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Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD

(Dr. Dagmar R. Arnold, MD)

(4 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology

Professional interests include: thyroid cancer, insulin resistance, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and more.

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20007

(202) 444-2000

Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD is an endocrinologist in Washington, DC specializing in adult endocrinology. Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD is affiliated with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, MedStar Health and MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II LLC.

Office Locations

Address:

110 Irving Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20010

Address:

18101 Prince Philip Drive
Olney, MD 20832

Address:

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20007

Some issues Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, 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.

doctor visit	547
hospital care	473
inpatient care	391
outpatient care	82

**Gender**
Male	162
Female	254

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	301
Black	62
Hispanic	0
Asian	30
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	92
From 75 to 84	160
85 and over	137
Less than 65	27

doctor visit	538
hospital care	326
inpatient care	269
outpatient care	57

**Gender**
Male	122
Female	223

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	251
Black	55
Hispanic	0
Asian	20
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	84
From 75 to 84	114
85 and over	113
Less than 65	34

doctor visit	506
hospital care	562
inpatient care	469
outpatient care	93

**Gender**
Male	396
Female	618

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	738
Black	154
Hispanic	46
Asian	48
Other	28
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	240
From 75 to 84	328
85 and over	370
Less than 65	76

doctor visit	418
hospital care	390
inpatient care	320
outpatient care	70

**Gender**
Male	159
Female	258

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	297
Black	73
Hispanic	0
Asian	22
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	96
From 75 to 84	152
85 and over	142
Less than 65	27

doctor visit	433
hospital care	309
inpatient care	263
outpatient care	46

**Gender**
Male	145
Female	250

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	279
Black	56
Hispanic	18
Asian	27
Other	15
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	93
From 75 to 84	129
85 and over	147
Less than 65	26

doctor visit	378
hospital care	273
inpatient care	217
outpatient care	56

**Gender**
Male	148
Female	256

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	277
Black	69
Hispanic	18
Asian	25
Other	15
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	93
From 75 to 84	126
85 and over	149
Less than 65	36

doctor visit	461
hospital care	288
inpatient care	254
outpatient care	34

**Gender**
Male	131
Female	238

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	240
Black	74
Hispanic	19
Asian	21
Other	15
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	95
From 75 to 84	126
85 and over	119
Less than 65	29

doctor visit	415
hospital care	373
inpatient care	271
outpatient care	102

**Gender**
Male	183
Female	271

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	307
Black	85
Hispanic	25
Asian	19
Other	18
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	141
From 75 to 84	148
85 and over	132
Less than 65	33

doctor visit	484
hospital care	287
inpatient care	238
outpatient care	49

**Gender**
Male	153
Female	206

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	247
Black	60
Hispanic	12
Asian	23
Other	17
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	123
From 75 to 84	121
85 and over	88
Less than 65	27

doctor visit	477
hospital care	141
inpatient care	104
outpatient care	37

**Gender**
Male	108
Female	176

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	188
Black	46
Hispanic	20
Asian	19
Other	11
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	102
From 75 to 84	96
85 and over	69
Less than 65	17

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Washington, DC were hospital care, inpatient care and outpatient care.

doctor visit	467
hospital care	342
inpatient care	279
outpatient care	62

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD.

**Gender**
Male	170
Female	275

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	73
Asian / Pacific Islander	25
Non-Hispanic White	312
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	15
Other	11

**Age**
75 to 84	150
85 and over	146
Less than 65	33
65 to 74	115

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD From 2013 - 2022

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

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	73
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	46
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	53
Asthma	12
Osteoporosis	25
Heart Failure	29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	56
Atrial Fibrillation	19
Cancer	14
Dementia	30

Education & Training

She completed residency at Washington Hospital Center. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine American Board of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology and has a state license in District of Columbia.

Residency: Washington Hospital Center (1996)

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine American Board of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology

Licensed In: District of Columbia

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

MedStar Health

MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II LLC

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD has a good overall rating with an average of 3.0 out of 5 stars based on 4 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Dagmar Ruth Arnold, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Washington, DC.

Overall Rating

(4 Ratings)

Leave a Review

Reviews Left On DocSpot

Overall Rating: 5.0 2018-12-07

She ordered thorough lab tests, explained the results, and took time to make sure I understood the findings and implications.  I was able to avoid unnecessary treatments and worry.  She treated and communicated with me well.  I was able to schedule a later-than-normal appointment to better meet my time schedule.  I will continue to see her as my endocrinologist.

General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
SANOFI-AVENTIS U.S. LLC	$5,183 SOLIQUA $3,889	TOUJEO $702	SOLIQUA 100/33 $442	APIDRA $35	LANTUS $31	Other $84
Novo Nordisk Inc	$2,512 Ozempic $922	Victoza $514	Tresiba $387	Xultophy 100/3.6 $166	Saxenda $120	Other $403
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$2,501 FARXIGA $1,429	BYDUREON $505	BYDUREON PEN $365	BYDUREON WEEKLY $142	CRESTOR $16	Other $44
Lilly USA, LLC	$2,465 TRULICITY $687	MOUNJARO $615	JARDIANCE $270	BAQSIMI $219	HUMULIN $140	Other $533
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC.	$2,184 TANZEUM $2,022	LEVITRA $122	$40
Other	$5,877 Synthroid $665	INVOKANA $582	Unithroid $538	NATPARA $380	Repatha $368	Other $3,344

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$13,420
Consulting Fee	$5,814
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$1,135
Travel and Lodging	$230
Education	$123

Biography

Dr. Dagmar Arnold's medical specialty is adult endocrinology. Clinical interests for Dr. Arnold include type 2 diabetes, graves disease, and metabolic syndrome. On average, patients gave her a rating of 3.0 stars (out of 5). For her professional training, Dr. Arnold completed residency programs at Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Arnold (or staff) speaks the following languages: German and Danish. She is professionally affiliated with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.