Comprehensive Care for Endocrine Conditions
At Saint John’s Cancer Institute, our expert endocrinologists specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of endocrine conditions and disorders that affect the body’s hormone-producing glands.
Our Endocrine Center, located in Santa Monica, CA, provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary endocrinology care for older children, adolescents, and adults—addressing both common and rare endocrine diseases. Care is tailored to each patient and often coordinated with surgical, oncology, genetics, and imaging specialists to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective long-term management.
Thyroid Conditions and Disorders
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules, cysts, and goiters are common thyroid gland conditions. While some nodules may cause swallowing or breathing difficulties, many are discovered incidentally during routine exams or imaging studies. Our endocrinology team uses advanced imaging, biopsy techniques, and risk assessment to distinguish benign nodules from those requiring further evaluation or treatment.
Learn more about Thyroid Nodules.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine cancers, particularly in women. Most types are highly treatable, especially when detected early. Our multidisciplinary approach combines endocrinology, surgery, pathology, and long-term hormone management to support excellent outcomes and ongoing quality of life.
Learn more about Thyroid Cancer.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, leading to fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and slowed metabolism. As one of the most common endocrine disorders, it requires precise diagnosis and individualized hormone replacement strategies to restore balance and relieve symptoms.
Learn more about Hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excess hormone, increasing metabolism and contributing to symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, palpitations, and tremors. If left untreated, it can affect heart health and bone density. Our endocrinologists evaluate the underlying cause to determine the most appropriate medical, procedural, or surgical treatment approach.
Parathyroid and Adrenal Gland Disorders
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a hormonal disorder in which one or more parathyroid glands produce excess parathyroid hormone, leading to elevated calcium levels. It can develop at any age and may result in kidney stones, osteoporosis, fatigue, and other nonspecific symptoms. Specialized evaluation is essential to determine when monitoring versus surgical intervention is appropriate.
Learn more about Hyperparathyroidism.
Adrenal Masses
Adrenal masses—often discovered incidentally—are found in up to 10% of adults. While most are benign, some produce excess hormones that can significantly affect blood pressure, metabolism, or stress response. Our team performs detailed hormonal testing and imaging to guide appropriate surveillance or treatment.
Learn more about Adrenal Masses.
Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
These rare endocrine tumors arise from adrenal or related tissues and cause excess adrenaline production, often leading to episodic hypertension, headaches, and palpitations. They may be associated with inherited endocrine syndromes and require coordinated specialty care for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring.
Learn more about Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma.
Cushing’s Syndrome (Adrenal)
Cushing’s syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor results from excessive cortisol production. This hormonal imbalance can lead to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and bone loss. Early diagnosis and expert management are critical to preventing long-term complications.
Learn more about Cushing’s Syndrome.
Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
Hyperaldosteronism occurs when an aldosterone-producing adrenal tumor—or adrenal overactivity—leads to high blood pressure and low potassium levels. Identifying this condition is essential, as targeted treatment can significantly improve blood pressure control and cardiovascular outcomes.
Learn more about Hyperaldosteronism.
Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal cancer is a rare but aggressive endocrine malignancy that may produce excess hormones. Management requires advanced diagnostic evaluation and close coordination among endocrinologists, oncologists, and surgeons experienced in complex adrenal disease.
Inherited Endocrine Syndromes
MEN and Other Inherited Endocrine Syndromes
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are inherited conditions that predispose patients to tumors in multiple endocrine glands, including the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. Our center offers genetic counseling, proactive screening, and lifelong endocrine care to support patients and families across generations.
Learn more about MEN and Other Inherited Endocrine Syndromes.
Bone and Pituitary Disorders Related to the Endocrine System
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a hormone-related condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, often linked to reduced estrogen, testosterone, or other endocrine disorders. Our specialists evaluate underlying hormonal contributors to design targeted treatment plans aimed at preserving bone health.
Learn more about Osteoporosis.
Other Bone Disorders
We also manage rare endocrine-related bone conditions such as Paget’s disease, fibrous dysplasia, rickets, and hypophosphatemia. These disorders often require specialized diagnostic testing, long-term management, and coordination with other subspecialists.
Learn more about Other Bone Disorders.
Pituitary Disorders (Including Cushing’s Disease)
The pituitary gland—the “master gland” of the endocrine system—regulates many critical hormone pathways. Pituitary disorders, including Cushing’s disease caused by pituitary adenomas, require comprehensive hormonal evaluation and often coordinated neurosurgical care.
Learn more about Pituitary Disorders (Including Cushing’s Disease).
Endocrine Conditions in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Although many endocrine conditions are more commonly diagnosed in adults, thyroid, pituitary, and genetic endocrine disorders are increasingly recognized in younger patients. Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer among young women ages 15–30 and remains highly treatable when diagnosed early through expert endocrinology care.
Comprehensive Endocrinology Care for Every Patient
Our board-certified endocrinologists collaborate closely with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and genetic specialists to deliver personalized, evidence-based care for all types of endocrine conditions. Whether managing a common thyroid disorder or a rare inherited syndrome, our Endocrine Center is committed to restoring hormonal balance, supporting long-term health, and improving quality of life through compassionate, multidisciplinary care.
Our Endocrine and Thyroid Experts
If you have questions regarding endocrine or thyroid-related conditions, please call today. Request an appointment
