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Dr. Douglas Sobel, MD is a pediatric endocrinologist in Washington, DC specializing in pediatric endocrinology. He graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1974 and has 50 years of experience. Dr. Douglas Sobel, MD is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Health.
4200 WISCONSIN AVENUE NW 4TH FLOOR
Washington, DC 20016
23000 Moakley Street Suite 103
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.
The symptoms of PCOS include:
PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Treatment for PCOS may include:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.
When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:
Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.
Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.
Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.
The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Douglas Sobel, MD graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1974. He completed residency at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Pediatrics American Board of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology and has a state license in District of Columbia.
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1974)
Residency: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (1976)
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics, Pediatrics American Board of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology
Licensed In: District of Columbia
Dr. Douglas Sobel, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Douglas Sobel, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA EPO, CIGNA Indemnity, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Medicare Advantage, MAMSI, AARP, Coventry National Network PPO, Aetna, United Healthcare Choice Plus, Blue Choice, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, TRICARE Prime, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna Managed Choice POS, First Health, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, Medicare Fee for Service, Choice Fund PPO, CFBSBC Blue Preferred PPO, M.D. IPA (HMO), CFBCBS (NCA) Indemnity, Open HMO, M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), POS OA & OA Plus, MedStar Select (MedStar Associates' Plan), Network OA, Innovation Health: PPO, Opoen HMO Option, CFBCBS Maryland Indemnity or PPO, CFBCBS EPO, Innovation Health: Indemnity, CFBCBS Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: POS, Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, Choice POS & Choice POS II, HealthyBlue PPO, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, United Student Resources, CFBCBS Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Open EPO Plus, Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, Open POS II, PPO and PPO Plus and Innovation Health: POS Plus.
According to our sources, Dr. Douglas Sobel, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Douglas Sobel, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Pfizer Inc. |
$1,656
GENOTROPIN $1,656 |
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Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
$167
ZOMACTON $167 |
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Medtronic MiniMed, Inc. |
$131
Minimed 670G System $115 |
Guardian Connect $16 |
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Novo Nordisk Inc |
$120
Norditropin $97 |
Tresiba $23 |
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Roche Diabetes Care, Inc. |
$50
DC ACCU CHEK Diabetes Management Solutions $34 |
DC ACCU CHEK Insulin Delivery $17 |
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Other |
$115
InPen $33 |
t-slim insulin pump $19 |
Dexcom G4 Platinum $18 |
BASAGLAR $17 |
Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM System $16 |
Other $12 |
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program | $1,500 |
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Food and Beverage | $527 |
Education | $200 |
Travel and Lodging | $12 |
Dr. Douglas Sobel's area of specialization is pediatric endocrinology. Dr. Sobel's clinical interests include graves disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. He is an in-network provider for several insurance carriers, including Blue California, Coventry, and Coventry Health Care Plans. He attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and subsequently trained at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Bellevue Hospital Center for residency. Dr. Sobel is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. According to Doctor.com, he is currently accepting new patients at his office in Leonardtown, MD.