Dr. John Tourtelot, MD

Dr. John Tourtelot, MD is an Endocrinology specialist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is a registered physician with the Florida Board of Medicine, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Endocrine care. Dr. Tourtelot practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and empowering you to manage your overall wellness for a healthier future. Your endocrinologist is your primary partner in preventing hormonal and metabolic issues, and he serves all ages.

Dr. Tourtelot, a board-certified specialist in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, brings over 30 years of dedicated experience in Endocrine care to his patients and their families. He is a specialist in the endocrinology program at Moffitt Cancer Center, with research interests including tumors of the endocrine system, specifically thyroid cancer. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1990, completing an internship at Oakland Naval Hospital in 1991. Following this, he completed a residency in internal medicine at Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA, and a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He also pursued a one-year clinical research program at the National Institutes of Health. He is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (813) 745-4673 to schedule an appointment. Dr. John Tourtelot provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. John Tourtelot 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. John Tourtelot 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. John Tourtelot 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:

• Menstrual Disorders: Preventing complications associated with menstrual disorders, such as anemia or infertility, starts with proactive care and early diagnosis.
• Hypoglycemia: Preventing hypoglycemia means regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels to catch and treat low blood sugar episodes before they lead to serious health problems.
• Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: Regular checkups and proactive screening can significantly reduce the negative consequences of autoimmune thyroid disorders by enabling early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Symptomatic Menopause: Don't let menopause symptoms control your life; understanding and addressing them proactively can improve your overall health and well-being.
• Growth Hormone Deficiency: Early detection of growth hormone deficiency is crucial for preventing stunted growth and long-term health complications in children.
• Hypopituitarism Following Procedure: Knowing your risk factors for hypopituitarism post-procedure empowers you to work with your doctor to manage potential hormone deficiencies and prevent future health problems.
• Drug Induced Thyroiditis: Some medications can unexpectedly cause inflammation of your thyroid (drug-induced thyroiditis), emphasizing the importance of open communication with your doctor about any symptoms.
• Female Infertility: Taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, and address underlying health conditions can help prevent fertility issues and promote optimal reproductive health.
• Adrenal Gland Diseases: Early detection of adrenal gland diseases is crucial for timely intervention and preventing long-term health problems.
• Hyperparathyroidism: Early detection of hyperparathyroidism, a disorder of the parathyroid glands, is key to preventing bone loss and kidney damage, ensuring better long-term health.
• Benign Pituitary Gland Tumor: While often harmless, a benign pituitary tumor can disrupt hormone production; proactive monitoring and management can help prevent significant health problems down the line.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): Regular checkups and adherence to prescribed medications are crucial for individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) to prevent severe complications and maintain overall well-being.

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. John Tourtelot offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Thyroid Screening: Thyroid screening helps detect imbalances early, preventing potential health problems related to your metabolism and overall well-being.
• Dexamethasone Suppression Test: A dexamethasone suppression test helps your doctor check if your cortisol levels are normal, aiding in the early detection and prevention of potential hormonal imbalances.
• Dynamic Endocrine Function Test: This test helps you understand how your hormones are working over time, enabling early detection of conditions like thyroid disorders or adrenal insufficiency and supporting preventive measures.
• Diabetic Evaluation: A diabetic evaluation helps proactively identify and manage blood sugar levels to prevent future complications like heart disease and nerve damage.
• Aspiration or Injection of Thyroid Cyst: Protecting your thyroid: Aspiration or injection of a thyroid cyst allows doctors to analyze its contents, guiding treatment decisions and potentially avoiding unnecessary surgery.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Protecting your long-term health starts with an oral glucose tolerance test, which helps screen for conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar levels and prevent future complications with personalized diabetes counseling.
• 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 Nodule Evaluation: Invest in your well-being with a thyroid nodule evaluation; this check-up helps identify and manage thyroid nodules, potentially preventing serious complications down the line.
• Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Prevent the long-term consequences of an underactive thyroid by seeking thyroid hormone replacement, restoring your metabolism and improving your quality of life.
• Thyroid Scan: Ensure your thyroid is working optimally by undergoing a thyroid scan; this screening tool can help prevent the development of or complications from thyroid disorders.
• Diabetes Screening: Take charge of your health with a diabetes screening; it's a simple test that can identify prediabetes or type 2 diabetes before symptoms appear.

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. John Tourtelot 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 proactively addressing potential menstrual issues, a young woman was able to reduce the risk of future complications and feel confident about her reproductive health. Early detection and a personalized plan brought her peace of mind and empowered her to take control of her well-being.
• By diligently tracking blood sugar levels and following a personalized plan, a patient felt empowered to proactively manage hypoglycemia, reducing the risk of complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing autoimmune thyroid diseases, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.

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. John Tourtelot:

What is an Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions related to the endocrine system, which produces hormones. They manage a wide range of issues, including diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (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 characterized by insulin resistance, meaning the body doesn't use insulin effectively. Management often starts with lifestyle changes and oral medications, but insulin may be needed later.

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

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism 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. Tourtelot can prescribe and monitor.

Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause be safe?

Yes, for the right candidate. For many women, HRT is a safe and effective way to manage bothersome menopausal symptoms. Dr. Tourtelot will conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine if a patient is a good candidate and will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the appropriate duration.

What is a pituitary adenoma?

A pituitary adenoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. Sometimes these tumors cause problems by overproducing hormones or growing large enough to press on nearby structures. Dr. Tourtelot is an expert in diagnosing and medically managing these tumors.

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. Tourtelot 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 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 constantly, preventing dangerous highs and lows. An insulin pump delivers a continuous, precise dose of insulin, mimicking the function of a healthy pancreas.

How can an endocrinologist help with weight management?

Dr. Tourtelot 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.

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

Dr. John Tourtelot, 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): 1174577159

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. John Tourtelot 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.