Pediatric Endocrinology Overview

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system forms a network of glands. Among others, these glands include the pituitary, thyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands. These glands exist in various places throughout the body.

What these vital glands do is gradually release hormones into the system. The hormones stemming from the whole endocrine system regulate human growth, metabolism, puberty and tissue function.

For example, the pituitary gland hormones impact blood pressure, sex organ functions and metabolism.

So, the endocrine system needs to perform at a level appropriate to sustain good pediatric and adult health.

Endocrinology is the science that studies these glands and their hormonal effects.

Pediatric Endocrinologists

Endocrinologists are medical doctors who diagnose, treat and manage disorders relating to the endocrine glands. But adult endocrine system problems differ markedly from those disorders in children. Why? Because a child is still physiologically developing, growing and maturing. An adult is not.

So, those who practice children endocrinology know that children have special needs relating to growth and development. These needs also include the impact of pediatric endocrine disorders on the child's physical and emotional well being.

In fact, doctors who work with child endocrine system disorders receive two or three additional years of fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology. Here they gain the robust clinical experience necessary to diagnose and remedy endocrine system disorders in children.

Pediatric endocrinologists practice in children's hospitals, university medical centers and large community and private hospitals. If you suspect you may need the services of a pediatric endocrinologist, your pediatrician can recommend a board certified doctor.

Kids Endocrine System Disorders

Pediatric endocrinologists address the following pediatric health care maladies related to the endocrine system of children:

Pediatric diabetes
Ambiguous genitals
Growth problems
Thyroid dysfunction
Pediatric obesity
Early or delayed puberty

Pediatric Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes ranks as one of the most common diseases in pediatric endocrinology.

It affects more than 13,000 children per year. Fortunately, advances in treatment have made it possible for children with pediatric type 1 diabetes to live long, healthy lives.

Pediatric Endocrinology Treatment Combinations

Because physiological development of a child undergoes dramatic changes, it takes the specialized care of a pediatric or kid endocrinologist to accurately diagnose and treat endocrine system malfunctions.