Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre

All patients referred to the diabetes program will be seen by an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists will provide consultation advice and treatment recommendations, as well as short and long-term management information as appropriate. Our goal is to maximize patient ability to self-manage and provide a smooth transition back to the care of the referring physician as appropriate.

Referrals must include:

• Fasting glucose and lipid profile.
• HbA1c, urine albumin/creatinine ratio.
• List of current medications.
• Relevant medical history. 

Patients with endocrine disorders due to abnormal function of the thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid, adrenal, or reproductive glands (ovaries, testes) will be seen in the general endocrinology clinic.

Investigations may include baseline and/or dynamic endocrine function investigations, as well as fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of thyroid nodules. Subsequent medical therapy of endocrine disorders may be organized in the context of co-management with primary care physicians.

Referrals must include:

• Results of pertinent recent laboratory tests.
• Results of imaging studies.
• Medications previously tried.  

The Ottawa Hospital Gender Diversity Specialty Clinic is intended to provide medically complex adults with gender-affirming hormone therapy.  Currently, the clinic does not have the capacity to accept referrals for routine gender-affirming care in otherwise healthy patients.

Examples of conditions appropriate for referral are:

• Hormone-dependent cancers (such as breast and prostate).
• Pre-existing coronary artery or cerebral vascular disease.
• Personal history of VTE, PE or thrombophilia.
• Uncontrolled hypertension and/or diabetes.
• Patients receiving therapy which interacts with estrogen and testosterone (such as antiretroviral medication, immune suppressive therapy).
• Pre-existing liver disease.

Further information can be found on the Rainbow Health Ontario website. You can also download (free) or purchase the 4th edition of Sherbourne’s Guidelines for gender-affirming primary care with trans and non-binary patients through their site.

The lipid clinic is for the diagnosis and management of patients with dyslipidemia. We can also do genetic testing for rare lipid abnormalities.

Referrals must include:

• A fasting glucose and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C).
• TSH, creatinine.
• Medications previously tried.

Patients with osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases will be seen in the Osteoporosis Clinic. Investigations may include x-rays, bone mineral density scans as well as blood and urine testing.

Referrals must include:

• Results of pertinent recent laboratory tests.
• Results of imaging studies.
• Medications previously tried.
• Fracture history.

The Thyroid Cancer Clinic provides comprehensive management and follow-up care. This includes consultation and medical therapy. Our clinic will make arrangements for radioactive iodine treatment and imaging. We ensure surveillance for recurrence, treatment as indicated and management of thyroid hormone suppression therapy.

Patients referred for post-operative treatment of thyroid cancer will be seen promptly, but we recommend that patients be started on thyroid hormone replacement with thyroxine (T4) or liothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormone therapy will be adjusted as needed.

Referrals must include:

• Results of recent laboratory tests.
• Pertinent pathology, imaging and operative reports.