The Caribbean Endocrine Society (CARES) recently held their annual symposium in Jamaica. You may be wondering who is an endocrinologist and what exactly do they do. This article should answer some of your basic questions.

Who is an endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a specialist doctor who has been trained to treat diseases that affect the hormone-producing glands of the endocrine system.

What are hormones?

Hormones are substances produced in one area of the body which moves to other areas of the body. Hormones regulate the body's metabolism, reproduction, growth and development. Hormones also control the body's response to the environment. They play a vital role in the delivery and usage of energy and nutrients.

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is a complex system of glands that include the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus. The endocrine glands produce and secrete hormones.

What are the most common endocrine diseases and disorders?

Diabetes, thyroid and bone.

Thyroid — Patients with thyroid disorders may experience problems with energy levels, muscle strength, emotions and weight control. Endocrinologists specialise in treating patients with over- or under-production of thyroid hormones. In addition, endocrinologists manage patients with lumps in the thyroid, including cancers and goitres.

Bone — Osteoporosis or brittle bone is a disease of the skeleton that is associated with bone loss. This may lead to fractures. Endocrinologists treat this disorder but also treat some diseases that may result in this disorder such as menopause, loss of male hormone, and over-activity of the parathyroid glands.

Reproductivity/infertility

Infertility may be devastating to couples. Reproductive endocrinologists treat the hormone imbalance that may cause infertility. Endo-crinologists also treat disorders such as menopause, irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome and impotence.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition in which there is too much body fat. This may be the result of metabolic or hormonal problems from thyroid, adrenal, ovarian and pituitary disorders. Endocrinologists evaluate and manage this disorder.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is called the master gland of the body because it controls the function of other glands. In addition, the pituitary gland itself produces its own hormones. Over- or under-production of pituitary hormones may cause infertility, disorders of menstruation, and growth and Cushing's Syndrome. Endocrinologists treat these conditions.

About the Caribbean Endocrine Society

CARES was formed in March 2007 at the 2007 University Diabetes Outreach Project (UDOP) meeting at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay. A decision was taken to form CARES, an organisation comprised of clinical and basic science endocrinologists as well as other physicians and members of the health team involved in the management of diabetes and endocrine disorders. Founding members of the association included Professor Errol Morrison, Dr Rosemarie Wright-Pascoe, Dr Michael Boyne, Dr Marshall Tulloch-Reid (Jamaica), Dr Sebastian Peter (The Bahamas), Dr Carlisle Goddard (Barbados) and Dr Leslie Walwyn-Venugopal (Antigua and Barbuda). Additional members from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have since joined the society.

The president is Dr Rosemarie Wright-Pascoe, the first vice-president is Dr Carlisle Goddard and the treasurer and honorary secretary is Dr Marshall Tulloch-Reid. Dr Michael Boyne is in charge of the scientific meeting.

For further information you may contact Dr Wright-Pascoe (927-1707) Dr Tulloch-Reid (927-2457) or Dr Boyne (927-1884).