Endocrinology is defined as “The physiology of the endocrine glands”. The word endocrine comes from the Greek endo (meaning within) and the Greek krinein (meaning secrete). Endocrine glands are organs in the body that produce secretions called hormones which pass directly into the blood stream from the cells of the gland.

An Endocrinologist is a medical doctor who has specialized in problems associated with the endocrine glands and the hormones these glands produce. People with diabetes, thyroid problems, or children with growth problems will often see an endocrinologist.

A pediatric endocrinologist is a doctor who first specialized in pediatrics. After completing the training for pediatrics, the doctor then enters into the study of endocrinology.