Timely Treatment, Healthier Futures
Why early endocrine care matters.
Reviewed by: Sowmya Boddhula, MD
Written by: Lily Vining
Many endocrine conditions start quietly — subtle symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, or weight fluctuations that are easy to brush off as stress or aging. But according to Sowmya Boddhula, MD, board-certified endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine specialist in the Endocrinology Clinic at UT Health Austin, those small signs can sometimes point to much larger health concerns.
“By the time some patients reach us, they’ve already developed serious complications,” Dr. Boddhula says. “Early care can prevent that. The sooner we identify and treat an endocrine disorder, the better the outcome.”
In the Endocrinology Clinic, Dr. Boddhula treats a wide range of hormone-related conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and adrenal and pituitary disorders. Her message is simple but urgent: Don’t wait to seek care when something feels off.
The Subtle Start: Why Many Delay Care
Endocrine conditions often progress slowly, and symptoms can be nonspecific, like fatigue, mood changes, or shifts in body weight or temperature sensitivity. “Many endocrine disorders develop gradually, so people often think their symptoms are just part of getting older or being stressed,” Dr. Boddhula explains.
Other barriers to care, such as cost, time, or not knowing where to go, can lead patients to postpone appointments. But those delays can make conditions harder to manage later on.
“What starts as something small can become a serious issue if it’s ignored for too long,” she says.
What’s at Stake: Common Conditions and Complications
The endocrine system affects nearly every process in the body, from metabolism to bone health to mood. When something goes wrong, the effects can be far-reaching.
Here are several common conditions treated in the clinic and what can happen when care is delayed:
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to vision loss, heart disease, kidney problems, and even amputations.
- Osteoporosis: Because the disease is painless in early stages, many people don’t know they have it until a fracture occurs, often affecting mobility and independence.
- Thyroid disorders: Untreated hypothyroidism can cause severe fatigue, weight changes, and cognitive issues, while hyperthyroidism can trigger heart complications or hospitalization if hormones become dangerously elevated.
- Adrenal and pituitary disorders: These can affect hormone production and even cause vision changes or life-threatening hormone imbalances if not diagnosed early.
“Each of these conditions can have serious complications, but with timely diagnosis and treatment, we can prevent most of them,” Dr. Boddhula notes.
Early Action, Better Outcomes
Seeking care early doesn’t just help manage the condition — it can change the trajectory of a patient’s health.
“Early treatment doesn’t just control the disease — it prevents the complications that affect daily life,” Dr. Boddhula says. “Patients who start treatment sooner tend to have better energy, better blood sugar control, and fewer long-term health problems.”
UT Health Austin’s Endocrinology Clinic offers advanced technology, including continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, to help patients manage diabetes more effectively.
“Access and follow-up are critical,” she says. “Our goal is to remove barriers to care and support patients every step of the way.”
Prevention and Lifestyle Matter
In addition to medical treatment, Dr. Boddhula emphasizes lifestyle medicine — an evidence-based approach that addresses the behaviors that most influence health.
“We focus on the six pillars: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connection,” she explains.
For example, maintaining regular movement and getting enough calcium and vitamin D can strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis. Eating balanced meals and staying active are key for managing diabetes and weight-related conditions.
“When we combine medical care with healthy habits,” she adds, “we can often stop conditions from progressing or even prevent them entirely.”
Take Action for Your Health
Endocrine conditions may be complex, but the path to better health often begins with a simple step: paying attention to your body and seeking care when something feels off.
“If you notice new or persistent symptoms — whether it’s fatigue, changes in weight, or increased thirst — talk to your primary care provider,” Dr. Boddhula advises. “The earlier we identify what’s happening, the more we can do to help.”
By addressing these conditions early, patients can protect their long-term health and ensure a healthier, more balanced future.
For more information about the Endocrinology Clinic at UT Health Austin or to schedule an appointment, call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.