4 Circumstances in Which a Reproductive Endocrinologist Is Better Than an OB-GYN

When you're looking for a doctor, make sure you choose one who specializes in a field specific to your needs. An endocrinologist will take care of patients who are suffering from a wide variety of conditions. They deal with the various glands in the body, and work to treat hormonal imbalances.

Patients who have diabetes, thyroid conditions, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, hypertension, hormone imbalances, cholesterol or cancers of the glands may seek the services of an endocrinologist. They also treat patients who are experiencing infertility. Reproductive endocrinologists specialize in this specific area of endocrinology.

An endocrinologist is not better than an OB/GYN; they are different. The OB stands for obstetrics. An obstetrician delivers babies. GYN stands for gynecology. A gynecologist treats problems of the female reproductive system. It's easy to confuse an OB/GYN with an endocrinologist, but depending on the cause of one's infertility, a reproductive endocrinologist may be a better option. Some recommend first seeing an OB/GYN and then visiting a reproductive endocrinologist if hormones could be to blame for the infertility.

The following are four circumstances in which a reproductive endocrinologist might be better than an OB/GYN.

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a condition caused by an imbalance in female hormones which may lead to menstrual problems, ovarian cysts and infertility.

Ovarian hypofunction is a condition in which patients experience problems with the function of the ovaries, including problems with hormone production.

Hypogonadism is a condition in which very few or no hormones are produced.

In vitro fertilization is often performed by an endocrinologist rather than an OB/GYN, although this can vary.

The reasons to see an endocrinologist can vary. Hormonal problems may have varying medical consequences, so it's often best to first see a primary care doctor or an OB/GYN if experiencing infertility. Some doctors may even require a referral from a primary care doctor. Treatment will vary with an endocrinologist from hormone therapy to in vitro fertilization.

Whether to see an endocrinologist will depend on the cause of the infertility. Some endocrinologists will remove fibroids, but this is more often a job left to the OB/GYN. It's always important that you see the right doctor to receive the proper treatment. The first step, however, is always to determine the cause of infertility so that the doctor knows how to proceed. Once this has been established, the individual will receive treatment determined by their OB/GYN or endocrinologist.