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The endocrine system encompasses a variety of glands all of which are responsible for producing essential hormones to the body. These hormones help to control your child’s metabolism, nutrition, growth and energy. Sometimes these glands or the hormone production becomes irregular, excessive or deficient. We have a team of skilled and experienced pediatric endocrinologists who have been treating children with a variety of endocrine disorders including Type 1 Diabetes, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and a number of growth disorders. We also treat the following conditions:

-  Early or late puberty
-  Polycystic Ovarian syndrome (P.C.O.S.)
-  Abnormal menstrual cycle
-  Overweight/obesity
-  Excess body hair
-  Calcium metabolism problems

Identifying Pediatric Endocrine Disorders:

Pediatric Endocrinology covers a variety of disorders each having varying symptoms, some of these are as follows. In the case of Type 1 Diabetes, some of the symptoms include excessive urination, weight loss or inability to gain weight, frequent tiredness and abnormal thirst.

Children that have stopped growing or are experiencing slow growth may have a pituitary abnormality leading to growth hormone deficiency.

A newborn baby with congenital adrenal hyperplasia may exhibit some form of abnormal sexual development, as well as vomiting, poor weight gain and unexpected skin pigmentation.

Babies with congenital hypothyroidism could be experiencing poor growth, an enlarged tongue, prolonged constipation, jaundice, poor feeding, or a hoarse cry.

Causes of Pediatric Endocrine Disorders:

For each endocrine disorder, Pediatric Endocrinologists have found several related causes. In the case of Type 1 Diabetes, the body does not produce enough or any insulin. This occurs because the child’s own immune system destroys beta-cells within the pancreas’ Islets of Langerhans that produce insulin.

Adrenal Hyperplasia occurs when the adrenal glands fail to normally produce a variety of steroid hormones that regulate the water and salt balance, protein and fat metabolism, as well as male sex hormones. This causes abnormal sexual development and malformations of the female external genitalia.

Congenital hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland does not develop properly while the baby is in the mother’s womb. Consequently, after the baby is born, he or she experiences a deficiency in the production of the thyroid hormone. Fortunately, in most cases, these are detected early as all newborns are screened for this condition and can be immediately treated.

Growth disorders are often caused by an inability of the pituitary gland to produce sufficient quantities of the growth hormone.

Pediatric Endocrine Treatments:

Our team of Pediatric Endocrinologists is very experienced in treating these disorders. After our initial consultation and diagnosis, we will proceed to administer treatment depending on your child’s condition. Specific treatments depend on the severity of the disorder.

If you believe your child is suffering from any of the disorders mentioned above, call us today for an appointment. Our Pediatric Endocrinologists fully understand your concern. We will get right to work on a quick and accurate diagnosis, followed by an effective and long lasting treatment plan.

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