Frequently asked questions

Unexplained weight gain or loss, constant fatigue, intolerance to cold or heat, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, constipation, swelling in the neck, thirst, frequent urination, menstrual irregularities, excess facial hair in women and infertility can be signs of endocrine disorders. If you have any of these, an examination is recommended.

No. Two patients with the same diagnosis may need different treatment. Age, weight, comorbidities, tests and allergies individualise the choice. Every treatment is prescribed by the doctor.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy, performed with the correct technique, is almost painless. Myths about spreading or not touching have no medical basis. It is not significantly different from a blood draw and is an important, safe way to clarify the diagnosis.

No. The indication is determined by the ultrasound characteristics of the nodule, not its size. Under TIRADS, suspicious-looking nodules are biopsied; sometimes even an 8 mm nodule with suspicious signs needs biopsy, while large nodules may not.

Most thyroid cysts are safe. Non-surgical methods such as sclerotherapy and ablation are available. When there are mural components, work-up and, if needed, biopsy are advised. Pure cysts are the safest type and can be kept under observation.

Hashimoto's is autoimmune; full cure usually does not apply. In the early stage, values can sometimes be normalised with diet and minerals without hormones. Dynamic monitoring is important. Each patient's treatment is individual.

Yes. Throat pain, especially on swallowing, can indicate thyroid disorders. In subacute thyroiditis the pain radiates to the ear and jaw. Early examination prevents complications.

Fasting glucose of 100 mg/dl and above is a signal; 110 mg/dl and above is a reason to book an endocrinologist. HbA1c 5.5-6% means monitoring, above 6% means it is time to seek care. At the prediabetes stage, intervention can prevent full diabetes.

No. Medication must not be stopped without the doctor's permission. Temporary normalisation of sugar means the treatment is working. Dose changes are made only under supervision and based on test results. Low sugar is more dangerous than high.

Not necessarily. It is the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but with the right intervention full diabetes can be prevented. Physical activity, nutrition and weight loss are the main measures.

No. They are prescribed after tests, on individual indication. The dose, duration and post-treatment plan must be set by the doctor. Self-use is dangerous. A strategy against weight regain is part of the treatment.

No. Darkening and thickening of the skin on the neck, armpits and groin is a sign of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Without addressing the cause, creams do not help. An endocrine work-up is needed.

Increasing ring and shoe size, growth of the jaw and tongue, coarsening facial features, headaches and sweating are signs of acromegaly. A pituitary tumour may be the cause. Examination and pituitary MRI are needed.

AMH shows ovarian reserve in women and testicular reserve in men. The normal value is roughly 2-5 ng/ml (varies by lab). It is used for infertility, suspected PCOS, IVF and to assess menopause.

Yes. Checking the thyroid (TSH, FT4), antibodies, prolactin and, where needed, AMH and PCOS is recommended. Thyroid targets differ in pregnancy; planning ahead benefits the baby.

In children over 4, annual growth below 4 cm is a signal. Bone age is determined by an X-ray of the left wrist. Early diagnosis helps; delay limits growth potential.