Dr. Howard Lilienfeld, MD

Dr. Howard Lilienfeld, MD is an Endocrinology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Endocrine care at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your endocrinologist is your primary partner in preventing hormonal and metabolic issues, creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and empowering you to manage your overall wellness for a healthier future. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 745-4673 to schedule.

Dr. Howard Lilienfeld, MD is a diabetes & metabolism endocrinologist in Tampa, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in 1971 and completed residency training in Endocrinologies at Dalhousie University Teaching Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He furthered his expertise through fellowship training at the University of Toronto, focusing on a specific area of patient health. Dr. Lilienfeld is Board Certified in Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. With such a wealth of dedicated experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is the section chief of Endocrinology at Moffitt Cancer Center and an assistant professor at the University of South Florida's College of Medicine Department of Oncologic Sciences, a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. His research interests include the potential link between breast cancer and thyroid disease. Dr. Lilienfeld is a charter member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and a member of the Endocrine Society. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Howard Lilienfeld is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Howard Lilienfeld can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Howard Lilienfeld provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Diabetes: Preventing diabetes involves understanding your risk factors and taking proactive steps like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet to lower your chances of developing this chronic condition.
• Thyroid Disease: Don't let thyroid disease disrupt your life; preventative measures, including routine screenings and prompt medical attention, are essential for preserving your health and vitality.
• Graves' Disease: Because Graves' disease impacts your metabolism and hormone levels, proactively addressing it through consistent medical care minimizes the risk of complications like hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm.
• Adrenal Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your adrenal glands, leading to hormonal imbalances; proactive stress management helps prevent these issues.
• Thyroid Tumor: Managing a thyroid tumor effectively, often through surgery or medication, minimizes the risk of it growing larger or spreading.
• Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: Autoimmune thyroid diseases, like Hashimoto's and Graves', can be managed effectively with early detection and monitoring, preventing long-term complications like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• Thyroid Mass: Managing a thyroid mass through proactive monitoring and appropriate medical intervention helps to mitigate the risk of more serious health issues.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Howard Lilienfeld offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Thyroid Biopsy: A thyroid biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors determine the nature of any suspicious nodules or lumps in your thyroid gland, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of potential problems.
• Thyroid Screening: A thyroid screening is a key preventative measure to detect thyroid disorders before symptoms appear, preserving your vitality.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Ensure your bone health is optimal with osteoporosis screening, a preventative measure that can detect bone loss and help you maintain strong, healthy bones.
• Dynamic Endocrine Function Test: By monitoring your hormonal fluctuations with a dynamic endocrine function test, you can actively work with your doctor to maintain optimal hormone levels and overall well-being.
• Bone Density Scan: A bone density scan helps proactively assess your bone strength, enabling early detection of osteoporosis and allowing for timely intervention to prevent fractures.
• Thyroid Nodule Evaluation: Protecting your thyroid health starts with a nodule evaluation – a simple assessment that can identify issues early and prevent future health problems.
• Thyroid Procedure: Ensure your thyroid is functioning optimally by undergoing a thyroid procedure; early diagnosis can prevent serious health problems.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Endocrinologies in Florida.

Dr. Howard Lilienfeld is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By understanding their risk factors and implementing a personalized prevention plan, a patient significantly lowered their chances of developing diabetes, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their health.
• By diligently adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient proactively managed potential thyroid issues, ensuring a healthier future and greater peace of mind.
• By consistently monitoring hormone levels and receiving expert guidance, a patient proactively managed their risk of Graves' disease complications, fostering peace of mind and a healthier future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Endocrine care with Dr. Howard Lilienfeld:

What is an Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a doctor specializing in the endocrine system, which includes the glands that produce hormones. They diagnose and treat hormonal imbalances, and manage conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and PCOS.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body doesn't produce insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body doesn't use insulin properly (insulin resistance), often managed initially with lifestyle changes and oral medications, but may eventually require insulin.

How do insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) help manage diabetes?

Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are advanced technologies that enable tighter diabetes control. A CGM is a sensor that tracks glucose levels around the clock, preventing dangerous highs and lows. An insulin pump delivers a continuous, precise dose of insulin, mimicking the function of a healthy pancreas.

What is Graves' disease?

Graves' disease is the most common cause of an overactive thyroid. It's an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing it to produce too much hormone. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition managed effectively by an endocrinologist.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Managing these conditions is a crucial preventive strategy.

I was told I have prediabetes. Can I prevent it from becoming Type 2 diabetes?

Yes, a prediabetes diagnosis is a critical opportunity for prevention. Dr. Lilienfeld can create a personalized plan involving modest weight loss, dietary changes, and increased physical activity, which can significantly delay or even prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

How can an endocrinologist help with weight management?

Dr. Lilienfeld can investigate and treat any underlying hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to weight gain. He uses an evidence-based approach that may include lifestyle counseling and prescription medications for obesity.

What are the common symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)?

Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and feeling cold. These symptoms are often effectively managed with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which Dr. Lilienfeld can prescribe and manage.

Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 Usf Magnolia Dr
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 745-4673

Dr. Howard Lilienfeld, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1568483162

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Endocrinologies like Dr. Howard Lilienfeld are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your endocrinology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.