Patient Education

We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about your gastrointestinal condition or treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact our clinic, Endocrine Kids, in Novi, Michigan, at (248) 347-3344. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.

Endocrinology

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Traditional Chinese healers widely practiced endocrinology more than two thousand years ago.

Balanced Diet and Nutrition
The food that you eat can directly affect your health. As Americans are facing higher rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, it is more important than ever to make sure that you and your family are eating a ... Read More

Introduction
Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are an alternative treatment option for hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalances are common, especially during midlife transition. Hormones occur naturally in the body and regulate a variety of functions. Traditional synthetic hormone replacement (HRT) has been associated with unwanted ... Read More

IntroductionTreatment
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - Clogging of Heart Arteries
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease (CHD) and atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD), is caused by a thickening of the walls of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. The thickened arteries cause the blood ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Diabetes - Gestational
Gestational Diabetes is the most common pregnancy complication. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose get into the body cells where it ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Diabetes - Type 1
Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is used as a source of fuel for the body. Normally, the hormone insulin helps glucose enter the cells where it is used for energy. People ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Diabetes - Type 2 & Pre-Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, the hormone insulin helps ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is a body water balance disorder. DI, also called “water diabetes,” is not the same type of diabetes as “sugar diabetes,” or Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, or Gestational Diabetes. The diseases resemble each other because ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Diabetic Foot
Foot problems are a common complication of Diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel for the body. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose get into ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesDiagnosisTreatmentSurgeryRecoveryPrevention
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina that is caused by Diabetes. The retina is located at the back of your eye. Diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent type of diabetes-related eye complication and a leading cause ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionComplicationsAdvancements
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. It is normal for men to have trouble maintaining an erection from time to time. However, if it occurs more than 25% of the time, it may be time ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Gas and Bloating
Gas symptoms occur daily as part of your normal digestive process. Belching, burping, and passing gas (flatulence) eliminates gas from your digestive tract. Excess gas can cause discomfort, pain, and bloating. Gas symptoms are produced by swallowed air and the breakdown ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Goiter
A goiter is a lump or swelling that appears at the front of the neck. It is actually an enlargement or nodule on the thyroid gland that can result from a variety of conditions. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Heart Attack - Myocardial Infarction (MI)
A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency condition. Heart attack, medically termed myocardial infarction (MI), is the leading cause of death for men and women. A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygenated blood and ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Heart Disease
Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is a common problem in the United States. It occurs when the heart and blood vessels do not function properly. The most common cause is narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
High Blood Pressure - Hypertension (HTN)
High blood pressure, or hypertension (HTN), is a common condition in the United States. High blood pressure is termed a “silent killer” because it usually does not have symptoms but can cause significant cardiovascular and organ damage. The only way to know ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
High Cholesterol - Dyslipidemia
High cholesterol occurs when there is too much or an unhealthy balance of cholesterol in the blood. Your body needs some cholesterol for healthy functioning but too much is dangerous to your health. High cholesterol has no symptoms. The only ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements

Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that results when the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of hormones. The parathyroid glands are located next to the thyroid gland at the front of your neck. Hyperparathyroidism may or may not produce symptoms. The condition ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of the chemical processes ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that most often occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe the combined effects of several conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The conditions include high blood pressure, resistance to insulin, abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and obesity ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Neuropathy - Nerve Pain
Neuropathy, also referred to as neuralgia or neuritis, is a type of pain that involves the nerves. Neuropathy results from nerve degeneration, pressure, inflammation, or infection. There are several causes of neuropathy, including carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, spinal stenosis, ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. It causes progressive bone loss and increases the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and the incidence increases with age. Bone loss from osteoporosis can lead to fractures ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Pediatrics - Diabetes, Type 1
Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose enter the body cells where it is used for energy. People with diabetes do not ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Pediatrics - Diabetes, Type 2
Type 2 Diabetes, also called Adult Onset Diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Peripheral Artery Disease - Poor Circulation
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also referred to as arteriosclerosis of the extremities and peripheral vascular disease, is a condition that causes poor blood circulation to the kidneys, intestines, arms, legs, and feet. Blood flow may be reduced or blocked by ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a symptom rather than a disease in itself. It occurs when nerves are damaged resulting in pain and loss of function, such as motor movement or the sense of touch. Peripheral neuropathy commonly develops in the longest ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Polycystic Ovary Disease
Polycystic ovary disease is a common type of hormone disorder. It causes enlarged ovaries that contain numerous cysts. Polycystic ovary disease may also lead to infertility, excess hair growth, and heavy, irregular, or absent periods. Treatments include medications and weight ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplications
Stroke - CVA
A stroke or a “brain attack” is an emergency medical condition. It occurs when the blood supply to the brain is stopped or reduced for a period of time. Your brain controls the life sustaining functions of your body. It ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is one of the least deadly types of cancer. It occurs when cells in the thyroid gland grow abnormally and out of control. Your thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck. There are several different ... Read More

IntroductionAnatomyCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionAm I at RiskComplicationsAdvancements
Weight Management
Weighing too much or too little can be a problem. In the United States, weighing too much is the more common situation. It can be unhealthy to be underweight or overweight. Of growing concern, many Americans are becoming obese, which ... Read More

Introduction

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Patient Education

Endocrinology

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Patient Education

Endocrinology

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