Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream that regulate the function of other cells and organ systems of the body. The endocrine system consists of separate glands such as the adrenals, thyroid, parathyroids, pituitary and pancreas. Common endocrine disorders include osteoporosis, diabetes and hypothyroidism.

An Endocrinologist is a physician who studies and treats imbalances of the endocrine system. Endocrinologists play important roles in patient care and academic research. They are experts in their field and should serve as your main physician for endocrine disease-related problems.

Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, makes and secretes thyroid hormone which affects nearly all tissues of the body. Its function is to regulate the body’s metabolism. Common thyroid problems include:

Hyperthyroidism – the production of too much thyroid hormone. It can produce symptoms such as palpitations, sweating and weight loss.

Hypothyroidism – the production of too little thyroid hormone. It can produce symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and constipation.

Thyroiditis – inflammation within the thyroid gland.

Goiters – enlargements of the thyroid gland.

Solitary thyroid nodules – growths within the thyroid gland.

Thyroid cancer – a malignant growth within the thyroid gland.

The parathyroid glands are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland which secrete parathyroid hormone, controlling the body’s calcium levels.

Hyperparathyroidism – a disease of calcium balance is one of the most common disorders of the parathyroid glands.

The pancreas is located behind the stomach and secretes insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and other hormones. It controls blood sugar and glucose metabolism as well as helping control other endocrine cells of the digestive tract.

Diabetes is the most common disorder of the pancreas.

The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and secrete adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol. These hormones maintain salt balance, blood pressure, and help maintain fluid concentrations in the body. Common adrenal disorders include Addisons Disease, Cushings Syndrome, hyperaldosteronism and adrenal tumors.

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and secretes hormones which control the activity of other glands such as the ovaries, testes, adrenals and thyroid. Common pituitary disorders include pituitary tumors, such as prolactinomas and hypopituitarism, a disorder in which pituitary hormone secretion is abnormally low.

Endocrinology Services
The members of our Endocrinology Group Practice specialize in endocrinology and metabolism disorders, including diabetes, osteoporosis, disorders of bone and calcium metabolism and disorders of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. We will work with you to evaluate your condition and prepare an individualized treatment plan to fit your needs.

Our Endocrinologists

All of our endocrinologists are board-certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology and Metabolism.

	Pamela Taxel, M.D., is a graduate of State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate. She completed her residency at University of South Florida. She completed endocrinology and metabolism and geriatrics fellowships at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Special interests include menopause, osteoporosis and general endocrinology with clinical research in male bone health.
	Joseph Lorenzo, M.D., is a graduate of SUNY Downstate. He completed his residency at University of Illinois and his fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Areas of interest are metabolic bone disease including osteoporosis and Paget’s disease.
	Pooja Luthra, M.D., is a graduate of Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India, where she also completed post-graduate training in pediatrics. She completed both her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in endocrinology at the UConn School of Medicine. Areas of interest include diabetes, osteoporosis, and thyroid diseases.
	Carl Malchoff, M.D., Ph.D., is a graduate of the University of Rochester and trained in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism at the University of Virginia. He is a co-director of the diabetes program at the UConn Health Center and has special interests in thyroid, pituitary and adrenal disorders.
	Faryal S. Mirza, M.D., is a graduate of Aga Khan University Medical College. She completed residencies in internal medicine at Westlake Community Hospital in Illinois and Grant Hospital of Chicago. She also completed fellowships in clinical research at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston; hypertension at Harvard Medical School in Boston; and women's health and endocrinology at the UConn School of Medicine.
	Beatriz Tendler, M.D., is a graduate of Central University in Venezuela. She did her residency training at the Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Tendler completed her fellowship training at the University of Illinois and the UConn School of Medicine. Dr. Tendler has an interest in tumors of the endocrine glands and provides care to patients with these unusual disorders through the endocrine neoplasia service.