Hormone Specialist Course

Lesson 1 • Endocrine Glands and Their Roles

Identifies major endocrine glands and their primary secretions. Establishes anatomical and functional context for all subsequent hormone assessment topics.

Lesson 2 • Feedback Loops and Homeostasis

Analyzes negative and positive feedback regulation of hormone secretion. Mastery of feedback logic is essential for interpreting lab results and diagnosing axis dysfunction.

Lesson 3 • Hormone Classification and Chemistry

Categorizes hormones by chemical structure and solubility. Understanding chemistry predicts receptor binding, transport, and clinical measurement strategies.

Lesson 4 • Hormone Synthesis and Secretion

Explains biosynthetic pathways from precursor molecules to active hormones. Links synthesis steps to clinical conditions caused by enzymatic deficiencies.

Lesson 1 • Dynamic Stimulation and Suppression Testing

Explains provocative and suppression tests used when basal levels are inconclusive. Connects dynamic testing protocols to specific axis dysfunction diagnoses.

Lesson 2 • Interpreting Hormone Panels and Patterns

Teaches pattern recognition across multi-hormone panels rather than isolated values. Builds clinical reasoning skills needed for differential diagnosis in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Imaging and Functional Diagnostics

Introduces imaging modalities used alongside biochemical testing. Integrates structural findings with lab data to complete endocrine diagnostic workups.

Lesson 4 • Specimen Collection and Pre-Analytical Factors

Details timing, sample type, and handling requirements for accurate hormone testing. Pre-analytical errors are the leading cause of misleading hormone results.

Lesson 1 • Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis

Differentiates Graves disease, toxic nodules, and thyroiditis-related thyrotoxicosis. Guides selection among antithyroid drugs, radioiodine, and surgical options.

Lesson 2 • Hypothyroidism Diagnosis and Management

Covers primary and central hypothyroidism etiology, symptoms, and treatment protocols. Includes dosing strategies and monitoring schedules for thyroid hormone replacement.

Lesson 3 • Thyroid Hormone Synthesis and Transport

Covers iodine uptake, thyroglobulin processing, and T3/T4 transport proteins. Establishes biochemical foundation for interpreting thyroid function tests accurately.

Lesson 4 • Thyroid Function Testing and Interpretation

Explains TSH, free T4, free T3, and antibody testing in clinical context. Correct interpretation prevents misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment initiation.

Lesson 1 • HPA Axis Physiology and Cortisol Regulation

Explains CRH-ACTH-cortisol cascade and diurnal secretion patterns. Provides the regulatory framework needed to interpret dynamic adrenal function tests.

Lesson 2 • Adrenal Insufficiency Evaluation and Treatment

Covers primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency diagnosis using stimulation tests. Includes glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement dosing and sick-day rules.

Lesson 3 • Mineralocorticoid Disorders and Aldosterone

Addresses primary aldosteronism diagnosis and adrenal vein sampling interpretation. Connects renin-aldosterone ratios to hypertension management decisions.

Lesson 4 • Cushing Syndrome Diagnosis and Management

Applies a stepwise biochemical approach to confirm cortisol excess and localize its source. Guides treatment selection based on etiology: pituitary, adrenal, or ectopic.

Lesson 1 • Female Reproductive Disorders

Covers PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency, and hypothalamic amenorrhea diagnosis and management. Connects hormonal patterns to targeted treatment strategies.

Lesson 2 • Male Hypogonadism and Testosterone Therapy

Differentiates primary and secondary hypogonadism and guides testosterone replacement decisions. Covers monitoring parameters and managing treatment-related side effects.

Lesson 3 • Menstrual Cycle Hormonal Dynamics

Maps hormone fluctuations across follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. Provides the reference framework for diagnosing cycle-related hormonal abnormalities.

Lesson 4 • Menopause and Andropause Management

Evaluates hormonal changes of menopause and late-onset male hypogonadism and their clinical consequences. Guides evidence-based hormone therapy decisions and risk communication.

Lesson 1 • Insulin and Glucagon Physiology

Explains pancreatic beta and alpha cell secretion, insulin signaling, and counter-regulatory responses. Provides the metabolic foundation for understanding glucose dysregulation.

Lesson 2 • Insulin Resistance Assessment and Pathophysiology

Explains mechanisms of insulin resistance in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Teaches clinical and laboratory tools for quantifying resistance in practice.

Lesson 3 • Hypoglycemia Evaluation and Management

Applies Whipple's triad and fasting studies to diagnose hypoglycemia etiology. Covers insulinoma, factitious hypoglycemia, and reactive hypoglycemia management.

Lesson 4 • Diabetes Mellitus Classification and Diagnosis

Differentiates type 1, type 2, MODY, and secondary diabetes using clinical and biochemical criteria. Accurate classification drives appropriate treatment selection.

Lesson 1 • GH Deficiency and Acromegaly Management

Covers diagnosis and treatment of GH deficiency in adults and GH excess in acromegaly. Connects biochemical confirmation to treatment monitoring and outcome targets.

Lesson 2 • Hyperparathyroidism and Hypercalcemia

Differentiates primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy-related hypercalcemia. Guides biochemical workup and surgical versus medical management.

Lesson 3 • Metabolic Bone Disease and Osteoporosis

Covers bone turnover markers, DXA interpretation, and pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis. Integrates hormonal contributors including estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol excess.

Lesson 4 • Calcium and Phosphate Homeostasis

Explains PTH, vitamin D, and FGF-23 interactions in calcium and phosphate regulation. Provides the regulatory framework for diagnosing hyper- and hypocalcemia.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Establishes evidence-based criteria for initiating, dosing, and monitoring hormone replacement. Applies benefit-risk frameworks to individualized patient treatment decisions.

Lesson 2 • Outcome Monitoring and Treatment Optimization

Establishes structured follow-up frameworks to assess treatment efficacy and adjust protocols. Connects patient-reported outcomes with biochemical markers for holistic evaluation.

Lesson 3 • Managing Polypharmacy and Hormone Interactions

Identifies clinically significant drug-hormone interactions affecting efficacy and safety. Guides dose adjustments when patients use medications that alter hormone metabolism.

Lesson 4 • Complex Endocrine Case Management

Applies systematic diagnostic reasoning to patients with multiple concurrent hormone disorders. Develops prioritization skills when competing diagnoses require sequential workup.