Endocrinology in Kiev

Endocrinology is the field of medicine that relates to the endocrine system, which is the system that controls hormones. Endocrinologists are specifically trained physicians who diagnose and treat diseases related to hormones, the glands, and tissues that produce them, as well as complications that may be caused by them. They work closely with other specialists, such as specialists in ophthalmology, obstetrics, radiation oncology, and otolaryngology. The conditions that endocrinologists commonly treat are as follows:

• Diabetes​​​​​​
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Metabolic disorders
• Thyroid diseases
• Certain types of cancers
• Short stature
• Excessive or insufficient production of hormones
• Infertility
• Transplantation
• Gender dysphoria

Endocrinology treatment usually involves controlling the amount of hormone the body produces. The goal of the treatment is to restore the normal balance of hormones found in a person’s body. The following are some of the procedures that an endocrinologist perform:

• Bariatric procedures (such as gastric bypass surgery)
• Adrenalectomy
• CT scan
• MRI
• Pancreas transplant
• Thyroidectomy
• Thyroid fine-needle aspiration
• Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy
• Brain stereotactic radiosurgery
• Home enteral nutrition
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
• Lipid management
• Transnasal endoscopic procedures
• Wound care
• Feminizing hormone therapy
• Facial feminization surgery
• Feminizing surgery
• Top surgery for transgender men/women
• Voice feminizing therapy and surgery.

How Long Should I Stay in Kiev?

Your length of stay in Kiev depends on the type of procedure you underwent. In general, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after treatments, particularly after surgery, then plan to stay in Kiev for at least 7 to 14 more days. During your stay, you will attend follow-up checkups where your endocrinologist monitors your healing progress and, if needed, will remove any stitches. For diagnostic procedures, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day, then plan to stay in Kiev for 3 to 7 days until the results are available.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

While the recovery time can vary from one person to another, depending on the procedure you underwent and your overall health, you may be advised to take a week or two off of work. It may also take around 6 weeks until you fully recover and are allowed to perform strenuous activities, such as exercise. Your endocrinologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your endocrinologist will give you a set of instructions that you need to follow after your treatment. In general, you may need to take the medicine (if any) as prescribed and have a healthy lifestyle, such as having enough sleep, follow a healthy and balanced diet, and exercise regularly. You may also need to attend regular checkups to check on your condition with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of endocrinology has advanced, with cutting-edge technology, new medicines, sophisticated imaging and diagnostic equipment, and innovative therapies that have helped to increase the success rate of endocrinology procedures. There are risks of side effects and complications which include infection, allergic reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, and injury to nearby organs.

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to endocrinology. If you have any conditions mentioned above, you may need to see an endocrinologist. If your condition is found out to be caused by other problems unrelated to endocrinology, your endocrinologist will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Endocrinology in and around Kiev

About Kiev

Kiev or Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It is an important educational, cultural, industrial, and scientific center. The city is overflowing with beauty, from religious history, astonishing architecture, vintage cafes, to urban art.

Kiev sees an increasing number of medical tourists each year and the city even hosts an annual medical tourism fair called The Healthcare Travel Expo. The fair gives an opportunity for medical services to present and inform health care. Visitors can get comprehensive information about medical tourism around the world, particularly in Kiev.

The city offers a wide range of medical treatments with almost no waiting list. Affordable treatments that cost significantly less than other European countries are a strong factor in Kiev’s medical tourism. The city also offers experienced doctors, caring staff, as well as world-class clinics and hospitals. One of the best medical facilities in Kiev is Dobro Clinic. Breast Augmentation procedures, dentistry, and laser eye surgery are among the most sought after medical procedures.

Popular Areas in Kiev

Kiev is a magical city. The city is plagued with its history and filled with golden dome churches. It is also known to be a good value. Tourists can dine in restaurants and drink at cocktail bars for a fraction of what they would cost in the West. Kiev is fast becoming a thriving tourist destination.

• Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra, located on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its underground caves, spiritual atmosphere, and mummified monks are what make the historical and sacred site famous and intriguing. The monastery’s gold-domed churches will give you a breathtaking view.
• Maidan Nezalezhnosti literally means the Independence Square. It is the most beautiful square in Kiev and the symbol of Ukraine. The square is the country’s meeting point for celebration and is also locals and tourists favorite walking place.
• Saint Sophia's Cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra. The cathedral was built to celebrate Prince Yaroslav’s victory in protecting Kiev. The phenomenal architecture and interior is a masterpiece. Tourists should climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Kiev.
• Andriyivsky Uzviz is filled with remnants of the past, from museums, art galleries, to theatres. Tourist will find an array of vendors selling souvenir, arts, and crafts. Local calls Andriyivsky Uzviz as “the most charming street.” A stroll in the street is a refreshing break from the city.

Weather and Climate in Kiev

Kiev has a humid continental climate.  

• Summers starts from June and lasts until September with the average temperature ranging between 18 – 25 °C with occasional rain showers. Summers are the busiest time as the tourists can experience the parks and sidewalk café to the fullest.
• Autumn has a mild temperature and characterized by significant rainfall. The season is relatively short, starting from September to October.
• Winters can be harsh and long. The average temperature is around 1.8 to -3.5 °C. Some days the temperature drops to -30 °C.
• Spring begins with the melting of snow and ice, usually around late March. The average temperature will increase to 15 - 20 °C. Spring months usually have strong and gusty winds.

Getting Around in Kiev

Located 29km east of Kiev, Boryspil International Airport is the largest airport in the city. The airport serves domestic flights connects the city with Europe and several cities in Asia. Boryspil International Airport is the hub for Ukraine International Airlines and serves budget airlines including Lauda, Ryanair, and Sky Up airlines.

Airport taxis are available for tourists who want to go to the city center. The taxis use meters and are relatively cheap. Some taxis accept payment by credit cards. Buses are a more affordable option to get to the city center; Sky Bus departs from Terminal D and Terminal B. The bus will take tourists from Boryspil International Airport and should cost around 60 UAH or 100 UAH depending on the destination.

Taxis are easily available in Kiev but metered taxis are very rare. Make sure to agree on the fare before getting in. A long journey in Kiev should cost around 70 UAH. Shortstops start from 15 to 20 UAH. Taxis can be ordered by phone, and the prices are usually fixed. Uber and Uklon are available in Kiev.

Trolleybuses, trams, and buses are a nice way to get around Kiev while providing a better view of everyday Ukrainian life. Single tickets can be purchased from the street kiosk; 30-day combo-passes are also available. The Kiev Metro is the least expensive and most reliable mode of transport. There are three metro lines that go through the city center. Maps in metro stations are written in both Ukrainian and English.

Tourist Visas in Kiev

Citizens of the European Union, Canada, the United States, and several other nations are granted visa-free entry and can stay in Kiev for up to 90 days. Other countries nationals (including China, India, and Thailand) need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. Visa-on-arrival arrangements are available for tourists at major airports and seaports. e-Visa is also available for only 52 specified countries. All visitors need to have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from Ukraine.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH). 1 USD converts to 28 UAH.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available across the city. Currency exchange points are very common, but withdrawing money from ATMs is the easiest and safest option. Credit Cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in most restaurants and hotels. It is wise to always carry cash since many shops and restaurants still accept cash only. Tipping in Ukraine is common but not necessary.
3. Local Language: Ukrainian is the official language. English is not widely spoken. However, hotel staff and tourist guides will speak some English. Plenty of street signs use both Cyrillic and the Latin alphabets.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Orthodox Christianity is the largest religion in Kiev. There are small groups of Jews, Buddhist, Pagan, and Hindus.
5. Public Holidays: As in the rest of Ukraine, Kiev also celebrates major Orthodox holy days. The city also celebrates its birthday every May and the celebration is called ‘Days of Kiev.’ Maslyana is also celebrated annually but the date changes each year.