Influence of the Internet in Endocrinology Practice

Abstract

The ability of patients to obtain health information on the Internet has had significant implications for the practice of endocrinology. With the Internet, vague symptoms like fatigue and weight gain often lead patients to online searches that suggest the presence of endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypercortisolism, adrenal insufficiency, and testosterone deficiency. Social media and celebrity testimonials may, for much of the population, be the primary source of information about both endocrine and pseudo-endocrine disorders. This chapter reviews some of the research about the influence of the Internet on clinical practice and recommends that clinicians directly discuss medical information-seeking behavior with their patients.