enables specialized testing, offering patients access to a range of therapies using modern medications to diagnose and manage both common and rare bone conditions.

The Ochsner endocrinology department is skilled in treating thyroid issues. With experienced surgeons and advanced imaging, we provide top-notch thyroid care all in one place. We follow the latest research and guidelines from organizations like the American Thyroid Association and Endocrine Society. Our expert surgeons specialize in thyroid procedures, ensuring the best outcomes. We take a team approach to treating thyroid problems.

Conditions we treat:

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Graves' disease
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Toxic adenoma/toxic multinodular goiter
• Thyroiditis
• Goiter
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cancer

Treatments provided:

• Diagnostic tests may include:
  • Thyroid ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • Thyroid fine-needle aspiration
  • Nuclear medicine thyroid scan and uptake
  • Hormone testing
• Treatments offered:
  • Hormone replacement
  • Hormone suppression
  • Radioactive iodine ablation or treatment
  • Thyroid surgery referral

The endocrine system is a group of glands that make hormones. Hormones are chemicals that help control important parts of your body, like how you use energy (metabolism), how you grow and develop, how your tissues work, your sexual function, reproduction, sleep and your mood.

An endocrinologist is a doctor who treats problems with hormones, which are chemicals that control many parts of your body such as growth, energy, mood and sleep. Our specialists find and treat these hormone problems, helping you feel your best and manage your health with confidence

You may see an endocrinologist if you have problems with your hormones, like diabetes, thyroid issues, bone loss, or conditions like PCOS. If you notice changes in your weight, feel tired all the time, or your mood shifts without reason, our team can find the cause and help you manage your health.

Your thyroid controls how your body uses energy. If it makes too much hormone, you might lose weight, feel nervous, or have a fast heartbeat. If it makes too little, you could gain weight, feel tired, or get sad. Thyroid problems can get worse if not treated, so we work with you to keep your thyroid healthy and help you feel your best.

Diabetes makes it hard for your body to control blood sugar. Managing diabetes means checking your blood sugar often, eating healthy, staying active, and sometimes taking medicine or insulin. If diabetes is not managed well, it can lead to serious problems like heart or kidney disease. Our team gives you the support and tools you need to stay healthy and live your life with confidence.

Your adrenal glands make hormones your body needs to work well. If these glands make too much or too little hormone, you might see signs like tiredness, weight changes, weak muscles, or changes in blood pressure. These problems should be checked by a doctor. Our team can find and treat adrenal issues to help you feel your best.

The major glands in your endocrine system include:
 

• Hypothalamus
   
• Pituitary gland
   
• Thyroid gland
   
• Parathyroid glands
   
• Adrenal glands
   
• Pineal body
   
• Ovaries (in females)
   
• Testes (in males)

When the glands do not make the right amount of hormones, it can cause health problems. These issues might show up as changes in how you feel, your energy level, weight, mood, sleep, or how your body grows and develops. Problems can affect many parts of your well-being, so it’s important to talk with a doctor if you notice new symptoms.