Dr. Diane Shinyoung Ahn – Reproductive Endocrinologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Diane Shinyoung Ahn is a qualified Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) practicing within an endocrinology clinic in Edmonton, AB. She specializes in hormonal disorders related to reproduction, fertility, and gynecology, providing expert care for women and men experiencing complex reproductive health issues. Practicing at a reputable hospital department in Edmonton’s Downtown Core neighborhood, she is an integral part of the local medical community dedicated to advancing hormone and metabolism care. Her practice is situated in a modern, accessible facility near the Living History Museum, easily reachable via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, with metered street parking and nearby lots available for patients’ convenience. Dr. Ahn’s approach emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care in a confidential setting, employing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to address reproductive and hormonal concerns.

She earned her medical degree from Dalhousie University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist). Her credentials include FRCSC - Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada in Obstetrics and Gynecology, along with the Sub-Specialty Certification in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and the Licentiate of Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). Her extensive training and board certifications reflect her expertise in managing complex hormonal and reproductive health issues, ensuring her patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care.

Dr. Ahn’s clinical philosophy centers on offering sensitive, comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique reproductive hormone and fertility needs. She utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options to support her patients through their reproductive health journey. Fluent in English, she is dedicated to assisting adult patients in Edmonton with their hormonal and fertility concerns, providing a supportive environment that fosters trust and clarity. Her goal is to empower patients with knowledge and compassionate guidance, helping them achieve optimal reproductive outcomes and hormonal health.

Dr. Diane Ahn diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Reproductive Health & Infertility (Endocrine Aspects)

• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Endocrine Evaluation): Investigation into potential underlying hormonal factors that may contribute to repeated miscarriages, such as thyroid disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or progesterone deficiency.
• Amenorrhea (Absent Menstruation) & Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Menstruation): Absence or infrequent occurrence of menstrual periods, which can be caused by a variety of hormonal imbalances affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
• Male Infertility (Hormonal Causes, e.g., Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism): Endocrine disorders contributing to male infertility, such as low testosterone production due to pituitary or testicular issues, affecting sperm production and function.

Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders

• Thyroid Cancer (Differentiated - Papillary, Follicular; Medullary - follow-up care): Malignant tumors of the thyroid gland. Endocrinologists are involved in post-operative management, hormone suppression, and long-term surveillance.
• Thyroid Nodules & Multinodular Goiter: Solid or fluid-filled lumps (nodules) that form within the thyroid gland, or an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules. Most are benign but require evaluation for cancer risk.
• Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A disorder where one or more parathyroid glands become overactive, producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and potential bone and kidney problems.

Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders

• Adrenal Insufficiency (e.g., Addison's Disease, Secondary/Tertiary Adrenal Insufficiency): Condition where the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of steroid hormones, primarily cortisol and sometimes aldosterone, leading to a range of symptoms and potentially life-threatening adrenal crisis.
• Male Hypogonadism (Primary & Secondary Testosterone Deficiency): Condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone, leading to symptoms like low libido, fatigue, muscle loss, and infertility. Can be due to testicular failure or pituitary/hypothalamic issues.
• Female Hypogonadism & Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Conditions involving low estrogen levels in women, leading to symptoms like amenorrhea, infertility, and menopausal symptoms, occurring before the typical age of menopause in POI.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Diane Ahn.

• Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.
• Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.
• Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
• Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
• Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.
• Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Ahn for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Ahn practices within an endocrinology clinic located in Edmonton’s Downtown Core neighborhood. The facility is situated near the Living History Museum, offering a pleasant and accessible environment for patients. Public transit options are available through Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, making it convenient for patients to reach the clinic. The location is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots provide ample options for patients arriving by car, facilitating a stress-free visit to her practice.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Ahn, an Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist), covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) like Dr. Ahn, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. Ahn's office, the hospital/clinic, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Ahn, an Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist)?

Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) such as Dr. Ahn. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.

What treatment options for osteoporosis might Dr. Ahn discuss?

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Ahn will discuss a management plan aimed at reducing your risk of fractures. This starts with lifestyle modifications, including ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D (through diet and/or supplements), engaging in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake. Fall prevention strategies are also important. If medication is indicated based on your bone density (DXA scan) and fracture risk assessment (e.g., using FRAX or CAROC tools), options include antiresorptive medications that slow bone loss (like bisphosphonates or denosumab) or anabolic agents that stimulate new bone formation (like teriparatide or romosozumab). She will help choose the most appropriate therapy based on your individual circumstances, potential side effects, and treatment goals.

How does Dr. Ahn typically approach managing diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)?

Dr. Ahn's approach to diabetes management is comprehensive and individualized. For Type 1 diabetes, the focus is on intensive insulin therapy (using multiple daily injections or an insulin pump), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), carbohydrate counting, and education on managing blood sugar fluctuations and preventing hypoglycemia. For Type 2 diabetes, management often starts with lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, weight loss), followed by oral medications if needed. Newer injectable medications (like GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors) or insulin may be added as the disease progresses or if blood sugar targets aren't met. In both types, a key goal is to achieve optimal glycemic control (measured by HbA1c and glucose monitoring) while minimizing side effects and preventing long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and cardiovascular system. This often involves a multidisciplinary team approach.

Does Dr. Ahn deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?

[IF PROVIDER IS REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST (REI):] Yes, as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist (REI), Dr. Ahn has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex hormonal disorders that affect fertility and reproductive health in both women and men. This includes conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis-related hormonal issues, premature ovarian insufficiency, male hypogonadism impacting fertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. She can manage ovulation induction, provide hormonal support for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, and address other intricate reproductive endocrine problems. [ELSE:] A general Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) like Dr. Ahn routinely manages common endocrine conditions that can impact reproductive health, such as thyroid disorders or prolactin imbalances, and can provide initial evaluation and management for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including its metabolic and hormonal aspects. For complex infertility requiring assisted reproductive technologies (like IVF) or highly specialized reproductive surgeries, She would typically collaborate with or refer patients to a subspecialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI).

I have a thyroid nodule. What can I expect during an evaluation with an Endocrinologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?

When evaluating a thyroid nodule, an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dr. Ahn will conduct a thorough assessment. This typically involves reviewing your medical history (including any symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or family history of thyroid disease), performing a physical examination of your neck and thyroid gland, and ordering blood tests to check your thyroid function (TSH, and possibly free T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies). A thyroid ultrasound is almost always performed to precisely characterize the nodule's size, number, and sonographic features (e.g., solid, cystic, calcifications, irregular margins). Based on these ultrasound characteristics and the nodule's size, Dr. Dr. Ahn will determine if a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is needed to obtain cells for microscopic examination to rule out thyroid cancer. Most thyroid nodules are benign.

9888 Jasper Ave NW, 3rd floor
Edmonton, AB T5J 5C6

Phone: (780) 990-4442 | Fax: (780) 990-4443 | Website: https://www.pacificfertility.ca/our-locations/edmonton

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ahn is a licensed Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral is typically required for consultations with Dr. Ahn for services covered by the provincial health plan. Patients seeking fertility assessment may also be referred by their family physician or gynecologist.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=3c318b7f-63d7-4dd9-8519-a9dbe979f9c1&i=37