3.17b_01 Endocrine Problems in Primary Care - An Overview

Endocrine Problems in Primary Care – An Overview
Session Overview
Description
This session considers three important abnormalities of the endocrine system and how they might present in primary care.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in June 2019.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• List the endocrine syndromes that are commonly seen in primary care and those that are rare but important
• Recognise the biochemical abnormalities that may accompany three important endocrine disorders in primary care
• Know the first line investigations in the assessment of a patient with these disorders
• Coordinate the care and monitor the treatment of patients in primary care with these disorders

In general practice, the most commonly encountered endocrine disorders are likely to be diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders and reproductive system disorders.

Although many endocrine disorders are rare, patients with these conditions are commonly seen in primary care when taken as a single group. Therefore, not only do general practitioners (GPs) need to know how to monitor and manage the common endocrine disorders, they also need to be aware of rarer and important disorders that are potentially life-threatening if missed.

Biochemical tests can be diagnostic, so it is important for GPs to know how to investigate and interpret tests in suspected endocrine disease.

This session presents a series of case studies that explore issues presented by patients with endocrine disorders that GPs must consider, investigate and manage.