Dr. Karen Ester Gomez Hernandez – Endocrinologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Karen Ester Gomez Hernandez, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. With her practice located within an endocrinology clinic at a hospital department in Toronto, ON, she is a valued member of the local medical community. She adheres to the high standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, ethical, and comprehensive hormone and metabolism care. Dr. Hernandez's practice primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, aiming to optimize her patients' hormonal health and overall well-being.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Costa Rica and has over 8 years of experience practicing as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) since 2016. Dr. Hernandez is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, reflecting her advanced training and commitment to excellence in her field. Her extensive clinical background enables her to deliver precise diagnoses and tailored treatment plans for a broad spectrum of endocrine conditions.

Dr. Hernandez is dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered hormonal and metabolic care. She emphasizes patient education on managing chronic conditions and advocates for early, accurate diagnosis to facilitate effective treatment strategies. Her approach focuses on personalized care that supports long-term health and quality of life. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she strives to make her patients feel comfortable and informed throughout their healthcare journey in Toronto.

Dr. Karen Hernandez diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation, requiring careful management to ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and baby.
• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): An autoimmune condition resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, requiring lifelong insulin therapy for survival and glucose management.

Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders

• 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.
• Thyroiditis (e.g., Subacute/De Quervain's, Postpartum, Silent/Painless): Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism, or persistent thyroid dysfunction, depending on the type.
• Hyperthyroidism & Thyrotoxicosis (Overactive Thyroid - e.g., Graves' Disease, Toxic Adenoma, Toxic Multinodular Goiter): Condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, and heat intolerance.

Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders

• Osteoporosis (Postmenopausal, Senile, Glucocorticoid-Induced): A progressive bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and density, leading to an increased risk of fractures, particularly of the hip, spine, and wrist.
• Osteopenia (Low Bone Mass): A condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal peak density but not yet low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It indicates an increased risk for developing osteoporosis.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Hernandez 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Hernandez's practice is situated within an endocrinology clinic at a hospital department in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near Queen's Park, making it accessible via multiple modes of public transit including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The location is fully wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring ease of access for those traveling by car.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Hernandez, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Hernandez, 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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. Hernandez's office, the hospital/clinic, or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Hernandez, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?

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 Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. Hernandez. 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 symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Hernandez?

Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Hernandez if you have symptoms or test results suggestive of a hormone imbalance or endocrine gland problem. This could include: unexplained significant weight gain or loss; persistent fatigue or lethargy; changes in mood or energy levels; excessive thirst or urination; new or worsening high blood sugar; symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid (e.g., palpitations, heat/cold intolerance, changes in hair/skin); bone density loss (osteoporosis); recurrent kidney stones; menstrual irregularities or fertility issues; unexplained high blood pressure; or physical changes like excessive hair growth, acromegaly features, or signs of Cushing's syndrome.

Does Dr. Hernandez 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. Hernandez 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 Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Hernandez 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).

What types of diagnostic tests are commonly used by an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Hernandez?

An Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Hernandez utilizes a variety of tests to diagnose endocrine disorders. Blood tests are fundamental for measuring levels of specific hormones (e.g., TSH, free T4, cortisol, ACTH, testosterone, estrogen, LH, FSH, insulin, HbA1c, prolactin, PTH, calcium, vitamin D). She often orders dynamic endocrine function tests, where hormone levels are measured after administering a stimulating or suppressing agent (e.g., ACTH stimulation test for adrenal function, oral glucose tolerance test for diabetes/acromegaly, dexamethasone suppression test for Cushing's). Imaging studies like thyroid ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs of the pituitary or adrenal glands are common. Bone mineral density (DXA) scans assess for osteoporosis. For thyroid nodules, a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy might be performed or arranged.

600 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5

Phone: (416) 586-4437 | Fax: (416) 586-8861

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hernandez is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Hernandez for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gomez-Hernandez-Karen-Ester/0271575-96285