What exactly is Pediatric Endocrinology?
If your child has problems with growth, puberty, diabetes, or other disorders related to hormones and the glands that produce them, they may be referred to a Pediatric Endocrinologist. Hormones are chemicals released into the body, that affect how other parts of the body work. Endocrine glands, such as the pituitary or thyroid, work by releasing various hormones into the bloodstream. Endocrinology is the science that studies these glands and the effects that the hormones they release have on the body.
Conditions seen by pediatric endocrinologists may be quite different from those commonly seen by endocrinologists who care for adults. Specialized training in pediatric conditions as they relate to growth and development is important. Pediatric endocrinologists are medical doctors who have had:
- Four years of medical school
- Three years of pediatric residency
- Three or more years of fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology
Pediatric Endocrinologists diagnose, treat, and manage hormonal disorders at all stages of childhood – from infancy through adolescence. Commonly treated conditions include:
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type I & Type II)
- Growth Problems, such as short stature
- Early or delayed puberty
- Enlarged thyroid gland (Goiter)
- Underactive or overactive thyroid gland
- Pituitary gland hypo/hyper function
- Adrenal gland hypo/hyper function
- Ambiguous genitals/ Intersex
- Ovarian and testicular dysfunction
- Problems with Vitamin D (Rickets, Hypocalcemia)
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)
