When Should You See An Endocrinologist?

Consider an endocrine consultation before pregnancy if you have:

• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Previous gestational diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• PCOS with fertility concerns
• Previous thyroid or pituitary surgery
• High prolactin
• A pituitary tumour
• Acromegaly or previous treatment for acromegaly
• Cushing disease or previous Cushing syndrome
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• An adrenal tumour
• Long-term steroid treatment
• Multiple endocrine disorders
• Previous pregnancy complicated by an endocrine condition

During pregnancy, seek medical review for unexplained high or low blood glucose, significant thyroid abnormalities, symptoms suggesting adrenal insufficiency or cortisol excess, severe headaches or visual changes in someone with a pituitary tumour, or any significant change in an established endocrine condition.

Pregnancy is not a time to stop or change endocrine medication without medical advice. The safest approach is planned, coordinated care between the endocrinologist and obstetric team.