Endocrinology is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats disorders of the endocrine system, a complex group of glands. The endocrine system produces and releases hormones that influence or control a wide range of physiological activities like respiration, metabolism, mood, growth, and development. It also regulates reproduction function; these specialists are referred to as Reproductive Medicine specialists.
Hormones play a vital role in our daily lives; an imbalance in the amount of hormone produced can cause weight changes, temperature sensitivities, depression, excessive sweating, infertility, and more. You can learn more about the hormones created by the endocrine system and what they help regulate in our bodies by visiting the ARC Health Encyclopedia Hormones and the Endocrine System (chart).
Endocrine disorders and diseases can be grouped into several different areas: diabetes, thyroid problems and diseases like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, infertility, obesity, lack of growth, pituitary gland disorders, hypertension, and cholesterol (lipid) disorders. When a gland is diseased, three things cause the resulting hormone imbalance:
- Tumors: swelling or growth on a gland, whether cancerous or benign, causes hormone imbalances. Tumors of an endocrine gland are very common, though most are not active tumors.
- Gland hypersecretion: when the gland produces too much hormone or at a fast rate
- Gland hyposcretion: when the gland produces too little hormone or at a slow rate
An endocrinologist is a doctor who is specially trained to diagnose and treat disorders that affect your endocrine system. Hormonal imbalances can be complex and have symptoms that are difficult to assess. If you are struggling with hormone imbalance, or suspect you might be, talk to your doctor about the symptoms to see if an endocrinologist can help.
Your ARC Endocrinology Team
Austin Regional Clinic endocrinologist Dr. Maya Bledsoe will work with you to explore the hormonal imbalances that may be affecting your health. During the first visit, she will discuss your symptoms and work with you to establish the next steps in your care.
Dr. Bledsoe specializes in the four endocrine system areas listed below:
For more than 20 years, Dr. Maya Bledsoe, has helped couples with infertility successfully become pregnant and grow their families. On our Fertility Testimonials pages you can read about the stories of the families she has helped.
Dr. Bledsoe works with the ARC staff to coordinate your care and provide the most up-to-date diagnostic and treatment options available to address your healthcare needs. These highly skilled professionals will help you navigate the health care maze as you become healthy again.
Locations & Providers
11111 Research Blvd Suite 475
Austin, TX 78759