Dr. Maria Bernal Riera, MD

Dr. Maria Bernal Riera, MD is an Endocrinology specialist practicing at Apex Endocrinology Health in Saint Petersburg, FL. She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Endocrine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the 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. She serves all ages and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (727) 609-5610 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Driven by a passion for the intricate workings of hormones and their impact on health, Dr. Riera brings over 10 years of dedicated experience in Endocrine care. Her commitment to providing exceptional patient care is rooted in her belief in authenticity, equality, respect, and empathy. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Central De Venezuela - Escuela Luis Razetti in 2014, completed an internship at Montefiore New Rochelle, and subsequently completed residency training in Endocrinologies at Montefiore New Rochelle, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in University Of Florida, Gainesville, deepening her expertise. Dr. Riera is Board Certified in Adolescent Medicine, Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology, and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She offers consultations in Spanish.

Dr. Riera's journey to becoming an endocrinologist was deeply personal, fueled by a desire to address hormonal imbalances and offer high-quality, compassionate care. Her approach is patient-centered, prioritizing personalized plans and empowering patients to actively participate in their health journey. With a focus on prevention and a commitment to evidence-based medicine, she is uniquely positioned to help patients understand and manage their hormonal health, creating a healthier future.

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

• Gender Dysphoria: Preventive healthcare for those experiencing gender dysphoria involves early identification and access to gender-affirming care, helping manage stress and improving overall health outcomes.
• Pituitary Disease: Proactive monitoring of pituitary function through blood tests and imaging can aid in preventing the progression of the disease and its related health issues.
• Testicular Dysfunction: Early detection of testicular dysfunction is crucial, as it allows for prompt management, potentially avoiding more severe complications down the line.
• Cholesterol Diseases: High cholesterol, a key component of cholesterol diseases, can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Thyroid Disease: Preventing serious health problems later in life starts with early detection and management of thyroid disease, which can affect your energy levels, weight, and overall well-being.
• Thyroid Nodule: Managing a thyroid nodule proactively through monitoring and appropriate treatment prevents the development of potentially harmful thyroid hormone imbalances and safeguards your overall well-being.
• Diabetes With Renal Manifestations: Diabetes can harm your kidneys; proactive monitoring and careful control of your diabetes significantly reduces your risk of developing kidney complications.
• Obesity: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is a key step in preventing obesity and its associated long-term health risks.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: Menopausal and postmenopausal disorders can be effectively managed to improve quality of life and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses through preventive care.
• Metabolic Disorders: Taking proactive steps to manage your risk factors for metabolic disorders, like weight and diet, can significantly reduce your chances of developing serious health problems.
• Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but regular blood tests can help identify it early on, enabling preventive measures to protect your heart and overall health.
• Testosterone Deficiency: Low testosterone can significantly impact your health, so early detection and management are crucial for preventing future complications like osteoporosis and heart disease.

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

• Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Take control of your thyroid health by proactively addressing hormone imbalances with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, optimizing your energy levels and overall well-being.
• Diabetes Counseling: Diabetes counseling empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Dexamethasone Suppression Test: As part of your overall health plan, a dexamethasone suppression test can help identify abnormalities in your body's stress response system, preventing potential health complications.
• Thyroid Scan: This imaging test helps visualize your thyroid gland, enabling early detection of nodules, inflammation, or other abnormalities that could signal underlying thyroid conditions.
• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules: Protecting your thyroid health, a fine needle aspiration biopsy provides crucial information to diagnose and potentially prevent serious complications associated with thyroid nodules.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Take a proactive step towards bone health with osteoporosis screening; it identifies bone density issues before they cause significant problems.
• Acute Diabetes Management: Acute diabetes management involves prompt medical attention to stabilize blood sugar, helping you avoid dangerous health crises.

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. Maria Riera 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 seeking early support and accessing gender-affirming care, a young person found relief from distress and a path toward improved well-being. This proactive approach fostered a stronger sense of self and a positive outlook on their future.
• By proactively monitoring pituitary function, a patient was able to detect subtle changes early, reducing the risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By diligently following a proactive screening plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential issues early, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach brought a sense of peace and control over their well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Maria Riera:

What is an Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a doctor specializing in the endocrine system, the network of glands that produce hormones. They diagnose and treat hormonal imbalances, and manage conditions such as 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, and sometimes progressing to insulin therapy.

How can an endocrinologist help with weight management?

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

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. Riera 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 the A1c test and why is it important?

The A1c test is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, unlike a daily finger-stick which is just a snapshot in time. It's a crucial tool for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring long-term glucose control to help prevent future complications.

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

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

Why is it important to control blood sugar during pregnancy?

Controlling blood sugar during pregnancy is vital to prevent complications for both you and your baby. Managing gestational diabetes helps prevent the baby from growing too large, reduces the risk of a C-section delivery, and lowers your future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

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. Riera can prescribe and monitor.

Apex Endocrinology Health
7901 4th St N Ste 300
Saint Petersburg FL 33702
Phone: (727) 609-5610

Dr. Maria Bernal Riera, 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): 1144872425

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. Maria Riera 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.