We Talk CGM's and Hair Thinning With Endocrinologist, Dr. Elise Brett

Dr. Elise M. Brett is a board-certified and fellowship-trained endocrinologist in New York City. Her private practice offers expert diagnosis and customized treatments for a wide range of endocrine disorders including diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Dr. Brett and her team use their extensive training and many years of experience to identify the root cause of disruptive symptoms, including obesity, unexplained changes in weight, hair loss, abnormal periods, and sleep disruptions. The endocrine system regulates hormone production, which contributes to nearly every facet of well-being. They provide comprehensive testing using state-of-the-art technology and personalized, cutting-edge treatments to address endocrine system disease. Dr. Brett is a valued provider in The Lanby’s specialist network. Let’s get to know Dr. Brett! 

What inspired you to pursue endocrinology as a specialty?

I became inspired by endocrinology because it is such a diverse and interesting field. We are experts in many different areas from thyroid disease to diabetes to obesity to adrenal and pituitary disease to osteoporosis to polycystic ovary syndrome and more. It never gets boring. Plus, I like that I see a wide range of patients, including people of different genders ranging in age from teenagers to the elderly. In most cases, when I diagnose an endocrine disease, I can offer a variety of treatment options.

What advancements or research within the field of endocrinology are you currently most excited about?

There are numerous exciting developments in the field of endocrinology but if I had to pick one, I would say I am most excited about developments in the field of diabetes. When I was in medical school, we only had one type of oral medication to treat type 2 diabetes and it caused low blood sugars and weight gain. Now we have a wide range of treatments to offer patients, many of which help people to lose weight and help to prevent cardiovascular disease in addition to controlling glucose levels, and they do so without putting the patient at risk for low blood sugar.

What are your thoughts on integrating a continuous glucose monitor into a patient’s health care plan?

Continuous glucose monitors are an exciting development in recent years that have drastically improved the lives of people with diabetes, freeing them from painful fingerstick testing, providing more data than was previously possible and allowing me to remotely view their glucose levels.  Although not covered under insurance for this purpose, they may also be useful in people with prediabetes to help people see how their blood glucoses respond to certain foods and work on lifestyle modification to feel better and to decrease their risk for diabetes.

Hair changes - like thinning and loss - are common symptoms in patients of all ages. How do you go about evaluating and treating this in various patient populations?

Hair loss and thinning can be due to physical or emotional stress, intercurrent illness, postpartum state, weight loss, autoimmune disease, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, and stopping or starting certain medications. I take a detailed history and run bloodwork to try to identify any of these conditions that can then be specifically treated. I may recommend medication, dietary supplements or topical treatments to help.

At The Lanby, we value hospitality as a key factor in optimizing health outcomes. In what way do you apply the tenets of hospitality to your approach to care?

Our practice is small and offers discrete, personal service. We do not use an external call center. When you speak to the front desk, you know the person you are talking to. As the physician, I see and examine all of the patients myself and I call everyone back personally with their blood results. We are a high-tech and essentially paperless office. We have a top electronic health record and a patient portal, electronic registration, an on-line booking option to improve efficiency and facilitate communication for busy people. Although there are rare exceptions, we are generally very good about staying on time for appointments.

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