An endocrinologist's blog for patients

Welcome to my blog

Here's where I share my thoughts on the world of endocrinology - I do hope you find this helpful.  You will also find Patient Information on my Resources Page. If there's a subject which you would like me to cover please let me know.

 

 

Although every effort is made to ensure that all health advice on this website is accurate and up to date it is for information purposes and should not replace a visit to your doctor or health care professional.

 

As the advice is general in nature rather than specific to individuals Dr Vanderpump cannot accept any liability for actions arising from its use nor can he be held responsible for the content of any pages referenced by an external link

 

 

Please get in touch

Why Semaglutide should be used for people with type 2 diabetes rather than those wanting to lose a bit of weight

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 6 Mar

Why I'm concerned that many people will see semaglutide as a quick fix in their pursuit to lose a few pounds

How too little or too much of a hormone can affect your body

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 9 Feb

Your body is kept in balance by your hormones being at the right level.  This blog posts explains what happens when your hormone levels are incorrect.

About Phaeochromocytoma

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 5 Jan

In this blog post I describe a rare (usually) benign tumour which can develop in your adrenal gland

What is Tetany?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 28 Nov

What are the consequences of an imbalance in your electrolytes?

Endocrine causes of high blood pressure

on Mon 24 Oct

Blood pressure which doesn't respond to normal medications is called "resistant hypertension". Endocrine conditions can be the cause of this...

Diabetes and pre-eclampsia

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 22 Sep

There's a higher risk of pre-eclampsia with all forms of diabetes...

Solving obesity? A new view on an old problem

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 25 Aug

Obesity is a far more complex challenge than we once realised. This blog post explains why it's now believed that diet and exercise are overly simplistic solutions

2022 guidelines concerning the treatment of Menopause

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 21 Jul

This blog post explains the latest medical guidelines with links to the relevant positioning statements 

Recognising and managing an adrenal crisis in adults and children

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 23 Jun

What is an adrenal crisis, would you know the warning signs and how should you help yourself or your family?

Can thyroid function affect your cholesterol?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 26 May

Low thyroid levels can contribute to having high levels of cholesterol.  This blog post explains

The successful development of an artificial pancreas

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 26 Apr

Recent exciting news about an artificial pancreas began with a journey which started in 1977

Diabetes and skin conditions

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 22 Mar

Did you know that skin conditions can be an indication of diabetes? This blog post explains.

PCOS medications and what they do

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 17 Feb

If you have PCOS,  the range of associated medications can be confusing. This blog post should help

The link between your thyroid and your respiratory system

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 20 Jan

Both an underactive thyroid and an overactive thyroid may cause respiratory problems. This blog post explains.

“Long Covid” – Could this be triggering diabetic conditions?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 20 Dec

Long Covid appears to comprise several symptoms instead of being one condition. Could diabetic conditions be included?

Why a diet to reverse diabetes should be taken up on a wider scale

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 25 Nov

How a diet developed to reverse diabetes could help to tackle obesity

How continuous glucose monitoring could move into the wellness market

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 21 Oct

Glucose Monitoring may not be confined to the health market...

Folic acid to be added to flour – should iodine be next?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 21 Sep

Why is folic acid so important to our body that it is going to be added to bread? Should iodine be next?

The link between our hormones and athletic performance

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 10 Aug

Did you know that the endocrine system supports athletes' actual performance as well as their health?

The link between thrush and diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 13 Jul

Thrush is normally found in warm moist areas of the body but why is diabetes one of its triggers?

The links between diabetes and menopause

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 10 Jun

Did you know that diabetes and menopause can complicate each other? This is due to the levels of progesterone and oestrogen falling dramatically at this time...

Is there a link between PCOS and an underactive thyroid?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 26 May

Women with PCOS appear to be more prone to having a thyroid disorder.  This blog post examines the evidence...

Obstructive sleep apnoea and your hormones

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 26 Apr

There is a definite link between obstructive sleep apnoea and your hormones. Read about this here. 

Thyroid Function and Menstruation

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 17 Mar

Your thyroid helps to control your menstrual cycle which means that both Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid patients can experience heavy, irregular or even absent periods.

Frozen shoulder and a possible association to thyroid conditions

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 11 Feb

Those with a thyroid disease - especially hypothyroidism - are more likely to develop frozen shoulder I discuss this here

Why your hormones won’t help you lose weight by skipping breakfast

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Fri 15 Jan

Skipping meals is not necessarily going to hasten your desired weight loss after Christmas.  Here's why... 

What do the results of my thyroid test mean?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 7 Dec

When a GP offers a thyroid test do you understand what the TSH results actually mean?  This post explains all.

The action of hormones in support of breastfeeding

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 10 Nov

Breastfeeding is regarded as entirely natural and it’s easy to overlook the fact that this is an amazing evolutionary adaptation supported by complex endocrinological  process

The link between Type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 29 Oct

How a disease which negatively affects the production and use of insulin may be linked to a disease of the brain.

The impact of diabetes on bone health

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 8 Oct

We have become increasingly aware that diabetes impacts in a significantly negative way upon the skeleton.  This post explains why this may be the case.

 

What is neuropathy and how do you know you have it?

Dr Mark vanderpump on Wed 23 Sep

Over half of diabetes patients may suffer from neuropathy and diabetes is the biggest single cause of neuropathy in the UK.

Weight gain after hyperthyroidism treatment

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 25 Aug

Has treatment for hyperthyroidism resulted in you gaining weight? In this blog post I explain why that's possible and how that may have happened.

Possible link between COVID-19 and subacute thyroiditis

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 23 Jul

Recent research indicates that a routine thyroiditis assessment of Covid patients in HICU may well be a good idea.  This blog post explains why.  

Are there two different types of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 9 Jul

PCOS varies from person to person and should be treated accordingly. However, some recent research has revealed some interesting information about possible sub types

Obesity and the increased risk of mortality through COVID-19

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 25 Jun

In this post I discuss the problem of obesity in the UK (specifically in terms of COVID-19) and the latest research about successfully losing weight

 

The new normal for prescribing medication

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 9 Jun

Many patients will have received revised advice about their prescribed medication during the current pandemic.  What may not be obvious is what has preceded their letter... 

Coronavirus Mortality – the increased risk for people with diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 26 May

How much of a risk does Coronavirus present to people with diabetes,  and is there a difference between those with Type 1 diabetes and those with type 2? I share the latest research

Lack of sleep and its link to obesity and diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 7 May

It's significant to observe that as we're increasingly sleeping for less than the ideal amount, the prevalence for obesity and type 2 diabetes has grown. I explain why in this post

What might the new normal be for our healthcare services?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 28 Apr

Throughout history all pandemics have been followed by a new order.  What might this look like for our healthcare services?

The surprising hormones produced by your body fat

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 22 Apr

Did you know that your body fat produces hormones?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) if you have diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Sat 21 Mar

Given their higher risk, diabetes patients are naturally anxious to get accurate information about coronavirus (COVID19). So in this post I am addressing their most frequent questions

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – your Thyroid questions answered

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 18 Mar

The reference to "any other serious underlying condition" in terms of Coronavirus risk has made many people with thyroid conditions anxious.  This post answers the most common  questions currently asked of me.

10 key facts and figures about PCOS

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 20 Feb

It might surprise you to know that PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. Here are the main facts about the condition.

 

 

Cold and Flu Medications – should you be cautious if you have a thyroid condition?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 11 Feb

With cold and flu season once more upon us I thought it might be helpful to answer a few common questions about taking medication

 

Thyroid Cancer – incidence, early symptoms, diagnosis and treatments

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 23 Jan

Find out more about this endocrine malignancy and at what stage of life it is most likely to appear

 

Cortisol – what it is and why it’s commonly called the stress hormone

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 7 Jan

Often called the "stress hormone" the function of cortisol is to ready your body for a flight or fight response. It does this in a number of amazing ways...

A study on the effects of Radioactive Iodine (RAI) on people with hyperthyroidism

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 5 Dec

Should we be concerned about a recent JAMA network article  which covered a retrospective study on the possibility that RAI treatment of people with hyperthyroidism could be leading to a slightly increased level of cancer deaths in those patients?

What is acanthosis nigricans?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 21 Nov

Has a brown/black line appeared around the back and sides of your neck? Is there a smooth black patch in your armpit or groin. Your body might be telling you that you are insulin resistant...

Could having type 2 diabetes affect my heart?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 7 Nov

Type 2 diabetes can have hugely complex and negative consequences on your health - including your heart health.

Diabetes ketoacidosis – triggers, symptoms and treatment

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 24 Oct

In this post I explain the vital importance of using your home urine ketone tests. 

How thyroid disease can affect your cholesterol levels

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 3 Oct

As October is National Cholesterol Month I thought I would write about the link between thyroid disease and your cholesterol and about how one condition's medication may have unexpected side effects.

Should I avoid soy if I have hypothyroidism?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 24 Sep

There seems to be some conflicting advice about whether or not you can eat soy if you have an underactive thyroid.  I try to clear up the confusion in this post

Hepatitis C and hypothyroidism

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 10 Sep

Why you might have regular thyroid function tests if you are diagnosed with Hepatitis C

Self-monitoring for an underactive thyroid

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 28 Aug

Why it's important to monitor your thyroid health on a daily basis rather than simply rely on regular GP checks. 

Latest News - Chairman of the London Consultants’ Association

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 29 Jul

I am pleased to announce that I have recently taken over the Chairmanship of the London Consultants’ Association (LCA)

Online doctor - why you might prefer to speak to your doctor via e-consulting

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 11 Jul

The benefits of consulting your doctor via the new online technology are many. In this post I explain why this is now one way of consulting with me.

The possible link between thyroid conditions and pre-eclampsia

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 27 Jun

Could pre-eclampsia and thyroid conditions be linked? In this blog post i discuss the current theories 

Ten of the most important hormones in your body and what they do

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 10 Jun

It’s likely that most people never give a second thought to their hormones because they quietly get on with the efficient running of our body and we don’t usually notice what they do until they no longer do it!

Should I go gluten free if I have hypothyroidism?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 23 May

Online articles and forums can be very persuasive,  so what is the current thinking about whether going gluten free is helpful in terms of an underactive thyroid?

Antenatal/postnatal medication for women with thyroid or diabetic conditions

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 9 May

Pregnancy puts additional strain on both your thyroid and your pancreas so if you are on medication for thyroid or diabetic conditions these will have to be closely monitored.

Why PCOS can cause acne

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 25 Apr

If you have wondered why PCOS can cause acne in some women this post explains...

Is TSH the best test?

Hormones Demystified on Wed 10 Apr

For this blog post about the utility of TSH, I am sharing an excellent article from Hormones Demystified which he originally published in April 2019.

Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism and thyroid hair loss

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 4 Apr

There are several causes of hair loss but thyroid problems can cause thyroid hair loss. I explain in this blog post.

Your surprising hormones – the role of hormones when giving birth

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 21 Mar

Giving birth may be one of the biggest challenges to a woman's body but your surprising hormones are working very hard on your behalf.

Yes, it is possible to reverse type 2 diabetes!

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 7 Mar

New research has revealed that substantial weight loss can bring about a remission of type 2 diabetes.  This post explains why and how

PCOS and struggles to conceive

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 21 Feb

Most women with PCOS will be able to have a baby but are likely to need help to achieve good fertility levels. This blog post exlpains 

What is metabolic syndrome?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 7 Feb

Believed to be affecting 1 in 4 people within the UK, metabolic syndrome is a global problem with significant consequences

What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 24 Jan

In this blog post I talk about an uncommon adrenal condition that affects babies

PCOS and the importance of managing complications

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 13 Dec

If you have PCOS you are at increased risk of a number of complications - but these are preventable as I explain in this blog post

What is a neuroendocrine tumour?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 29 Nov

There are a number of different types of neuroendocrine tumours - or NET's - in this blog post I am writing about NAT's tumours within the endocrine system

The effect of diabetes on your body

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 13 Nov

Diabetes can cause complications to many parts of the body.  In this blog post I do a round up of previous posts on the subject

How Can Diabetes Harm Your Oral Health?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 25 Oct

It is vitally important to look after your dental health if you have diabetes.  Here's why...

Students at University with Type 1 diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 9 Oct

It is stressful enough for most parents to say goodbye to their child as they begin their time at university but it is additionally stressful when that young adult also has Type 1 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes – risks, symptoms, complications and treatment

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 27 Sep

Most women with gestational diabetes will have no other pregnancy problems and a healthy baby but it is important to be vigilant about the possible onset of this condition

About Diabetic Retinopathy

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 6 Sep

Find out about the staqes, symptoms and treatment of diabetic retinopathy

The link between an underactive thyroid and hearing problems

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 23 Aug

It might surprise you to know that several connections have been found between hypothyroidism and hearing impairment, tinnitus and vertigo.

The connection between PCOS and type 2 diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 9 Aug

It has long been suspected that there is a link between PCOS and type 2 diabetes

Puberty and Hormones

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 26 Jul

Did you know that puberty is triggered by your hypothalamus? Sometimes this doesn't happen when it should...

Daily injections for type 1 diabetes could be replaced

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 12 Jul

We may be looking at a dramatic transformation in terms of insulin-treated diabetes over the next few years

What is Gigantism and how is it caused?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 21 Jun

The causes, symptoms and treatments of gigantism. 

Diabetes and sexual dysfunction

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 7 Jun

As it is Diabetes week from the 11th to 17th of this month. I thought I would write about  one of the more sensitive aspects of the condition.

PCOS and hair loss

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 24 May

Did you know that PCOS can cause androgenic alopecia?

Thyroid hormone and heart disease

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 9 May

Too much or too little of thyroid hormone can have an effect on your heart. 

15 common myths about thyroid disease

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 26 Apr

Like many conditions thyroid disease has many myths around it. I dispel the most common ones in this blog post

Skin tags – your early warning sign of insulin resistance

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 10 Apr

It is becoming increasingly clear that skin tags may have medical significance in terms of insulin resistance 

Why Vegans are in danger of having too little iodine

Why Vegans are in danger of having too little iodine on Thu 22 Mar

People who become vegan are often unaware of the potential risk they run in following a diet which contains little of no sources of iodine...

The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of late-onset hypogonadism

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 6 Mar

Could your abnormally low testosterone levels caused by  late onset hypogonadism?

The link between our hormones and obesity

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 22 Feb

Obesity is typically blamed on a lack of self control, but in fact this is not the full picture...

The connection between diabetes and hearing loss

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 6 Feb

Strange though it may seem there has found to be a significant overlap between having diabetes (or prediabetes) and developing hearing loss.  Read more here.

Morning sickness and its effect on thyroid function

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 18 Jan

Did you know that morning sickness is almost certainly endocrine related?

Preparing for a successful pregnancy with a thyroid condition

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 4 Jan

Are you planning to start a family this year? If you have an undiagnosed thyroid condition it may make it difficult to conceive and can potentially cause some problems during pregnancy...  

New advances in diabetes care

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 20 Dec

Back in June this year NHS England published a new blueprint which focuses on “optimal diabetes care”.

Is hair loss caused by thyroid disorders?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 7 Dec

Unsatisfying though it is, the answer is maybe.  There are in fact many reasons why your hair is thinning or falling out...

The possible link between low iron levels and low thyroid function

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 28 Nov

I think it’s safe to say that we cannot know everything about every condition, even when we specialise...

The increasing problem of type 2 diabetes in adolescents

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 13 Nov

As it is World Diabetes Day on November 14th I thought I would discuss the situation regarding type 2 diabetes.  

There’s no such thing as adrenal fatigue

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 31 Oct

Misinformation and "adrenal fatigue" 

Bariatric Surgery and its effect on diabetes and insulin resistance

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 18 Oct

Did you know that bariatric surgery can actually have a positive effect on how your body uses insulin? Find out how and why here

Milk alternative drinks and too low iodine levels

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 4 Oct

The worrying trend of milk alternative drinks...

Worried about thyroid problems in your adolescent teenager?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 21 Sep

Thyroid conditions can hide in plain sight within an adolescent so here's some information to help you.

Diabetes - a most worrying global situation

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 5 Sep

There has been a global upswing in diabetes in recent times - you may be shocked at the numbers involved

What are thyroid nodules and how are they treated?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 23 Aug

Find out about the different types of thyroid nodules and who might be prone to these.

16 UK Endocrine Patient Resources and Support Groups

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 3 Aug

There's no need to feel isolated if you're newly diagnosed with an endocrine condition. There's plenty of patient support groups and information available - here's a list...

About anovulation

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 20 Jul

Anovulation is the term used to describe the inability of the ovary to produce, mature or release eggs (ova).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and irregular periods

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 5 Jul

Why you should seek medical help to achieve regular menstrual cycles when you have PCOS...

Thyroid problems in older patients

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 19 Jun

It can be challenging to diagnose thyroid problems older patients not least because they can be misinterpreted as age-related conditions.

About Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP)

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 6 Jun

A rare complication of hyperthyroidism (usually Graves’ disease), thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) was originally identified in in 1902 and has found to be most common amongst Asian populations

What is a thyroid storm?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 24 May

You may have heard of a "thyroid storm" - here is a detailed summary of its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Hypophysitis

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 4 May

Originally thought to mostly affect women during or after pregnancy, Hypophysitis is now recognised as a disorder affecting both men and women and over a large age range...

Thyroid Principles explained

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 18 Apr

You may hear your GP referring to your T3 and T4 levels.  But what exactly are they? This animation explains

Endocrine disorders as a side effect of immunotherapy drugs

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 5 Apr

There’s no doubt that immunotherapy drugs are effective, with reports of some cancers simply being “melted away”.  However, in some people, the side effects of this unleashes their own immune system to attack healthy vital organs...

What is insulin resistance, how does it affect your body and how is it treated?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 22 Mar

One of the factors in the development of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance (IR) which is a decreased sensitivity to insulin in tissues which are insulin receptive...

Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 9 Mar

Given that the two conditions are intricately linked I’m sure it will come as no surprise that the management of diabetes when you have pancreatic cancer is extremely challenging because improving one condition can deteriorate the other.

Technology meets testing

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Fri 17 Feb

Multiple finger prick testing of blood glucose levels has unfortunately been a crucial part of managing type one diabetes but some patients have recently been using a monitoring system

The facts about prolactinomas

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Fri 10 Feb

There has been a good deal of concern and confusion about prolactinomas (benign tumours of the pituitary gland) since the sad death of Tara Palmer Tomkinson in February 2017. This is mainly because she had recently revealed its diagnosis.

About Sheehan's Syndrome

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 24 Jan

Initially described in 1937 by British Pathologist Harold Leeming Sheehan, Sheehan’s syndrome is a rare complication of women losing an exceptionally large amount of blood during or after childbirth.

About diabetes insipidus

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 10 Jan

Although it shares some of its signs and symptoms, this rare form of diabetes is not connected to blood sugar-related diabetes mellitus... 

Diabetes and depression symptoms

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 21 Dec

There is a close link between diabetes and depression - in fact depression and mood disorders are the most common psychiatric challenge within the community of diabetic patients. It is not entirely clear why this is the case...

Prader-Willi Syndrome

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 7 Dec

First described by Swiss Doctors Prof Prader, Dr Labhart and Dr Willi in 1956, this rare genetic disorder affects about one in 30,000 children. 

About Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 23 Nov

Premature ovarian failure – or primary ovarian insufficiency refers to failure of the ovaries to produce the required amount of oestrogen before the age of 40.  It affects 1% of women in the UK

About Acromegaly

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 8 Nov

A rare clinical syndrome, Acromegaly is caused by an excess of growth hormone (GH) being secreted by the pituitary gland. It’s believed there are approximately 6,000 people in the UK with this condition

About multiple endocrine neoplasia

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 26 Oct

As suggested by the name, this condition of the endocrine system can affect several hormonal glands typically the parathyroid, pituitary and pancreas. The condition manifests itself by the appearance of usually benign tumours which cause the affected gland to produce too much hormone.

Diseases of the parathyroid glands - hyperparathyroidism

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 5 Oct

When hyperparathyroidism is present too much parathyroid hormone (PTH) is produced leading to rising blood calcium levels and low blood phosphate levels.

Diseases of the parathyroid glands – hypoparathyroidism

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 27 Sep

Situated in the neck behind the thyroid the 4 parathyroid glands – which are the size of a rice grain - produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) which plays a significant part in maintaining the correct levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D within the body.

Cushing’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome

Mark Vanderpump on Wed 7 Sep

Discovered in 1912, Cushing’s disease is named after Harvey Cushing an American neurosurgeon. Cushing’s patients typically have round faces and gain weight around their neck, trunk and abdomen whilst having slender arms and legs. 

About Addison's disease

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 24 Aug

Diagnosing falling cortisol levels, this condition was named after Dr Thomas Addison after he discovered its existence in 1855 due to TB infiltration of the adrenal gland.  Addison’s disease is rare with approximately 8,000 UK patients at any one time.

About Charcot Foot

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 10 Aug

Although Charcot foot can occur in connection with a variety of conditions, worldwide it is most commonly associated with diabetes and it’s one of the most serious foot problems that diabetics can face.

The Pancreas and Diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 27 Jul

Sitting closely behind the stomach, the pancreas plays an important role in the process of digestion and is also responsible for keeping our blood sugars at a safe level.

Prediabetes - what it is and how you can address it

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 13 Jul

You may have heard in the media that type 2 diabetes has tripled over the last 20 to 30 years.  However it’s only in the past couple of years that the term “Prediabetes” has been officially recognised.

How thyroid disease differs in children

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 30 Jun

It can be very challenging to detect either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in a child. This post flags the warning signs for both conditions

Did you know that thyroid problems can be regarded as disabilities?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 14 Jun

Thyroid hormone replacement is life-long and falls within the definition of the Equality Act 2010 (previously the Disability Act) as without thyroid hormone replacement the hypothyroidism is likely to recur.

PCOS and depression

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 26 May

If you are suffering from PCOS, I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you that women with the condition are far more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than the general population.

What is thyroiditis?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 12 May

Thyroiditis is the inflammation (not infection) of the thyroid gland. The cause of this can be tricky to spot because a number of individual disorders can cause the thyroid to swell and thyroiditis can cause either high or low levels of thyroid hormones.

The last missing trigger of type 1 diabetes is finally found

Dr Mark Vanderpump, Consultant Endocrinologist on Fri 29 Apr

It has long been known that the immune system in people with type 1 diabetes attacked 5 key targets but working out the fifth and final one has taken over 20 years. 

Hypothyroidism and Down’s Syndrome

Dr Mark Vanderpump, Consultant Endocrinologist on Thu 28 Apr

Thyroid disease is more common in children with Down’s syndrome than in the general population. By the time they are adolescents around 15% of those with Down’s syndrome will have an underactive thyroid and the frequency continues to rise throughout adulthood.

Love handles may prove useful in curing as well as predicting diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump, Consultant Endocrinologist on Tue 12 Apr

Active research goes on in all areas of endocrinology and one that recently caught the eye of the media was a Swiss study concerning a possible cure for diabetes

Dr Vanderpump leaves the NHS after nearly 30 years of service

Dr Mark Vanderpump, Consultant Endocrinologist on Thu 31 Mar

Having devoted nearly three decades of service to the NHS since qualifying in 1987, Dr Vanderpump is now leaving to pursue a different career path in his specialism of endocrinology. 

19 Myths about Type 2 diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 15 Mar

The Internet is a wonderful resource but unfortunately it's not always accurate -  so today I'm addressing 19 myths about Type 2 diabetes

What the endocrine system does for you

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 29 Feb

I think it’s fair to say that - until something goes wrong - most people know very little about the medical field of endocrinology and are unlikely to have met the endocrinologists who diagnose and treat any hormone imbalances that arise in the major glands of the endocrine system.

Diabetes in Pregnancy

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 16 Feb

Many women with type 1 diabetes will have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby but to achieve this will require real commitment on your part.

About congenital hypothyroidism

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 28 Jan

Commonly referred to as CHT, congenital hypothyroidism is found present in one out of every 3,500 to 4,000 new-born babies and it’s twice as common in girls as boys.

 

 

Thyroid disorders and their effect on cognitive function, mood and emotions

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 14 Jan

A healthy thyroid plays a vital part in brain chemistry, so we should not be surprised that a thyroid disorder can cause unpredictable mood changes. For example those with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can suddenly feel tense and anxious. They may experience panic attacks, impatience, be overactive and have an exaggerated sensitivity to noise.

10 myths about PCOS

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 29 Dec

There are some common myths surrounding the condition of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. There is no “cure” for PCOS but there are ways that you can be helped depending on your symptoms.  I thought I would clarify things by debunking those I hear the most:

Discussing Hashimoto's Disease

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Fri 11 Dec

Hashimoto’s disease is more correctly known as “Autoimmune Thyroiditis” (AT) because the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland as a threat to the body. This causes your immune system to produce special antibodies which inflame and destroy the thyroid cells.

Pregnancy and Thyroid Disease

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Sun 29 Nov

Increased thyroid levels in the blood can be caused by two pregnancy-related hormones.  These are hCG and oestrogen.

What's the difference between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 19 Nov

Although both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share the inability to control the normal level of blood sugar, they are two entirely different conditions.

Thyroid problems and trying to conceive

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 3 Nov

As it's National Fertility Awareness Week I thought iLd talk a little about  how thyroid problems can affect fertility in both men and women.

How to keep insulin levels down for the ideal PCOS diet

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 14 Oct

Young women with PCOS often struggle with their weight because of high levels of insulin in their blood. Here's how to tackle that problem in terms of diet.

Hypocalcaemia - description, symptoms, causes and treatment

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 30 Sep

Hypocalcaemia is the term for an abnormally low level of calcium in the body. Although it is an uncommon condition, it is found equally in men and women and can occur at any age.  If there’s a low level of calcium in the blood (serum calcium) it can cause problems since it regulates the many processes that make cells work.

About Graves Orbitopathy

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 16 Sep

It is common for the onset of thyroid eye disease – referred to as Graves Orbitopathy (or GO) - to occur within 18 months of the onset of hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease.

 

Osteoporosis treatment and its current challenges

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 2 Sep

Osteoporosis is recognised as a common disease of major importance in day to day health care. It is a disease of our ageing Western civilisation and its consequences - fractured wrist, vertebra or hip - are associated with chronic illness and indeed death. The statistics are pretty thought provoking:

What time should I take my Levothyroxine?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 19 Aug

There are very few guidelines in terms of the timing of taking Levothyroxine. Here's the latest thinking

Do I have a goitre?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 4 Aug

Goitres are a visible thyroid swelling which can occur with an overactive, underactive or normally functioning thyroid gland. 

Should all pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 30 Jul

With an average of 7 out of every 100 pregnant women developing gestational diabetes should the UK bbe putting a screening programme in place?

Treatment of Primary Hypothyroidism and the L-T4/L-T3 debate

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 25 Jun

Treatment of Primary Hypothyroidism and the L-T4/L-T3 debate

 The 2015 position statement of the BTA

 

I’m on Levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid but I still don’t feel well

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 7 May

Why you may not feel instantly better despite treatment

Could you have Hypothyroidism?

on Thu 30 Apr

One million British women have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.  Many more may not realise that they have the condition.

The importance of maintaining good levels of Iodine

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 16 Apr

Did you know Iodine controls the metabolic rate, our growth and development AND the development of the brain and nervous system of a foetus?

Can I eat fruit if I'm trying to lose weight?

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Thu 2 Apr

So fruit is good for you but fruit sugars are not. Help!

How replacement Thyroxine came about

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 25 Mar

We've come a long way since we first solved our thyroid problems with the help of sheep!

About Hypogonadism and those low testosterone levels

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 11 Mar

Chronic tiredness is often due to our breakneck pace of life but, gentlemen, if you are experiencing other symptoms such as loss of hair and libido you probably ought to get a check up...

Vitamin D deficiency and diabetes

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Wed 25 Feb

A recent Spanish study suggests that the combination of Vitamin D deficiency and obesity may heighten the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders 

Thyroid Disease and Osteoporosis

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Tue 25 Nov

We already know that hormones play an essential role in the development of the skeleton but could hypothyroidism lead to an increased suceptability to osteoporosis?

Type 2 Diabetes and Ethnicity

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 27 Oct

Did you know that increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes is linked to ethnicity?

Watch your waistline

Dr Mark Vanderpump on Mon 27 Oct

There is continued evidence that obesity is a major contributing factor in the onset of Diabetes 2

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