Dr. Damon Helms, DO is an Endocrinology specialist practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL. He is a dedicated partner in the senior health journey, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Helms is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive Endocrine care for older adults (65+) and those managing age-related endocrine conditions. He understands the unique hormonal shifts and health considerations that accompany aging, and is skilled in managing complex conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis. As a general endocrinologist, Dr. Helms provides specialized expertise, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to your care.
A key aspect of Dr. Helms' practice is his focus on creating a supportive and empowering environment for his patients. He approaches care with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Helms, DO is a diabetes & metabolism endocrinologist in Miami, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Aventura Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Allopathic Medicine and is Board Certified in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Prospective patients should call (305) 902-1663 to confirm if Dr. Helms is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Helms primarily provides consultations in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Damon Helms is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Helms acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive endocrine care. He specializes in managing complex hormonal conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and personalized approach. His focus is on understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive care plan to promote overall well-being and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Damon Helms can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Damon Helms provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Hypothyroidism: Managing hypothyroidism involves taking a daily medication to replace the missing thyroid hormone. This simple treatment can significantly reduce symptoms like fatigue and improve your overall health and independence.
- Hyperlipidemia: If you have hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), it's crucial to work with your healthcare team. A combination of lifestyle adjustments and medication can help you keep your cholesterol in check and protect your heart health.
- Adrenal Gland Cancer: Adrenal gland cancer is a rare but serious condition where cancerous tumors develop in the adrenal glands, which produce important hormones; early detection and treatment, such as surgery, radiation, or medication, are crucial for managing the disease and improving quality of life.
- Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Problems with how your body uses minerals like calcium and phosphorus are called mineral metabolism disorders. These can affect your bones and overall health, but with the right care planincluding diet and medicationyou can manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Benign Pituitary Gland Tumor: A non-cancerous growth on the pituitary gland, crucial for hormone production, can cause various issues, but treatments like medication or surgery aim to control any hormonal imbalances and improve your daily life.
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid is working too hard, leading to symptoms such as rapid heart rate, weight loss, and irritability. Fortunately, treatment options, such as medication, are available to slow down your thyroid and help you feel better, improving your quality of life and independence.
- Parathyroid (Gland) Disease: Problems with your parathyroid glands, tiny glands in your neck, can disrupt your body's calcium balance, potentially causing bone pain and muscle weakness, but treatment, often medication, can help maintain your comfort and independence.
- Pheochromocytoma: Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that can affect your adrenal glands, causing irregular release of hormones responsible for regulating blood pressure; through appropriate medical care, including surgery and medication, your doctor can help you effectively control your blood pressure and live a fulfilling life.
- Adrenal Incidentaloma: An adrenal incidentaloma is an adrenal gland mass discovered accidentally during imaging tests for another reason, and often doesn't cause any symptoms or require treatment.
- Adrenal Insufficiency: If you have adrenal insufficiency, your body doesn't produce sufficient hormones to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and response to stress; however, daily medication can help you stay healthy and active.
- Hyperprolactinemia: Hyperprolactinemia is treatable; it involves a hormonal imbalance causing excess prolactin. With proper diagnosis and medication, many seniors experience relief from symptoms and improved well-being.
- Pituitary Tumor: Sometimes, a non-cancerous or cancerous growth develops on your pituitary gland, which produces hormones; managing a pituitary tumor often involves medication or surgery to control hormone levels and improve your well-being.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Damon Helms offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Thyroid Biopsy: For seniors with thyroid issues, a biopsy offers valuable information about the nature of a nodule, helping doctors to create the best care plan for long-term health.
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: In the diagnosis and management of age-related hormonal imbalances, BHRT helps to address the underlying causes of symptoms, offering a personalized strategy and improving the effectiveness of overall health management.
- Body Fat Analysis: As part of your comprehensive care plan, body fat analysis helps your doctor assess your risk of osteoporosis, as body composition influences bone health.
- In-Office Ultrasound: In-office ultrasound provides quick, detailed images of internal organs, aiding in the early detection of thyroid nodules or other endocrine issues.
- Thyroid Procedure: Thyroid procedures, such as biopsies, are crucial for diagnosing thyroid nodules and ensuring appropriate management in older adults.
- Obesity Counseling: Obesity counseling helps seniors understand the connection between weight and hormone balance, supporting better management of conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues.
- Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy: As part of a comprehensive thyroid evaluation, this biopsy helps determine the nature of thyroid nodules, guiding decisions on whether further treatment or monitoring is needed.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Endocrinology in Florida.
Dr. Damon Helms is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With consistent medication and guidance, a senior felt a noticeable reduction in fatigue, enabling them to return to their beloved hobby of knitting and spending more time with their grandchildren.
- With careful management of their hyperlipidemia, a senior couple felt more confident about their future heart health and could enjoy their favorite activities together without worry.
- After careful treatment, a patient with adrenal gland cancer felt their energy return, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of gardening and spend more time with family.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology)
- American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
Here are answers to some common questions about Endocrine care with Dr. Damon Helms:
- What is an Endocrinologist?
- Dr. Helms is a medical doctor specializing in the endocrine system, which includes glands and hormones. He is an expert in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and osteoporosis to help seniors maintain their health and prevent complications.
- My primary care doctor manages my diabetes. Why would I need to see an endocrinologist?
- Your primary care doctor is excellent at managing diabetes. However, an endocrinologist can be a valuable partner when blood sugar control is challenging, complications arise, or advanced treatments like insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors are needed. We work together to achieve the best possible results for your health.
- What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause?
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to relieve common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It involves taking medication containing female hormones to replace the ones the body no longer makes. Dr. Helms can discuss the potential benefits and risks of HRT based on your individual health profile.
- What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
- In Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, more common in seniors, is when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. Dr. Damon Helms is an expert in creating personalized management plans for both types.
- What are the common symptoms of a thyroid problem?
- Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in seniors include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and feeling cold. Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) symptoms can include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and feeling hot. These symptoms can be subtle, so a simple blood test can check thyroid function and help determine if there's a problem.
- What can be done to treat osteoporosis?
- Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on preventing fractures. This includes ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention strategies. Dr. Helms can prescribe various effective medications for those at higher risk to slow bone loss or build new bone.
- How are high cholesterol and triglycerides managed?
- Managing high cholesterol and triglycerides is important to prevent heart problems. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are often the first steps. If lifestyle changes aren't enough, Dr. Helms can prescribe medications, such as statins, to help lower cholesterol to a healthy level.
- What is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?
- A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small, wearable device that tracks your glucose levels 24/7, providing a much more complete picture of blood sugar trends compared to traditional fingersticks. It's an advanced tool that helps Dr. Helms and you make more informed decisions about food, exercise, and medication to improve diabetes control.
1380 NE Miami Gardens Dr Ste 155
Miami FL 33179
Phone: (305) 902-1663
Dr. Damon Helms, DO is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1033581699
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Endocrinology like Dr. Damon Helms are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.