About
Dr. Zoyah Riyaz Thawer, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. Practicing at an endocrinology clinic or hospital department in Victoria, BC, she is a key member of the local medical community. Adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), she dedicates her practice to comprehensive hormone and metabolism care. Her practice primarily centers on the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, aiming to optimize long-term health outcomes for her patients.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus). Dr. Thawer has achieved key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her advanced training and commitment to excellence in endocrinology.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, patient education on managing chronic conditions, early and accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans focused on long-term well-being. She is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to her patients in Victoria, delivering services in English and ensuring they are well-informed and actively involved in their health management.
Dr. Zoyah Thawer diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:
Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders
- Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance: A state where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Insulin resistance is a key feature, where cells don't respond well to insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A progressive condition characterized by insulin resistance (where the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin) and/or relative insulin deficiency, often linked to genetics, lifestyle factors, and obesity.
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar - various causes): Abnormally low blood glucose levels, which can occur as a side effect of diabetes treatment (insulin or certain oral medications), or due to other underlying conditions like insulinoma or adrenal insufficiency.
Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders
- Primary Aldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome): A condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
- Diabetes Insipidus (Central or Nephrogenic): A rare disorder characterized by intense thirst and the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, caused by problems with the hormone vasopressin (ADH) or the kidneys' response to it.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Endocrine Management: A common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular periods, signs of androgen excess (e.g., hirsutism, acne), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, with associated metabolic risks.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders
- Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid - e.g., Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Post-Ablation): A common condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry skin.
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Zoyah Thawer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Thawer 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Thawer's practice is located within an endocrinology clinic in Victoria, in an area near central Victoria that is easily accessible for patients. The facility is situated close to landmarks such as the Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Inner Harbour Causeway, offering a pleasant environment for visiting patients. Public transit options are readily available through the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), making it convenient for patients to reach the clinic. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility challenges. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring ease of access for those arriving by private vehicle. This location serves as a vital medical resource within the hospital or specialized unit dedicated to endocrine health in the region.
- Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Thawer, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Thawer, 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Thawer's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.
- Is a referral required to see Dr. Thawer, 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. Thawer. 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.
- Does Dr. Thawer deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?
- As a general Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), Dr. Thawer 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).
- How does Dr. Thawer typically approach managing diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)?
- Dr. Thawer’s approach to diabetes management is comprehensive and individualized. For Type 1 diabetes, she emphasizes intensive insulin therapy, including multiple daily injections or insulin pump therapy, along with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), carbohydrate counting, and patient education to prevent hypoglycemia and maintain optimal control. For Type 2 diabetes, she prioritizes lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, with the addition of oral medications or injectable agents like GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin as needed. Her goal is to help patients achieve blood glucose targets, minimize complications, and improve quality of life through personalized, evidence-based strategies.
- What treatment options for osteoporosis might Dr. Thawer discuss?
- If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Thawer will discuss a management plan aimed at reducing your risk of fractures. This includes lifestyle modifications such as adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, fall prevention, and smoking cessation. If indicated based on your bone density results and fracture risk assessment, she may recommend medications like bisphosphonates, denosumab, or anabolic agents such as teriparatide or romosozumab. The choice of therapy is tailored to your individual risk profile, treatment preferences, and potential side effects, with ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes.
1 Hospital Way, Victoria General Hospital
Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5
Phone: (604) 904-3443 | Fax: (604) 980-8393
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Thawer is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Thawer for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/343205/Thawer%2CZoyah