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📚 Patient Education Library

Understand Your Endocrine Health

In-depth, physician-reviewed articles on thyroid disease, diabetes, hormonal conditions, and more — written by our board-certified endocrinologists to help you become an informed partner in your care.

94

Articles

8

Topic Areas

12

En Español

MD

Reviewed

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Jump to: 👋 New Patients 🦋 Thyroid 🩸 Diabetes ⚡ Adrenal & Pituitary 🦴 Bone & Calcium ⚖️ Metabolic & Liver 💊 GLP-1 🌀 PCOS & Hormonal 🏥 Insurance

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👋 New Patients

Start Here — Most Important Articles

Not sure where to start? These are the most important articles for new patients — organized by the most common reasons people visit our clinic.

🦋 Thyroid

Thyroid Overview → Hypothyroidism → Understanding Your Labs →

🩸 Diabetes

Diabetes Overview → Diabetes Medications → Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) →

💊 Medications

GLP-1 Medications Guide → SGLT2 Inhibitors Guide → Metformin — Myths vs. Facts →

⚡ Other Conditions

Osteoporosis → PCOS → Why See an Endocrinologist? →

🦋 Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid Disease & Disorders

15 articles

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid — causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and levothyroxine treatment.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

The most common autoimmune thyroid disease — the immune attack and what it means.

Hyperthyroidism

Overactive thyroid — symptoms, diagnosis, and your three treatment options.

Graves' Disease

The autoimmune cause of hyperthyroidism — including Graves' eye disease.

Thyroid Nodules & Biopsy

How nodules are evaluated, what the Bethesda system means, and when surgery is needed.

Thyroid Cancer

Types, treatment, and long-term surveillance after thyroidectomy.

Thyroid in Pregnancy

Thyroid changes during pregnancy and risks of untreated disease.

T3 Thyroid Hormone

Why T3 matters, what low T3 means, and when combination therapy is considered.

Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid)

Why the thyroid enlarges, how it's evaluated, and when treatment is needed.

Thyroiditis

Subacute, silent, postpartum — the different forms of thyroid inflammation.

Thyroidectomy — Surgery Guide

What to expect before, during, and after thyroid surgery.

Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Treatment

How RAI works, what to expect, and post-treatment precautions.

Tepezza for Thyroid Eye Disease

The first FDA-approved treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED) — how it works and who qualifies.

Understanding Your Thyroid Labs

TSH, Free T4, Free T3 — what each test means and when to test.

Thyroid FAQ

Answers to the most common thyroid questions from our patients.

Understanding Your Thyroid Lab Results

What TSH, Free T4, Free T3, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin mean — and how to read your own results.

Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Orbitopathy)

Active vs. inactive TED, smoking risks, Tepezza, and when surgery is needed.

🩸 Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus

23 articles

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune insulin deficiency — how it develops and how it's managed.

Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell loss — causes, stages, and treatment.

Prediabetes

What prediabetes means, your reversal window, and evidence-based steps to prevent progression.

Gestational Diabetes

Blood sugar in pregnancy — risks, monitoring, and treatment.

Diabetes Medications Guide

Metformin, GLP-1s, SGLT2i, insulin — how each class works and when it's used.

Insulin Resistance

The root cause of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome — how it develops and how to reverse it.

Diabetes Complications

Neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease — prevention and screening.

Diabetes & Nutrition

Carbohydrates, glycemic index, meal timing, and evidence-based eating patterns.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

A1c, fasting glucose, CGM — understanding your numbers and targets.

Diabetes Self-Management

Daily habits, sick day rules, and how to be an active partner in your care.

💉 Insulin Therapy

Afrezza — Inhaled Insulin

The only inhaled insulin — faster onset than any injectable, needle-free mealtime dosing.

Insulin Dose Tools — ICR, Correction Factor & Bolus Calculator

Interactive bolus calculator, ICR, correction factor, sick day rules, and the 15-15 hypoglycemia rule.

📱 Diabetes Technology

Diabetes Technology

CGM & Diabetes Technology Overview

Continuous glucose monitors, smart pens, and connected diabetes devices.

Diabetes Technology

Share Your CGM Data — Libre & Dexcom Clinic Codes

How to connect your CGM with our clinic. Clinic code: diabetesplus.

Diabetes Technology

Insulin Pumps Overview

How pumps work and the AID system landscape.

Omnipod 5

Tubeless patch pump with automated insulin delivery.

Tandem t:slim X2

Control-IQ technology — predictive low glucose suspend and auto-correction.

Medtronic 780G

SmartGuard AID system with automated basal and correction boluses.

Twiist (Beta Bionics / Sequel)

Next-generation AID pump with simplified design.

iLet Bionic Pancreas

Autonomous insulin and glucagon delivery — no carb counting required.

💊 New Diabetes Medications

Quetenza for Diabetic Neuropathy Pain

In-office capsaicin 8% patch for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

Kerendia (Finerenone) for Diabetic Kidney Disease

Non-steroidal MRA reducing kidney and cardiovascular risk in T2D with CKD.

Patient Education

Metformin Myths vs. Facts

Kidney damage, lactic acidosis, GI side effects — debunking the most common metformin misconceptions.

Cycloset (Bromocriptine) for Type 2 Diabetes

The only diabetes medication that works through the brain's dopamine system — reducing post-meal glucose spikes via a unique circadian mechanism.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Recognizing symptoms, the 15-15 rule, glucagon options, and when to call 911.

SGLT2 Inhibitors (Jardiance, Farxiga, Invokana)

How they work, cardiovascular and kidney benefits, side effects, and which patients should avoid them.

DPP-4 Inhibitors (Januvia, Tradjenta, Onglyza)

Well-tolerated oral agents — weight neutral, no hypoglycemia, ideal for elderly and kidney patients.

Basal Insulin Guide (Lantus, Tresiba, Toujeo, Levemir)

How long-acting insulin works, how to titrate your dose, and choosing between options.

Sick Day Rules for Diabetes

Which medications to hold, when to check ketones, hydration, and ER warning signs.

Traveling with Diabetes

Packing checklist, airport security, insulin storage, and time zone insulin adjustments.

Diabetes & Surgery: Before & After

Which medications to hold, blood sugar targets, and how to communicate with your surgical team.

After Gestational Diabetes: Long-Term Follow-Up

Postpartum glucose testing, 50% lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes, breastfeeding benefits, and prevention.

⚡ Other Endocrine Conditions

Hormones, Metabolism & More

47 articles

⚡ Adrenal & Pituitary

Adrenal Disorders

Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, aldosteronism, and pheochromocytoma.

Pituitary Disorders

Prolactinoma, acromegaly, Cushing's disease, and hypopituitarism.

Endocrine Causes of High Blood Pressure

Primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma — when hypertension has a hormonal root.

1mg Dexamethasone Suppression Test

How to prepare, what the test measures, and how to interpret your cortisol result.

Adrenal & Pituitary

Isturisa (Osilodrostat) for Cushing's Syndrome

Oral cortisol-lowering medication for Cushing's disease — how it works, dosing, and monitoring.

Adrenal & Pituitary

Korlym (Mifepristone) for Cushing's Syndrome

Glucocorticoid receptor blocker — blocks cortisol's effects rather than lowering cortisol levels.

Adrenal & Pituitary

Recorlev (Levoketoconazole) for Cushing's Syndrome

FDA-approved for all forms of endogenous Cushing's — dosing, liver monitoring, drug interactions.

🦴 Bone & Calcium

Osteoporosis & Bone Health

DEXA scanning, fracture risk, calcium, vitamin D, and effective osteoporosis treatments.

Parathyroid Disorders

Calcium regulation, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism.

Vitamin D Deficiency & Supplementation

Why vitamin D matters for bone, immunity, and metabolism — testing and how to supplement correctly.

Yorvipath for Hypoparathyroidism

The first once-daily PTH replacement therapy — a breakthrough for chronic hypoparathyroidism.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Prolia (Denosumab) — Never Miss a Dose

Critical safety guide: why missing a Prolia dose causes rebound fractures — and how to stop safely.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Evenity (Romosozumab)

Bone-building injection for severe osteoporosis — the 12-month window and cardiovascular considerations.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Forteo (Teriparatide)

PTH-based anabolic therapy — who needs it, how to inject, and what comes after.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Tymlos (Abaloparatide)

Daily anabolic injection for osteoporosis — how it compares to Forteo.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Reclast (Zoledronic Acid) Annual Infusion

Once-yearly IV bisphosphonate — preparation and post-infusion symptoms.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Fosamax (Alendronate)

Weekly oral bisphosphonate — how to take it correctly to maximize absorption.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Actonel / Atelvia (Risedronate)

Weekly or monthly bisphosphonate — options, dosing, and comparison to alendronate.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Raloxifene (Evista)

SERM therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis — bone and breast cancer benefits, and clot risk.

⚖️ Weight, Metabolic Health & Fatty Liver

Metabolic Health

Obesity & Metabolic Health

Why obesity is a complex biological disease — and GLP-1 breakthroughs in medical treatment.

Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD/MASH)

The most common liver disease — its metabolic roots, how it's assessed, and the first approved treatment.

Rezdiffra (Resmetirom) for MASH

The first FDA-approved medication for MASH with liver fibrosis — approved March 2024.

Fatty Liver Testing

Preparing for Your FibroScan

Fasting rules, what to avoid, and how to read your CAP and stiffness scores.

Metabolic Health

Cholesterol & Lipid Disorders

LDL, HDL, triglycerides, familial hypercholesterolemia, and modern lipid-lowering therapy.

Patient Education

Statin Myths vs. Facts

Muscle damage, liver risk, diabetes, memory — common statin myths debunked.

💊 GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 Medications: All the Names Explained

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound — your complete guide to every GLP-1 agent.

GLP-1 Medications

Ozempic vs. Wegovy: What's the Difference?

Same molecule, different doses — what you need to know about semaglutide.

GLP-1 Medications

Ozempic Patient Guide

How to inject, titration schedule, side effects, and what to do if you miss a dose.

GLP-1 Medications

Wegovy Patient Guide

Weight loss dosing schedule, injection instructions, and managing side effects.

GLP-1 Medications

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Patient Guide

Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist — titration, injection technique, and what makes it different.

GLP-1 Medications

Zepbound (Tirzepatide) for Weight Loss

FDA-approved weight loss version of tirzepatide — dosing, coverage, and what to expect.

GLP-1 Medications

Muscle Loss & Exercise on GLP-1 Medications

Why strength training and protein are essential on Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound.

GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 Medications, Fertility & Pregnancy

GLP-1 therapy can restore fertility — but these medications are not safe in pregnancy.

🌀 PCOS & Hormonal Health

Hormonal Health

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Most common hormonal disorder in reproductive-age women — causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hormonal Health

Hirsutism: Excess Hair Growth in Women

Why excess hair grows in women, androgen testing, and effective medical treatments.

Hormonal Health

Male Hypogonadism / Low Testosterone

Low testosterone — proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Hormonal Health

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Inherited adrenal enzyme deficiency — classic and non-classic forms.

🏥 Insurance & Coverage

Insurance & Coverage

Medicare Part D & Endocrine Medications

What Medicare patients pay for diabetes, thyroid, and osteoporosis meds — tiers, deductibles, the $35 insulin cap, CGM coverage, and prior authorization.

Insurance & Coverage

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare for Endocrine Patients

Specialist access, CGM coverage, drug formularies — what endocrine patients need to know before choosing a plan.

Adrenal & Pituitary

Cushing's Syndrome

Causes, symptoms, diagnosis with dexamethasone suppression test, and treatment options.

Addison's Disease (Primary Adrenal Insufficiency)

Autoimmune adrenal failure — treatment, stress dosing, and adrenal crisis prevention.

Prolactinoma

The most common pituitary tumor — causes irregular periods, low testosterone, and infertility. Cabergoline treats 80–90%.

Hypoparathyroidism

Low PTH causing low calcium — most common after thyroid surgery. Treatment with calcium, calcitriol, and Yorvipath.

Hormonal Health

Menopause and Hormonal Health

Hot flashes, bone loss, HRT options, and why thyroid disease must be ruled out first.

🇪🇸 En Español

Recursos en Español

11 artículos

Tiroides · En Español

La Tiroides — Guía Completa

Hipotiroidismo, hipertiroidismo, Hashimoto, nódulos tiroideos y pruebas de función tiroidea explicados en español.

Tiroides · En Español

Hipotiroidismo y Hashimoto

Síntomas, diagnóstico, tratamiento con levotiroxina y preguntas frecuentes sobre el hipotiroidismo.

Tiroides · En Español

Cómo Tomar su Medicamento de Tiroides

Instrucciones para tomar correctamente la levotiroxina — cuándo tomarla, qué evitar, y cómo ajustar la dosis.

Diabetes · En Español

Diabetes — Lo Básico

Tipos de diabetes, diagnóstico, niveles de azúcar y cómo manejar su diabetes con su médico.

Diabetes · En Español

Azúcar Baja (Hipoglucemia)

Cómo reconocer y tratar el azúcar baja — síntomas, causas, y cómo prevenir episodios de hipoglucemia.

Pérdida de Peso · En Español

Medicamentos GLP-1 (Ozempic, Mounjaro)

Guía completa en español sobre los medicamentos GLP-1 — cómo funcionan, efectos secundarios y dosis.

Hígado · En Español

Hígado Graso (MAFLD/MASLD)

Causas, relación con la diabetes, diagnóstico y tratamiento del hígado graso no alcohólico.

Hígado · En Español

Preparación para el FibroScan

Instrucciones en español para prepararse para el FibroScan — qué es el ayuno, qué evitar, y cómo interpretar los resultados.

Huesos · En Español

Osteoporosis en Español

Causas, diagnóstico con DEXA, medicamentos y cómo reducir el riesgo de fracturas.

PCOS · En Español

Síndrome de Ovario Poliquístico (SOP)

Síntomas, diagnóstico, tratamiento hormonal y manejo de la resistencia a la insulina en español.

Suprarrenal · En Español

Prueba de Supresión de Dexametasona

Instrucciones para la prueba de supresión de dexametasona 1mg — cómo prepararse y cómo interpretar los resultados.

Diabetes · En Español

Diabetes Tipo 2 en Español

Causas, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 2 — guía completa en español para pacientes hispanohablantes.

Patient Guide

Why See an Endocrinologist?

Not sure if you need a specialist? Learn what endocrinologists treat, how we differ from primary care, and when a referral is the right move.

Read the Guide →