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Dr. Chienying Liu, MD

(Dr. Chienying Liu, MD)

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Specializes in: Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism and General Practice

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1995)

Professional interests include: hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal insufficiency, and more.

400 Parnassus Avenue Suite A-550
San Francisco, CA 94143

(415) 885-7404

Dr. Chienying Liu, MD is an endocrinologist in San Francisco, CA specializing in endocrinology diabetes & metabolism and general practice. She graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1995 and has 29 years of experience. Dr. Chienying Liu, MD is affiliated with Regents of the University of California, UCSF Health, UCSF Medical Group, UCSF and Endocrinology Clinic at Parnassus.

Office Locations

Address:

400 Parnassus Avenue Suite A-550
San Francisco, CA 94143

Address:

1600 Divisadero Street Fourth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115

Some issues Dr. Chienying Liu, MD can help you with:

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:

Weight gain
Acne
Facial or body hair
Thinning head hair
Missing or irregular periods
Infertility

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:

Insulin sensitizers, which help the body use insulin more effectively, lowering hormone levels. The most commonly used insulin sensitizer is metformin.
Weight loss. Being overweight does not cause PCOS, and PCOS can make losing weight difficult. Still, weight loss can improve symptoms for many women.
Birth control pills to regulate menstruation and sometimes reduce symptoms such as acne.
Fertility medications, especially medications to stimulate ovulation such as clomiphene.
Anti-androgen medications, which work to treat symptoms such as acne and facial hair.
Low-carb diets, which work similarly to insulin sensitizers to lower hormone levels and help reduce weight.
Ovarian drilling or resectioning, surgical procedures sometimes performed if infertility is a persistent problem. These procedures open up the wall of the ovary to temporarily make ovulation more likely.

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 thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

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.

aspiration	27
diagnostic procedures	27
doctor visit	357
hospital care	21
image guided procedures	27
inpatient care	21
minimally invasive procedures	27
minor procedures	27
neck imaging	55
ultrasound (sonogram)	55

**Gender**
Male	50
Female	175

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	130
Black	16
Hispanic	20
Asian	48
Other	11
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	108
From 75 to 84	46
85 and over	19
Less than 65	52

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	27
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	31
Dementia	8
Cancer	12

aspiration	16
diagnostic procedures	16
doctor visit	367
image guided procedures	16
minimally invasive procedures	16
minor procedures	16
neck imaging	24
ultrasound (sonogram)	24

**Gender**
Male	54
Female	169

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	128
Black	16
Hispanic	16
Asian	52
Other	11
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	127
From 75 to 84	43
85 and over	11
Less than 65	42

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	26
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	26
Dementia	5
Cancer	14

doctor visit	372
neck imaging	18
ultrasound (sonogram)	18

**Gender**
Male	106
Female	338

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	260
Black	0
Hispanic	44
Asian	96
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	242
From 75 to 84	102
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	20
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	23
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	25
Dementia	6
Cancer	15

doctor visit	387
neck imaging	16
ultrasound (sonogram)	16

**Gender**
Male	69
Female	169

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	148
Black	14
Hispanic	18
Asian	45
Other	13
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	124
From 75 to 84	60
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	24
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	20
Dementia	7
Cancer	15

doctor visit	358
hospital care	43
inpatient care	43

**Gender**
Male	87
Female	190

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	168
Black	22
Hispanic	23
Asian	53
Other	11
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	141
From 75 to 84	73
85 and over	18
Less than 65	45

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	23
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	26
Dementia	9
Cancer	14

doctor visit	466
hospital care	39
inpatient care	39

**Gender**
Male	103
Female	210

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	194
Black	11
Hispanic	27
Asian	63
Other	18
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	171
From 75 to 84	80
85 and over	23
Less than 65	39

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	27
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	25
Dementia	6
Cancer	13

doctor visit	433
hospital care	43
inpatient care	43

**Gender**
Male	114
Female	228

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	219
Black	0
Hispanic	27
Asian	62
Other	18
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	191
From 75 to 84	91
85 and over	18
Less than 65	42

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	24
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	24
Dementia	8
Cancer	14

doctor visit	479
hospital care	101
inpatient care	101

**Gender**
Male	118
Female	240

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	235
Black	16
Hispanic	33
Asian	59
Other	15
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	197
From 75 to 84	79
85 and over	24
Less than 65	58

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	27
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	24
Dementia	7
Cancer	15

blood draw	38
doctor visit	1149
hospital care	172
inpatient care	172

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Chienying Liu, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Chienying Liu, MD treated as an endocrinologist in San Francisco, CA were hospital care, inpatient care, blood draw and ultrasound (sonogram).

aspiration	21
blood draw	38
diagnostic procedures	21
doctor visit	486
hospital care	69
image guided procedures	21
inpatient care	69
minimally invasive procedures	21
minor procedures	21
neck imaging	28
ultrasound (sonogram)	28

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Chienying Liu, MD.

**Gender**
Male	70
Female	171

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	9
Asian / Pacific Islander	47
Non-Hispanic White	148
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	20
Other	9

**Age**
75 to 84	57
85 and over	11
Less than 65	27
65 to 74	130

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Chienying Liu, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Chienying Liu, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	47
High Cholesterol	39
Stroke	1
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	7
Osteoporosis	20
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	20
Atrial Fibrillation	6
Cancer	11
Dementia	5

Education & Training

Dr. Chienying Liu, MD graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1995. She has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1995)

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Chienying Liu, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Regents of the University of California

UCSF Health

UCSF Medical Group

UCSF

Endocrinology Clinic at Parnassus

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Chienying Liu, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Radius Health, Inc.	$126 Tymlos $126
Shire North American Group Inc	$113 NATPARA $113
Genentech, Inc.	$43 NonCovered Product $43
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc	$41 INVOKANA $41
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$21 FARXIGA $21
Other	$14 NON-PRODUCT $14

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$231
Education	$127

Biography

Dr. Chienying Liu is a general practice and endocrinology specialist in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Liu is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. These areas are among her clinical interests: cushing's syndrome, pituitary tumor, and thyroid cancer. Her professional affiliations include UCSF Medical Group and Regents of the University of California.