Common Myths
Answers to common questions about common myths.
Questions on this page
- “Genetic diseases cannot be treated.”
- “If nobody in my family has the disease, it cannot be genetic.”
- “Genetic testing is needed for everyone with obesity.”
- “MODY is just type 2 diabetes in a young person.”
- “MEN means that I definitely have cancer.”
- “DSD means that a person is sick.”
- “Rare bone diseases cannot be treated.”
- WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
“Genetic diseases cannot be treated.”
Not necessarily. Many genetic endocrine disorders have effective treatments or monitoring strategies.
“If nobody in my family has the disease, it cannot be genetic.”
False. Some genetic conditions can arise from a new genetic change.
“Genetic testing is needed for everyone with obesity.”
No. Genetic testing is generally considered only when the clinical features suggest a specific genetic cause.
“MODY is just type 2 diabetes in a young person.”
No. MODY is a group of monogenic diabetes conditions and can require different treatment.
“MEN means that I definitely have cancer.”
No. MEN is an inherited predisposition to certain endocrine tumours. Appropriate surveillance and early treatment are important.
“DSD means that a person is sick.”
No. DSD describes a diverse group of biological conditions affecting sex development. Medical needs vary considerably between individuals.
“Rare bone diseases cannot be treated.”
Some have specific therapies, while others can be managed with targeted supportive treatment and monitoring.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
Consider a specialist evaluation if you or your child has:
- Diabetes at an unusually young age
- Diabetes in several generations of the family
- Severe obesity beginning in early childhood
- Extreme hunger or poor satiety
- Multiple endocrine tumours
- A family history of MEN or hereditary endocrine cancer
- Unusual calcium or phosphate levels
- Recurrent fractures
- Severe or unexplained short stature
- Very early or delayed puberty
- Differences in genital development
- An unusual endocrine condition that does not fit a common diagnosis
- Multiple endocrine abnormalities occurring together
A rare endocrine disorder is often identified not by one abnormal test, but by recognizing a pattern — the age of onset, physical findings, laboratory results and family history.