Endocrinology & Metabolism

Daughter hugging mother who has diabetes

The network of glands that make up the endocrine system produces hormones that affect:

Metabolism
Growth and development
Tissue function
Sexual function
Reproduction
Sleep and mood

The major glands that make up the endocrine system are the:

Hypothalamus
Pituitary
Thyroid
Parathyroids
Adrenals
Pineal body
Ovaries
Testes

While symptoms of endocrine and metabolic disorders vary by condition, they can greatly impact your health and well-being.

Conditions we treat

Ochsner treats a wide range of endocrine and metabolic disorders, including:

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

Diagnostic tests may include:

Lab work – Hemoglobin A1c
Fasting blood sugar test
Random blood sugar test
Oral glucose tolerance test
Continuous glucose monitor

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 in women of childbearing age, affecting 7–10% of them and often leading to infertility. In the U.S., about 5 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:

Male hormone (androgen) excess
1. Elevated testosterone levels in blood
2. Clinical signs of androgen excess such as acne, hair on face and in male pattern on the body, and thinning hair on the scalp
Problems with ovulation
1. Irregular or absent menstrual cycle
2. Infertility
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:

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

Access to quality health care has always been a challenge for transgender people who, like everybody else, deserve leading-edge, compassionate care. Ochsner Health offers a range of services for transgender individuals. Our team is dedicated to delivering hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery with personalized appointments and coordinated care by specialists.

Services include:

Initiation and monitoring of hormonal reassignment of gender, done in coordination with other supporting medical professionals
Affirming primary medical care
Referrals to medical specialists that offer gender affirming surgeries including:
- Masculinizing/Defeminizing chest reconstructive surgery (Mastectomy)
- Male hysterectomy
- Orchiectomy (Surgical removal of the testes)
- Facial feminization procedures
- Vaginoplasty (Female genital reconstructive surgery)
- Metoidioplasty and phalloplasty
Voice training
Being your advocate and writing letters in support for gender marker changes and necessary procedures.

We employ an informed consent model for our adult patients to decrease barriers to care and increase access to Hormone Access for the Trans Community.

Learn how to change name, driver's license and birth certificate for Louisiana residents.

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:

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