Multiple factors contribute to the widening gap between supply and demand of endocrinology services. In addition to the inadequate growth of the workforce, the inefficient utilization of endocrinologists’ expertise coupled with the rising prevalence of endocrine conditions has generated a crisis in access to specialty care. This mismatch is magnified in underserved communities and among certain racial/ethnic groups that carry a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases, like diabetes and osteoporosis, thus perpetuating the cycle of health disparities in vulnerable populations.

“Women with severe vasomotor symptoms should be treated with hormone therapy at the lowest dose possible per guidelines, and tirzepatide should remain top-of-the-list for weight loss in persons with obesity or overweight with comorbid illness,” Uzmann says. “That they may work together is a nice little bonus.”