Dr. Jeffrey S. Brown, MD

Dr. Jeffrey S. Brown Endocrinologist

Dr. Jeffrey S. Brown is an endocrinologist providing diagnostic and continuing care for adults with diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and other conditions involving hormones and metabolism.

His clinical work may include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, pituitary conditions, adrenal disorders, parathyroid disease, calcium abnormalities, metabolic bone disease, lipid disorders, reproductive hormone concerns, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Dr. Brown practises with Endocrinology Associates of Houston in Houston, Texas. He sees adult and older adult patients, including people who need long-term monitoring for complex hormonal conditions.

Patients may visit him because of an abnormal hormone test, difficult-to-control blood sugar, a thyroid nodule, unexplained changes in energy, osteoporosis, or symptoms that have not been fully explained through routine primary care.

Patients comparing Houston endocrinologists may also read about Dr. Charlie C. Chang’s endocrinology care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Jeffrey S. Brown, MD, FACE
Specialty: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Additional Specialty: Internal Medicine
Medical School: Chicago Medical School, now part of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Medical Degree Completed: 1976
Internal Medicine Residency: Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Residency Completed: 1979
Endocrinology Fellowship: University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Fellowship Completed: 1981
Practice: Endocrinology Associates of Houston
Primary Location: Houston, Texas
Patient Age Groups: Adults and older adults
Language Listed: English
NPI Number: 1437152782
Accepting New Patients: Yes, according to the current Privia provider listing
Online Booking: Available through the current provider listing
Telemedicine: Current availability should be confirmed directly with the practice

About Dr. Jeffrey S. Brown

Dr. Brown earned his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School in 1976.

He then completed internal medicine residency training at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Internal medicine training prepared him to diagnose and manage a broad range of adult medical conditions.

Dr. Brown continued into an endocrinology fellowship at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, completing the programme in 1981.

Endocrinology focuses on hormones, glands, metabolism, and the way these systems affect the rest of the body.

Hormones help regulate:

• Blood glucose
• Energy use
• Growth
• Reproduction
• Blood pressure
• Bone strength
• Calcium balance
• Stress responses
• Body temperature
• Metabolism

A hormonal disorder may produce symptoms in several body systems at once. For example, a thyroid condition may affect heart rate, digestion, sleep, concentration, and temperature tolerance.

Dr. Brown may review symptoms, previous laboratory results, medication, family history, and earlier imaging before deciding which additional tests are appropriate.

Endocrinology Services

Dr. Brown may evaluate and manage conditions such as:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Prediabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Thyroid nodules
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Graves’ disease
• Osteoporosis
• Parathyroid disorders
• Calcium abnormalities
• Pituitary disorders
• Adrenal disorders
• Metabolic bone disease
• Lipid disorders
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Reproductive hormone concerns

The correct treatment depends on the confirmed diagnosis, laboratory results, medical history, current medicine, and the way symptoms affect daily life.

Diabetes Care

Diabetes develops when the body cannot regulate blood glucose normally.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy.

Diabetes may occur because the body produces little or no insulin, does not respond to insulin effectively, or experiences both problems.

Dr. Brown may provide diabetes care involving:

• A1C monitoring
• Home glucose review
• Continuous glucose-monitoring data
• Oral diabetes medicine
• Injectable treatment
• Insulin management
• Kidney-function monitoring
• Blood pressure care
• Cholesterol assessment
• Foot and nerve screening
• Coordination of diabetic eye examinations

The treatment plan should fit the patient’s medical needs and daily routine.

A complicated schedule that cannot be followed consistently may provide less benefit than a simpler plan used correctly.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system damages the pancreatic cells that produce insulin.

People with type 1 diabetes require insulin to control blood glucose.

Management may include:

• Basal insulin
• Mealtime insulin
• Glucose monitoring
• Continuous glucose sensors
• Insulin pumps
• Carbohydrate assessment
• Exercise planning
• Sick-day instructions
• Prevention of low blood sugar
• Regular complication screening

Insulin needs may change because of illness, physical activity, stress, food intake, hormonal changes, or another medicine.

Dr. Brown may review patterns rather than focusing on one isolated glucose reading.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes commonly involves insulin resistance and a gradual reduction in the body’s ability to produce enough insulin.

Risk factors may include:

• Family history
• Prediabetes
• Limited physical activity
• Certain medicines
• Previous gestational diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Other metabolic conditions

Treatment may include oral medicine, injectable medicine, insulin, or a combination of approaches.

The choice depends on:

• A1C level
• Glucose patterns
• Kidney function
• Heart disease
• Heart-failure risks
• Medicine tolerance
• Cost and insurance coverage
• Risk of low blood sugar
• Patient preferences

Diabetes care should support long-term health rather than focus only on reducing one laboratory number.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes means glucose is higher than expected but has not reached the diagnostic range for diabetes.

Some people with prediabetes later develop type 2 diabetes, while others maintain stable or improved glucose levels.

Care may involve:

• Repeat A1C testing
• Fasting glucose measurements
• Nutrition changes
• Regular physical activity
• Blood pressure management
• Cholesterol treatment
• Sleep assessment
• Medication in selected cases

The goal is to reduce metabolic risk through realistic actions that can be maintained.

A1C Testing

The A1C test estimates average blood glucose over approximately the previous two to three months.

It is useful, but it does not show every daily high or low reading.

An A1C result may be influenced by:

• Anemia
• Kidney disease
• Recent blood loss
• Blood transfusion
• Certain blood disorders
• Pregnancy
• Other medical factors

Dr. Brown may compare the A1C with home glucose results or continuous glucose-monitoring data when the numbers do not appear consistent.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

A continuous glucose monitor uses a small sensor to measure glucose patterns throughout the day and night.

It may show:

• Overnight glucose changes
• Glucose after meals
• Responses to exercise
• Low-glucose episodes
• Differences between workdays and weekends
• Trends that finger-stick testing may miss

Dr. Brown may review time in range, high readings, low readings, and the direction glucose is changing.

The purpose is not to produce a perfect graph. The information helps identify useful and safe treatment adjustments.

Insulin Management

Insulin treatment may be needed for type 1 diabetes, advanced type 2 diabetes, pregnancy-related glucose concerns, or temporary periods of illness.

Dr. Brown may consider:

• Fasting glucose
• Mealtime patterns
• Insulin timing
• Food intake
• Physical activity
• Kidney function
• Low-glucose risk
• Injection technique
• Use of an insulin pump
• Other diabetes medicine

Patients should understand which insulin provides background coverage and which is intended for meals or correction.

Insulin doses should not be changed repeatedly based on one unusual result unless the treatment plan includes clear adjustment instructions.

Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar can occur when glucose falls below a safe level.

Possible symptoms include:

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Hunger
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Weakness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Confusion

Risk may increase because of insulin, selected diabetes medicine, delayed meals, unexpected exercise, or alcohol exposure.

Dr. Brown may help patients identify the cause of repeated episodes and adjust treatment to reduce recurrence.

Patients using medicines that can cause low glucose should understand how to recognise and respond to an episode according to their medical plan.

Diabetes and Kidney Health

Diabetes may damage the kidneys gradually.

Early kidney changes often produce no noticeable symptoms.

Monitoring may include:

• Blood creatinine
• Estimated kidney filtration
• Urine protein testing
• Blood pressure
• Medication review
• Glucose management

Kidney function can influence which diabetes medicines are safe and how they should be dosed.

Dr. Brown may coordinate care with a kidney specialist when impairment becomes significant or progresses.

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk

Diabetes can increase the likelihood of heart and blood-vessel disease.

Dr. Brown may review:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Kidney function
• Tobacco exposure
• Family history
• Physical activity
• Previous heart disease
• Weight-related medical risks
• Current medicines

Treatment may include glucose medicine with cardiovascular benefits, cholesterol-lowering therapy, blood pressure treatment, or referral to a cardiologist.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland is located in the lower front part of the neck.

It produces hormones that influence:

• Heart rate
• Energy
• Digestion
• Temperature regulation
• Muscle function
• Menstrual patterns
• Concentration
• Metabolism

Thyroid symptoms can overlap with many other medical conditions. Blood testing is normally required before a diagnosis can be confirmed.

Dr. Brown may interpret thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormone levels, antibodies, ultrasound findings, and previous treatment.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism means the thyroid does not produce enough hormone.

Possible symptoms include:

• Tiredness
• Sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Hair changes
• Slower thinking
• Muscle discomfort
• Menstrual changes
• A slower heart rate
• Reduced energy

These symptoms are not specific to thyroid disease.

Diagnosis usually requires blood testing rather than symptoms alone.

Treatment commonly involves thyroid hormone replacement. Dr. Brown may adjust the dose according to laboratory results, symptoms, age, heart health, pregnancy status, and medicine interactions.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system affects thyroid tissue.

It is a common cause of hypothyroidism.

Testing may show thyroid antibodies, but the need for treatment is usually based on thyroid function rather than the antibody level alone.

Some patients have antibodies while thyroid hormone production remains normal.

Dr. Brown may monitor thyroid levels over time and begin replacement treatment when laboratory findings and the clinical situation support it.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone.

Possible symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Palpitations
• Heat intolerance
• Increased sweating
• Tremor
• Unexplained weight change
• Frequent bowel movements
• Sleep difficulty
• Muscle weakness
• Anxiety-like symptoms
• Menstrual changes

Possible causes include Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, thyroid inflammation, or excess thyroid medicine.

Treatment may involve medicine, radioactive iodine, surgery, or monitoring, depending on the cause and severity.

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune cause of hyperthyroidism.

It may affect the thyroid and, in some patients, tissues around the eyes.

Dr. Brown may assess:

• Thyroid hormone levels
• Thyroid-stimulating antibodies
• Heart rate
• Thyroid size
• Eye symptoms
• Bone-health risks
• Previous treatment

Treatment choices depend on age, symptom severity, thyroid anatomy, pregnancy plans, other medical conditions, and patient preference.

A person receiving antithyroid medicine may require laboratory monitoring for treatment response and uncommon but important side effects.

Thyroid Nodules

A thyroid nodule is a lump within the thyroid gland.

Most thyroid nodules are not cancerous.

Evaluation may include:

• Physical examination
• Thyroid blood tests
• Neck ultrasound
• Review of growth over time
• Needle biopsy when appropriate
• Assessment of symptoms

A biopsy may be recommended based on ultrasound appearance, size, growth, family history, and other risks.

Small or low-risk nodules may only require monitoring.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Thyroid ultrasound uses sound waves to assess:

• Nodule size
• Internal structure
• Borders
• Calcifications
• Blood flow
• Nearby lymph nodes
• Changes from previous imaging

Ultrasound cannot diagnose every thyroid cancer by itself.

Its findings help determine whether observation, repeat imaging, or needle biopsy is appropriate.

Thyroid Biopsy

A fine-needle aspiration biopsy collects cells from a thyroid nodule.

The sample is examined in a laboratory.

Possible results may be:

• Benign
• Suspicious
• Malignant
• Indeterminate
• Insufficient for diagnosis

An indeterminate result does not automatically mean cancer is present.

Dr. Brown may discuss repeat biopsy, molecular testing, continued monitoring, or surgical consultation according to the findings.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases fracture risk.

It often develops without symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Risk factors may include:

• Age
• Menopause
• Family history
• Low bone density
• Long-term steroid treatment
• Certain hormone disorders
• Previous fractures
• Tobacco exposure
• Reduced mobility
• Selected digestive conditions

Dr. Brown may assess bone-density results, fracture history, laboratory findings, kidney function, and medicine before recommending treatment.

The goal is to reduce fracture risk and preserve mobility.

Bone-Density Testing

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, commonly called a DEXA or DXA scan, measures bone density.

The scan often evaluates the hip and spine.

Results should be interpreted alongside:

• Age
• Previous fractures
• Family history
• Fall risk
• Steroid exposure
• Medical conditions
• Other bone-health risks

A bone-density number alone does not provide the complete fracture-risk picture.

Dr. Brown may use the findings to determine whether observation, further testing, or medication is appropriate.

Osteoporosis Medication

Osteoporosis treatment may include several types of medicine.

The best option depends on:

• Fracture risk
• Previous fractures
• Bone-density results
• Kidney function
• Dental health
• Digestive conditions
• Previous treatment
• Ability to follow dosing instructions

Some treatments are taken by mouth, while others are given through injection or infusion.

Each option has potential benefits, limits, side effects, and follow-up requirements.

Patients should understand how long treatment is expected to continue and when bone density will be reassessed.

Parathyroid Disorders

The parathyroid glands are small glands near the thyroid.

They help regulate calcium levels.

An overactive parathyroid gland may cause high calcium and affect:

• Bones
• Kidneys
• Muscles
• Digestion
• Concentration
• Energy

Evaluation may include:

• Blood calcium
• Parathyroid hormone
• Vitamin D
• Kidney function
• Urine calcium
• Bone-density testing
• Imaging when surgery is being considered

Treatment depends on the cause, calcium level, symptoms, kidney health, bone condition, and age.

High Calcium

High blood calcium may result from:

• Overactive parathyroid glands
• Medicine
• Dehydration
• Excess supplements
• Certain cancers
• Other medical conditions

Possible symptoms include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Kidney stones
• Bone discomfort

Mild high calcium may cause no symptoms.

Dr. Brown may repeat testing and assess parathyroid hormone to identify the likely cause.

Low Calcium

Low calcium may occur because of:

• Parathyroid dysfunction
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Kidney disease
• Medication
• Low magnesium
• Previous neck surgery
• Other medical conditions

Possible symptoms include tingling, muscle cramping, or spasms.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, or management of an underlying condition.

Pituitary Disorders

The pituitary is a small gland at the base of the brain.

It helps regulate thyroid function, adrenal hormones, reproduction, growth, and water balance.

Pituitary disorders may cause:

• Menstrual changes
• Reduced reproductive hormone levels
• Changes in body fluid balance
• Unexplained breast discharge
• Headaches
• Vision changes
• Unusual growth-hormone effects
• Adrenal or thyroid abnormalities

Evaluation may include hormone testing, MRI, visual-field assessment, and coordination with neurosurgery or ophthalmology.

Not every pituitary growth requires surgery. Some can be treated with medicine or monitored.

Pituitary Tumours

Most pituitary tumours are noncancerous, but they may affect health by producing hormones or pressing on nearby structures.

Possible effects include:

• High prolactin
• Excess growth hormone
• Excess cortisol
• Reduced pituitary function
• Headache
• Visual-field loss

Dr. Brown may evaluate which hormones are affected and whether the growth is changing.

Treatment may involve medicine, surgery, radiation, hormone replacement, or continued observation.

Adrenal Disorders

The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys.

They produce hormones involved in blood pressure, stress responses, salt balance, and metabolism.

Adrenal conditions may include:

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Excess cortisol production
• Excess aldosterone
• Adrenal nodules
• Rare hormone-producing tumours

Symptoms differ according to which hormone is affected.

Testing may require carefully timed blood, urine, or saliva samples.

Some hormone tests are sensitive to medicine, stress, sleep, and the time of day, so preparation instructions should be followed closely.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the body does not produce enough cortisol.

Possible symptoms include:

• Severe tiredness
• Weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Reduced appetite
• Salt craving
• Unexplained weight change

Diagnosis requires specific hormone testing.

Treatment may involve hormone replacement and instructions for dose changes during illness or surgery.

Patients using adrenal replacement medicine should understand their sick-day plan and carry relevant medical information.

Cushing Syndrome

Cushing syndrome results from prolonged exposure to excess cortisol.

Possible signs include:

• Easy bruising
• Muscle weakness
• High blood pressure
• High blood glucose
• Bone loss
• Skin changes
• Menstrual changes
• Mood or sleep symptoms

Similar symptoms can result from several other conditions, so diagnosis often requires more than one test.

Dr. Brown may arrange urine, saliva, or blood studies according to the clinical situation.

Adrenal Nodules

An adrenal nodule may be found unexpectedly during CT or MRI imaging performed for another reason.

Most incidental adrenal nodules are not cancerous and do not produce excess hormone.

Evaluation may consider:

• Nodule size
• Imaging appearance
• Growth
• Cortisol production
• Aldosterone production
• Other hormone activity
• Blood pressure
• Potassium level

Some nodules only need monitoring. Others require surgical assessment.

Lipid Disorders

Lipid disorders involve abnormal levels of cholesterol or triglycerides.

They may result from:

• Family inheritance
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney conditions
• Liver disease
• Medicine
• Other metabolic factors

Dr. Brown may evaluate whether an abnormal result reflects a common metabolic condition or a possible inherited disorder.

Treatment may include medication and management of contributing endocrine conditions.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly called PCOS, is a hormonal condition that may affect ovulation, menstrual cycles, skin, hair growth, fertility, and metabolic health.

Possible features include:

• Irregular periods
• Missed periods
• Acne
• Increased facial or body hair
• Scalp hair thinning
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Insulin resistance
• Prediabetes or diabetes risk

Diagnosis requires assessment because other hormonal conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment depends on the patient’s main concerns and may involve menstrual regulation, treatment of androgen-related symptoms, metabolic monitoring, or coordination with a gynecologist or fertility specialist.

Reproductive Hormone Concerns

Endocrine conditions may affect reproductive hormones in men and women.

Possible concerns include:

• Irregular menstruation
• Absent periods
• Low testosterone
• Reduced libido
• Infertility
• Pituitary disease
• Medication-related hormone changes
• Menopause-related issues

Dr. Brown may assess hormone levels, thyroid function, prolactin, medical history, and current medicine.

A laboratory result should be interpreted according to the time it was collected and the patient’s clinical situation.

Preparing for an Endocrinology Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A current medication list
• Vitamins and supplements
• Previous hormone results
• Blood-glucose records
• Continuous glucose-monitoring reports
• Thyroid ultrasound reports
• Bone-density results
• Previous CT or MRI reports
• Hospital records
• A list of allergies
• Questions about treatment

It is helpful to explain:

• When symptoms began
• Whether they are changing
• Which treatments have been tried
• Which medicines caused side effects
• Whether there is a family history of endocrine disease
• How symptoms affect sleep, work, activity, or eating

Patients should mention supplements marketed for thyroid, hormone, glucose, or bone health because these products may affect testing or interact with medicine.

Preparing for Hormone Testing

Hormone testing may require specific preparation.

Instructions may involve:

• Fasting
• Morning collection
• Temporarily holding a supplement
• Collecting urine over a full day
• Taking medicine at a particular time
• Avoiding strenuous activity beforehand
• Repeating an abnormal result

Patients should follow the instructions provided rather than changing prescriptions independently.

Biotin supplements can interfere with certain laboratory tests. Patients should tell the practice if they use biotin or a hair, skin, and nail supplement containing it.

Medication Review

Endocrine treatment often interacts with medicine prescribed for other conditions.

Dr. Brown may review:

• Diabetes medicine
• Thyroid treatment
• Steroids
• Bone-health medicine
• Blood pressure medicine
• Cholesterol medicine
• Hormonal treatment
• Vitamins and supplements
• Non-prescription products

Patients should bring an updated list with doses and timing.

Medication should not be stopped suddenly without guidance, particularly insulin, steroid replacement, or thyroid treatment.

Coordinated Endocrine Care

Hormonal conditions may require cooperation with:

• Primary care physicians
• Cardiologists
• Kidney specialists
• Ophthalmologists
• Gynecologists
• Fertility specialists
• Neurosurgeons
• Endocrine surgeons
• Nutrition professionals
• Diabetes educators

Coordination is particularly important when diabetes affects the kidneys, eyes, heart, or nerves, or when a thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, or parathyroid condition may require surgery.

Patients seeking broader adult medical care may also review Dr. Hung M. Le’s internal medicine profile or Dr. Kyle L. Scarborough’s family medicine care.

Patient-Centered Endocrinology

Dr. Brown provides endocrine care based on each patient’s symptoms, hormone results, glucose patterns, medical history, current medicine, previous treatment, and long-term health needs.

His clinical work may include diabetes management, thyroid evaluation, osteoporosis care, calcium and parathyroid assessment, pituitary and adrenal testing, lipid management, and treatment of reproductive hormone concerns.

Patients should confirm current appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, laboratory arrangements, online-booking options, telemedicine availability, and referral requirements directly with Endocrinology Associates of Houston.