A pediatric endocrinologist is a physician specialized in diagnosing, treating, and managing endocrine disorders in children and adolescents.
Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist manages conditions that affect the endocrine system, which regulates and balances hormones in the body. The main endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, pancreas, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands, among others.
Because newborns, children, and adolescents experience unique hormonal changes at different stages of growth, pediatric endocrinologists must have specialized knowledge of both endocrinology and pediatrics.
Pediatric endocrinology is essential because hormonal problems in children can greatly affect their physical development, growth, and even cognitive abilities.
What does a pediatric endocrinologist treat
Pediatric endocrinology addresses a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Growth disorders: one of the main reasons parents take their child to a pediatric endocrinologist; this includes both inadequate and excessive growth.
- Early-onset and delayed puberty: puberty is a critical stage of development, and its premature or delayed onset may be due to hormonal issues.
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes: diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not properly regulate blood sugar levels.
- Thyroid disorders: the thyroid gland regulates metabolism and other essential processes. Conditions such as hypothyroidism (insufficient hormone production) and hyperthyroidism (excessive hormone production) can interfere with growth and development.
- Weight issues and childhood obesity: in some cases, childhood obesity may be linked to hormonal or genetic imbalances.
- Adrenal and gonadal disorders: the ovaries and testes produce hormones that regulate metabolism, sexual development, and stress response; abnormalities in these glands can cause health problems in children.
When to see a pediatric endocrinologist
Parents need to recognize when to take their child to a pediatric endocrinologist. Signs that may indicate a hormonal issue include abnormal growth patterns, puberty starting before age 8 or 9 or after age 14, and sudden changes in weight or metabolism, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as extreme fatigue.
Other signs that deserve attention include dry skin, anxiety, hyperactivity, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.
These signs do not always indicate an endocrine disorder, but a specialist should evaluate them to rule out or confirm any issues.
The pediatric endocrinologist plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders in newborns, children, and adolescents, ensuring they develop normally.
Pediatric endocrinologist near me
At ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics Center, we have a team of highly trained specialists in hormonal disorders who are dedicated to offering comprehensive and personalized care for all your endocrine needs.
Our pediatric endocrinologists in Mexico City are committed to your child’s well-being and use the latest technology and advanced treatments to manage conditions such as growth disorders, thyroid disorders, early-onset or delayed puberty, and more.
Fuentes:
Healthy Children, Sanitas, Cigna
