Daniel J. Toft MD, PhD
Endocrinologist
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL
Dr. Toft is a member of the EndocrineWeb Editorial Board.

EndocrineWeb.com Articles by Daniel J. Toft MD, PhD

Addison’s Disease and Adrenal Insufficiency Overview
Addison’s disease, a rare disorder, develops when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol. Sometimes, the adrenal glands also don’t produce enough of the aldosterone hormone. Includes list of Addison’s disease symptoms.
Addison’s Disease Causes
There are several causes of Addison’s disease that primarily affect the adrenal glands’ ability to produce the hormone cortisol. Learn the different conditions that can cause Addison’s disease.
Addison’s Disease Diagnosis
To diagnose Addison’s disease, your doctor will run exams and tests. You’ll have blood drawn to test certain hormone levels. These blood tests may be combined with CT scans of your brain and abdomen to view the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Addison’s Disease Treatment
Treatment of Addison’s disease involves replacing the hormones the body is unable to secrete or produce in sufficient quantity. Read about medications you may need to take and what to do in an addisonian crisis.
Graves’ Disease Overview
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, a disorder that causes the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone. Learn the basics of Graves’ disease in this overview article, including common symptoms.
Graves’ Disease Diagnosis
In diagnosing Graves’ disease, the doctor will measure the level of different hormones, such as TSH, T3, and T4. Learn what tests you may need to have and what each of the results can tell you about your thyroid condition.
Graves’ Disease Treatment
Treatment of Graves’ disease may involve anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and sometimes a partial or total thyroidectomy. The goal of treatment is to bring your overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism under control.
Menopause Overview
Menopause officially occurs a year after a woman's last menstrual period and marks the end of fertility. Regardless how you feel about reaching menopause, understand that it's not a disease. It is a natural process that every woman experiences.
Menopause Symptoms
The time before menopause, called perimenopause, is when you’ll experience most of the symptoms associated with menopause. The signs and symptoms of menopause are caused by the ovaries’ erratic changes in estrogen production.
Menopause Causes
In most cases, menopause is caused by the natural aging process. Over time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. But certain medical procedures, such as a total hysterectomy, and rare ovarian conditions can also trigger it.
Confirming Menopause
Because of the obvious symptoms, most women are aware that they’ll soon reach menopause, even without a doctor’s diagnosis. But your doctor can test estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone levels that will also confirm menopause.
Menopause Complications
Your risk for menopause-related complications increases after you reach menopause, during the postmenopause stage. These complications are associated with the loss of estrogen, and they include: heart disease, urinary problems, and weight gain.
Alternative and Natural Treatments for Menopause
There are a variety of alternative treatments available that may reduce menopause symptoms. However, alternative medicine has not been scientifically proven, so its true effectiveness is unknown. Article lists alternative therapies for menopause.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits During Menopause
Healthy habits, such as exercising, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking, are effective ways to manage menopause symptoms. Healthy lifestyle choices will not just improve your menopause transition but your overall quality of life.
Menopause Drugs and Medications
There are many drugs and medications available for menopause. This article focuses on treatments for hot flashes, bone loss, and vaginal dryness. Your doctor will help create a menopause treatment plan for you.