Dr. Maria Morales Hernandez, MD

Dr. Maria Morales Hernandez, MD is an Endocrinology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Endocrine care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She 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 she serves all ages.

Dr. Maria Morales Hernandez, MD is a diabetes & metabolism endocrinologist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital. She has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, Thyroid Disorders, and Diabetes & Glucose Monitoring. Dr. Hernandez 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. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English, and patients should call (954) 938-9966 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Telehealth appointments are also available.

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

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Managing PCOS through healthy eating, regular exercise, and medical guidance helps prevent long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.
• Thyroid Cancer: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may reduce your risk of developing thyroid cancer and improve overall well-being.
• Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: Protecting your thyroid health involves understanding your risk for autoimmune diseases, allowing for timely intervention and preventing severe impacts on your metabolism and overall wellbeing.
• Renal Hyperparathyroidism: Managing underlying kidney disease is key to preventing or slowing the progression of renal hyperparathyroidism, thus safeguarding your bone health and overall well-being.
• Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, and understanding its symptoms early allows for proactive management of potential health issues like bone loss and heart disease.
• Menstrual Disorders: Addressing menstrual irregularities promptly can reduce your risk of developing more serious complications later in life.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, making early detection and lifestyle changes crucial for prevention.
• Growth Hormone Deficiency: Early detection of growth hormone deficiency is crucial for preventing stunted growth and long-term health complications in children.
• Lipid Disorders: High cholesterol and other lipid disorders can seriously harm your heart and blood vessels, but regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent these problems.
• Magnesium Metabolism Disorders: Early detection of magnesium imbalances can help prevent serious health issues and improve overall metabolic well-being.
• Diabetes Type 1: While you can't prevent type 1 diabetes, understanding your family history and recognizing early symptoms allows for timely intervention and better management of blood sugar levels, preventing future health issues.
• Thyroiditis: Managing underlying conditions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing thyroiditis and its associated health problems, protecting your 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. Maria Hernandez offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring: By using continuous glucose monitoring, you can gain valuable insights into your blood sugar patterns, enabling early detection of imbalances and proactive steps to maintain optimal health.
• 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 Hormone Replacement: Maintain a balanced hormonal system and avoid potential health complications by using thyroid hormone replacement therapy to address thyroid deficiency, ensuring optimal health outcomes.
• Radioactive Iodine Treatment: As a proactive measure for thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine treatment can help reduce the risk of tumor recurrence or further complications.
• Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules: A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is a simple procedure that helps detect thyroid cancer early, allowing for timely treatment and improving your chances of a full recovery.
• Testopel® Pellet: Testopel® Pellets provide a convenient, extended-release form of testosterone, potentially improving your overall well-being and quality of life.
• Growth Factor Therapy: Proactively assess your body's ability to repair and regenerate tissues with growth factor therapy, helping detect potential problems before they arise.

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 Hernandez 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 focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent medical guidance, a patient successfully managed their Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms, reducing their risk of long-term health complications. This proactive approach empowered them to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
• By focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of thyroid cancer, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By understanding their risk factors and proactively managing their health, a patient felt empowered to take control of their thyroid health, reducing the potential for future complications. This proactive approach provided them with peace of mind and a stronger sense of 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 Hernandez:

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 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, though insulin may be needed later.

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. It's a crucial tool for diagnosing diabetes and tracking long-term glucose control to help prevent serious complications.

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. Hernandez can prescribe and monitor.

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. It helps prevent the baby from becoming too large, reduces the risk of a cesarean delivery, and lowers your future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

What is a bone density test (DEXA scan)?

A DEXA scan is a simple, low-radiation X-ray that measures bone mineral density. It's the gold standard for diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis, helping assess your fracture risk and enabling preventive strategies.

What is metabolic syndrome?

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

What is Hashimoto's disease?

Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of an underactive thyroid in the U.S. It's an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing damage over time. Fortunately, it's easily managed with hormone replacement therapy.

4701 N Federal Hwy Ste A27
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (954) 938-9966

Dr. Maria Morales Hernandez, 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): 1598206716

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 Hernandez 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.