Your HMF specialist in endocrinology is Jennifer I. Chang, M.D. She sees patients at our specialty office in Pasadena. Call 626/397-8323 for an appointment. Download the HMF Center for Endocrinology brochure.
If you are scheduled to see Dr. Chang for the first time, please download and complete the Endocrinology Questionnaire and bring it to your first appointment.
If you have diabetes, please also download and complete the Diabetes Questionnaire. If you have diabetes and have a glucose meter, please remember to bring your glucose meter and hand it to the reception desk upon arrival.
If you are unable to download and complete the forms, please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete your paperwork. Providing your medical history helps us give you better medical care.
About the HMF Center for Endocrinology
Over or underproduction of hormones can disrupt your body’s healthy function. Dr. Chang treats these problems:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Parathyroid disorders
- Adrenal disorders
- Pituitary disorders
- Hypogonadism
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Cancers of the endocrine glands
- Other hormone-related problems
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system includes the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenals, ovaries, and testes. These glands produce hormones which influence metabolism, reproduction, growth and development.
What’s an endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat problems related to the endocrine system. Over or underproduction of hormones can disrupt your body’s healthy function. The goal is to restore the normal balance of hormones in your system.
Common endocrine disorders
Symptoms of hormonal problems can include unexplained tiredness or mood swings, sudden weight loss or weight gain, changes in your sex drive, hair loss or hair growth, or changes in your skin.
Diabetes Mellitus If current trends continue, the CDC estimates that as many as one in three adults in the U.S. could have diabetes mellitus by 2050. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. The food you eat is converted to glucose (sugar). Insulin is needed to convert glucose to energy your body can use. In diabetes, your body can not properly use insulin.
In Type 1, the pancreas does not make enough insulin.
In Type 2 , the body becomes resistant to normal or high levels of insulin and also may not make enough insulin.
Diabetes can be a challenge. Dr. Chang works with her patients to make diabetes management a part of daily life. Most people with diabetes can continue to lead active lives and enjoy food. For patients who require more complicated insulin regimens and closer monitoring, Dr. Chang is trained in initiating and managing insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.
Thyroid The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. Thyroid hormone controls how you use and store energy. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can affect every organ system in your body. Nodules can grow in the thyroid, or the thyroid can become enlarged (thyroid goiter). In fact, thyroid nodules are the country’s most common endocrine problem.
Approximately 9 out of 10 nodules are benign (noncancerous). The overall prognosis for thyroid cancer is very good; however, patients require routine follow-up visits for monitoring. Dr. Chang uses blood tests and imaging as needed to properly evaluate and treat all thyroid conditions.
Osteoporosis A person with osteoporosis has weak bones that can break easily. There are no warning signs or symptoms, so it’s vital to get screened with a fast, painless scan available at the HMF Bone Density Testing Center. Screening is especially important for postmenopausal women and those with other risk factors for osteoporosis. Several medications are available to treat this condition.
About Jennifer Chang, M.D.
Jennifer I. Chang, M.D. earned her B.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Southern California and her medical degree from the USC Keck School of Medicine.
Following an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Medical Center (Sunset), she returned to Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center to complete her fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Dr. Chang is board-certified in Internal Medicine and in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.
She is a member of the American Diabetes Association, American Thyroid Association, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
Get your body back in balance
Call 626/397-8323 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Chang speaks English and Mandarin.