Pediatric Endocrinology Treatment

Hormonal problems in children, such as puberty, growth, diabetes etc., are treated by a child endocrinologist. Any change in the physical and sexual development in a child is called pediatric endocrinology. Hormones play an important role to decide a child’s growth and maturity. It shows how the hormone affects the child’s body. These specialized doctors help to let you know how young people can lead healthier lives.

What makes a pediatric endocrinologist different from Other Doctors?

They are child specialists who treat endocrine disorders and hormonal issues in children and young adults. It is because the endocrine system of children is different from adults. Whereas, other doctors treat the endocrine system in adults.

Endocrine System & its Types

Endocrine system comprises its glands, hormones and organs and these are as follows:-

Endocrine Hormones:- They transfer message from one gland to another blood and these hormones are responsible for the functions of the body which includes growth, sleep, metabolism and sexual reproduction.

Endocrine Organs:- It includes ovaries, pancreas, testes and hypothalamus.

Endocrine Glands:– They produce and release hormones, like Pituitary, Parathyroid etc.

How are Endocrine Disorders diagnosed by a Doctor?

These disorders are detected and diagnosed by a pediatric endocrinologist in the following ways:-

Physical examination – In this signs of developmental issues like

weight, height and body proportions are observed.

Imaging – MRI, CT scan and ultrasound which are conducted to see

the image of adrenal and pituitary glands.

Determination of bone age – It can be assessed by scanning the

image of the hand and wrist by X-rays. It will help to evaluate growth

delays.

Stimulation tests – It is done to check growth hormone.

Blood tests – It is run to check the imbalance of hormones like

thyroid, growth and insulin. These tests are conducted to check a

child’s liver, kidney and thyroid.

Urine Test – A urine sample is collected to check the required

hormones which are responsible for the function of the endocrine

system.

Treatment Approaches

There are some medical approaches which are taken by a pediatric endocrinologist and these are as follows:-

Medications – Medicines are used to decrease excessive production of

hormones and delay earlier development.

Insulin Therapy – Level of blood sugar in the blood is controlled by

prescribing insulin and a specific diet for children.

Hormone Replacement Therapy – It is a condition when the body is not

able to produce sufficient hormones, for example, hypothyroidism. To

restore normal levels of hormones, hormone replacement therapy is done.

Surgical Process – Sometimes, operation is required, for example,

disorder of sex development.

Counseling – Those children who are experiencing metabolic, diabetes

and obesity problems then changes in their lifestyle like exercise and diet

are suggested by a doctor.

Follow-Up – To maintain hormone level for the development of a child treatment plan, regular checkups and long-term follow ups.

What Endocrine Disorders can be Treated?

There are various types of disorders of children which are diagnosed and

treated by a child-specialist endocrinologist. There are various hormonal

and gland-related issues and these conditions are mentioned below:-

• Type 1 diabetes – Hypoglycemia
• Type 2 diabetes
• Bone – deficiency of Vitamin D causes Rickets, hypercalcemia and
• hypocalcemia
• Adrenal gland diseases – Cushing syndrome and Addison’s disease
• Sex development disorder like gender dysphoria
• Pituitary gland disorder
• Growth and Puberty disorder
• Thyroid problems like
• Hyperthyroidism – Graves’ disease
• Hypothyroidism – Hashimoto’s disease
• Genetic Endocrine disorders, such as Prader-Willi, Turner syndrome
• and other congenital disorders
• Obesity