Endocrinology
Your Health in Expert Hands
Welcome to the Endocrinology Department of Hospital Ruber Internacional!
Our team of specialists consists of highly qualified professionals who are recognized leaders in the field of endocrinology. Our endocrinologists are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hormonal and metabolic diseases.
From thyroid disorders, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and growth disorders to adrenal gland diseases, osteoporosis, and hormonal imbalances, our team of experts is prepared to address each case comprehensively and with a personalized approach.
Some aging-related conditions can also have significant links to hormonal alterations, and our team of endocrinologists is trained to address these conditions with specialized care. Osteoporosis, for instance, is a common bone disease among older adults, closely related to hormonal imbalances that occur with aging, particularly in women after menopause.
At Ruber Internacional, scientific and clinical excellence is our top priority. We remain at the forefront of medical advances, staying up to date with the latest research and technologies in the field of endocrinology.
We understand that every patient is unique, so we strive to provide care tailored to your specific needs.
At the Endocrinology Department of Hospital Ruber Internacional, you will find a highly qualified multidisciplinary team committed to your well-being.
Scientific and Clinical Excellence.
- Team of Dr. Susana Monereo MegíasTeam Leader: Dr. Susana Monereo MegíasCentro Médico Paseo de la HabanaSpecialty: Endocrinology and Nutrition91 457 77 64
- Team of Dr. María Teresa Muñoz CalvoTeam Leader: Dr. María Teresa Muñoz CalvoCentro Médico Paseo de la HabanaSpecialty: Endocrinology and Nutrition / Pediatric Endocrinology91 457 77 64
- Team of Dr. Gonzalo Martín PeñaTeam Leader: Dr. Gonzalo Martín PeñaHospital Ruber Internacional, Centro Médico Paseo de la HabanaSpecialty: Endocrinology and Nutrition91 457 77 64 / 91 387 50 00 / 91 387 52 71
- CINUSA TeamTeam Leader: Dr. Ismael San Mauro MartínCentro Médico Paseo de la HabanaSpecialty: Dietetics and Nutrition91 457 77 64
Well-being and Confidence Every Step of the Way
Our multidisciplinary team is composed of endocrinologists, nutrition specialists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals who work closely together to provide you with the best possible care. We collaborate closely with our patients to listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
In our department, we specialize in the treatment of a wide variety of endocrinological diseases, including:
- Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid disease.
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, including the management of gestational diabetes.
- Bone metabolism disorders, such as osteoporosis and Paget’s disease.
- Adrenal gland disorders, such as Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal insufficiency.
- Pituitary gland disorders, such as hypopituitarism and pituitary adenomas.
- Parathyroid gland disorders, such as hyperparathyroidism.
- Lipid metabolism disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
In addition to providing precise diagnosis and treatment for these conditions, we focus on offering you information and educational resources about your condition, promoting self-care and informed decision-making to improve your health.
Your well-being is our highest priority. You can trust our highly specialized and multidisciplinary approach to deliver the quality care you need to achieve better health and an improved quality of life.
Your health is our priority.
A Comprehensive Service for All Your Needs
At Hospital Ruber Internacional, we understand that obesity and overweight are chronic diseases that can have multiple causes, including hereditary factors, eating habits, and lifestyle.
Obesity not only affects physical appearance but also increases the risk of developing various cardiovascular and joint-related conditions, among others.
Types of Obesity
- Peripheral Obesity: In this type of obesity, fat tends to accumulate predominantly in areas below the waist, such as the hips, thighs, and buttocks. It can lead to issues with the lower joints and varicose veins. Also known as gynoid obesity, it is more common in women.
- Central Obesity: In this case, fat is concentrated mainly around and above the waist. It is considered more dangerous than peripheral obesity because it is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dyslipidemias, and more. Also known as android obesity, it is more common in men.
- Homogeneous Obesity: In this type, fat is distributed more uniformly throughout the body.
Obesity can also be classified as endogenous or exogenous based on its cause. Exogenous obesity is related to overeating and a sedentary lifestyle, while endogenous obesity results from metabolic and endocrine disorders.
Degrees of Obesity
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established four degrees of obesity based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) above what is considered overweight:
- Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9.
- Grade 1 Obesity: BMI between 30.0 and 34.5, with low risk.
- Grade 2 Obesity: BMI between 34.5 and 39.9, with moderate risk.
- Grade 3 Obesity: BMI between 40.0 and 50.0, with high risk or morbid obesity.
- Grade 4 Obesity: BMI above 50, with very high risk or extreme obesity.
At Hospital Ruber Internacional, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and personalized approach to the treatment of obesity and overweight, regardless of its type.
We work closely with our patients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific circumstances. Our care focuses on modifying eating habits, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and, in certain cases, incorporating medical and surgical treatments as needed.
Our main goal is to help you achieve a healthy weight and improve your quality of life. If you would like more information about our obesity and overweight treatment services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Support for a Healthier, More Balanced Life.
The thyroid gland is one of the main glands of the endocrine system, consisting of a left lobe and a right lobe connected by an "isthmus."
Our approach is based on diagnosing and treating various thyroid conditions, considering its essential functions:
- Regulation of metabolism.
- Control of blood cholesterol levels.
- Maintenance of heart rhythm.
- Regulation of central nervous system functioning, especially during developmental periods.
- Muscle strength.
- Regulation of body temperature.
- Importance in physical and mental development during childhood, as thyroid hormones are essential for the synthesis of many proteins.
- Metabolization of various nutrients.
- Control of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
Below, we outline the main thyroid diseases and their associated treatments:
Hypothyroidism
This condition involves a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms can vary and affect different body functions, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems. Common symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, memory problems, and joint inflammation. Treatment involves the external administration of deficient thyroid hormones.
Hyperthyroidism
In this condition, there is an excess production of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is commonly associated with the autoimmune disease known as "Graves' Disease." Symptoms may include palpitations, tachycardia, exhaustion, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, and tremors. To counteract the excess hormones, antithyroid medications can be used, and in some cases, radioactive iodine is administered.
Thyroid Nodules
A thyroid nodule is an abnormal lump or mass that forms in the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules can be benign or malignant (cancer). In necessary cases, surgical removal of the nodules may be performed.
To diagnose thyroid diseases, we use blood tests that evaluate various indicators such as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), TSI (thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin), T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones), and antithyroid antibodies. Additionally, imaging diagnostic tests may be conducted, such as CT scans, ultrasounds, and scintigraphy, including the radioactive iodine uptake test.
Expert and Personalized Care.
At Hospital Ruber Internacional, we have extensive experience in treating diabetes, a chronic disease that affects how the body uses blood glucose (sugar). This condition impacts millions of people worldwide and is considered almost an epidemic.
Our approach focuses on providing specialized and personalized care for each type of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes
This form of diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. It usually begins in youth or childhood and is chronic in nature. People with type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent and require lifelong exogenous insulin. Although the exact causes are unknown, risk factors such as heredity, the autoimmune system, or external agents have been identified.
- Type 2 Diabetes
This form of diabetes typically develops in adulthood, usually after the age of 40, though it can also occur in children. Unlike type 1 diabetes, individuals with type 2 diabetes are not insulin-dependent in all cases. Treatment can range from dietary and lifestyle changes to the use of medications and, in some cases, exogenous insulin, depending on the severity. The most common risk factors include obesity and a family history of the condition.
- Gestational Diabetes
This form of diabetes develops during pregnancy. During this period, metabolic activity increases, requiring higher insulin production. However, some women cannot produce the extra insulin needed. Gestational diabetes is also linked to the production of pregnancy-related hormones that can reduce insulin’s effectiveness. Symptoms include blurred vision, thirst, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, and vaginal infections.
Our team of diabetes specialists is highly qualified and has extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing this condition. We use multidisciplinary approaches that include self-care education, nutritional counseling, and personalized pharmacotherapy. Our goal is to help our patients lead healthy lives and effectively manage their diabetes to prevent complications and improve their overall well-being.
Trust in our expertise in diabetes treatment and our commitment to quality healthcare.
Research and Technological Innovation.
At the Nutrition Service of Hospital Ruber Internacional, we focus on providing the best resources and support to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Nutrition plays a crucial role in improving endocrinological conditions, and a balanced diet can prevent issues such as hypothyroidism.
Our professionals will conduct a series of medical tests to evaluate potential hormonal imbalances, fat levels, and other factors to determine the appropriate treatment based on your condition.
Using the results from the physical examination, complementary tests, and your medical history, our professionals will prescribe a personalized diet to address the endocrine issues you may be facing.
Additionally, there are several good habits you can adopt:
Healthy Eating Habits:
- Consume fruits and vegetables.
- Prioritize fresh foods from markets over processed products from supermarkets.
- Avoid processed foods and those high in saturated fats.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Regulate salt intake, remembering that iodized salt can help prevent hypothyroidism.
- Maintain proper hydration by drinking at least two liters of water per day.
- Consume healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits:
- Engage in regular physical exercise.
- Perform periodic checks of analytical parameters such as cholesterol and glucose levels.
- Avoid tobacco use, as it can interfere with iodine uptake.
- In cases of hyperthyroidism, avoid spending extended periods near the sea, as iodine exposure may worsen the condition.
Our team of specialized professionals will provide the necessary guidance to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, aiming to improve your overall well-being and comprehensively address endocrinological conditions.