Pediatric endocrinology is a medical specialty that deals with endocrine gland disorders in children, like delayed puberty, diabetes, growth and development concerns, and many more. Children from infancy, young adulthood, or adolescents can seek help in the department.
Who is referred to as a pediatric endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists may work with kids or adults, but the ones who focus on treating children or young adults are referred to as child endocrinologists or pediatric endocrinologists. They are experts at identifying and treating hormone imbalances and other problems with a child’s endocrine system. The parathyroid, thyroid, ovaries, testicles, pancreas, pituitary, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands are all endocrine organs.
Children aren’t just little grown-ups. Their mental and medical needs are nothing compared to adult needs. This is especially true regarding sexual development or growth in children. If your child has any of these problems, the best thing to do is to see a pediatric endocrinologist. They are highly trained to diagnose and pediatric endocrinology treatment for hormonal disorders in children and teens.
A pediatric endocrinologist usually,
- Performing a physical analysis
- Evaluating the medical history of the child and family
- Fine-needle aspiration when required
- Imaging tests, hormonal testing, and even laboratory tests
- Treating and diagnosing various pediatric endocrine disorders, puberty problems, including bone problems
- Performs surgery when needed
What is the relationship between hormones and the endocrine system?
The endocrine system comprises several glands that release chemicals called hormones. Some of the most important things that happen in the body, like development and growth, sleep, breathing, digestion, mood, stress, breastfeeding, reproduction, etc., are controlled by hormones. The hormones don’t leave the body through a specific duct. Instead, they go into the bloodstream. Some well-known important hormones are insulin, thyroid, and growth hormone.
When hormones are released too much or not at sufficient levels, it can negatively impact the individual’s overall well-being. When hormones are released either in excess or insufficient levels, it can cause problems like hypothyroidism, diabetes, etc., that can sometimes be life-threatening.
Why must a child consult a pediatric endocrinologist?
There may be more than one reason why your child needs to see a pediatric endocrinologist. But when the need is found, your doctor will provide the treatment as per the condition. Here are some reasons why you might take your child to a pediatric endocrinologist,
Slow growth or fast growth:
A child grows approximately 12 inches in their first year and at least about another 5 inches by the end of the second year. After that, children typically grow between 2 and 3 inches annually until puberty. It’s normal for the growth to slow down or accelerate slightly.
But if your child doesn’t grow for at least 10 months during the growth stage, you should get a referral to see an endocrinologist. The pediatric endocrinologist will check if the pituitary gland has any defects in producing growth hormones.
A strong body odor during precocious puberty:
Children shouldn’t have strong body odor, but if they do, it’s often because the adrenal glands are working too hard. The smell problem doesn’t need to be treated, but it’s still a good idea to see a pediatric endocrinologist, who can check to see if the child is going through premature or early puberty.
When a child hits puberty early, their sex glands and adrenal glands activate. If your child’s endocrinologist finds the signs of any of these problems, it is time to visit a pediatric endocrinologist at the best pediatric endocrinology hospitals.
Overweight or underweight conditions:
A child might also need to see a pediatric endocrinologist if they gain weight quickly. If your child is taller than most kids their age, the child is overweight. If this is the case, you should talk to your pediatric endocrinologist about diet and how to lose weight in a way that works for your child. However, you should see a pediatric endocrinologist if the child keeps adding weight. This professional should look for signs of hypothyroidism, which can cause the child to gain weight.
If your child’s growth seems stunted and is in the low percentiles, you should first see if they are a picky eater. You should see a pediatric endocrinologist who may check on the child to see if it is because of hypothyroidism.
Increased urge of thirst and to urinate:
Too much thirst and having to go to the bathroom are a lot of signs of childhood diabetes. If the child has these signs and symptoms, like losing weight, having blurry vision, getting hungry, and yeast infections, it is wise to consult a pediatric endocrinologist.
Pubertal Gynecomastia (PG):
At least 65% of the boys in their teens have PG. Gynecomastia is the development of male breasts in a healthy way. A common cause of gynecomastia is the growth of mammary parts. It happens when the levels of estrogen are low. Speak to your pediatric endocrinologist to learn the treatment options for the condition.
When should you immediately visit a pediatric endocrinologist?
You might want to see a pediatric endocrinologist if your child is under any of these conditions,
- Your child is having trouble taking care of the endocrine disorders that were stable before.
- Your child has been diagnosed with one or more problems with an endocrine gland that is hard to understand or treat.
- A newly diagnosed endocrine disorder that requires immediate attention.
Important Takeaway:
Hormones play a major role in how much a child grows. Proper nutrition is important for growth, but hormonal problems could cause strange signs. So, if your child is not growing or developing normally, visit the best children’s endocrinologist in Coimbatore immediately.
