Pediatric Endocrinology: medical subspecialty

Introduction

Our body releases hormones that dictate or assist the other parts of the body that how to function. They are like chemicals and certain hormones determine the growth of a child or puberty and the function of their metabolism them. The gland that releases hormones in your body is the endocrine gland. Therefore, if the endocrine glands do not work properly or any imbalance is there, severe problems might occur. Thus, endocrinology is the science or study of these hormones and glands. Pediatric endocrinologist deals with pediatric endocrinology, associated with these children from childhood to their teen years. 

Disorders in Pediatric Endocrinology

Some of the disorders that are common in the endocrinology of children (pediatric) are:

• Problems in the growth of a child such as short stature may occur. Height depends upon genetic factors but the endocrinal disorder might adversely affect their weight, height and puberty growth.
• Another common disorder is of abnormal level of thyroid hormone in a child. Hyperthyroidism and the other one is hypothyroidism are the two types of thyroid disorders
• The level of calcium is very important for the growth of the teeth and bones of a child. In case of a higher calcium level than normal, condition hypercalcemia may be caused whereas, in case of a lower calcium level than normal, hypocalcemia might be caused.
• Hormone levels direct puberty in boys and girls and may cause pubertal disorder means that puberty may begin too early or too late.
• Dysfunction in the ovaries and the testicles
• Diabetes
• Obesity or the condition of overweight
• Pituitary disorders

Symptoms of an endocrine disorder

The symptoms are quite different in each person as it depends upon the gland which is specifically involved. Symptoms might take months or even years to appear however in most the symptoms that appear in children with an endocrine disorder include weakness, headache, fatigue, irritability, either loss or gain in weight, unsuccessful to meet normal growth standards, etc. Genetics and obesity increase the chances of developing an endocrine disorder.

When to see a doctor for Pediatric Endocrinology

Most commonly during the normal check-up for the child’s wellness, doctors may detect some of the endocrine problems such as if the child faces failure in the growth standard. This shows that your child might be facing problems in the hormonal system. If he has any of the symptoms mentioned above, then you must contact a specialist or a pediatric endocrinologist. A pediatric endocrinologist will examine the child and treat problems related to endocrine glands. 

What Treatment do pediatric endocrinologists provide?

A pediatric endocrinologist looks after the specific endocrine gland that causes the problem and accordingly provides the most appropriate treatment for children and teens. He has expertise in his field and is thereby trained to deal with children to treat their hormonal imbalances. Some of the common tests that he/she may order are a blood test, bone age assessment, nutritional assessment and stimulation and suppression tests. Some other treatments include medications, counselling sessions, exercises such as cardiovascular or weight-bearing, a proper diet, etc.

Conclusion

Endocrinology is commonly associated with hormones that play a vital role in the growth and development of a child. Thus, the study of hormonal imbalances in the endocrine glands or organs that are related to children or teens is referred to as Pediatric Endocrinology. The problems caused can be treated however through a specialist called a pediatric endocrinologist.

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