Not sure which specialist to see?
Rheumatology and endocrinology overlap, so many people aren’t sure where to start. This guide lists what each specialist often helps with. Talk to your doctor about whether seeing a rheumatologist or an endocrinologist may be the right next step for you. If you’re still unsure, request an appointment or call 646-389-0001 and tell us about your symptoms. We’ll help you choose.
Rheumatologists often help with:
- Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Sudden attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in a joint
- Dry eyes and a dry mouth, often with tiredness
- A blood test flagged as abnormal, such as a positive ANA or rheumatoid factor
Endocrinologists often help with:
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- An abnormal thyroid test, or a lump in your thyroid
- Thinning bones (osteoporosis), or a broken bone from a minor fall
- Irregular periods or signs of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Something found in your adrenal or pituitary gland on a blood test or scan
No diagnosis yet?
That’s common. You don’t need a diagnosis to request an appointment. Tell us your symptoms and any test results you have, online or at 646-389-0001, and we’ll help you work out whether a rheumatologist or an endocrinologist is the right next step.
Reviewed by Joe Kimura, MD