When a child is referred to a pediatric endocrinologist, it can be overwhelming news for parents. Many families have no idea what a pediatric endocrinologist does, much less what to expect from the visit. TopLine MD Alliance Network is here to help you understand the role of a pediatric endocrinologist, the many types of conditions they treat, and how these doctors support children’s health and growth.

Endocrinology is a medical field that focuses on the endocrine system, the vast network of glands and organs that create and release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones control how your body functions by carrying messages to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues – making them essential for your life and your health from day one.

TopLine MD Alliance Network pediatric endocrinologists specialize in treating hormone disorders from infancy through adolescence, including issues related to growth, puberty, and other hormonal imbalances that can affect your child’s development. They also understand how to approach young patients and their families, educating them along the way as their child grows and changes.

Learn how your child’s endocrine system keeps their body functioning properly and what to do if your pediatrician or primary care provider suggests visiting an endocrinologist for professional treatment. You are not alone in navigating your child’s endocrine care, especially with a TopLine MD Alliance Network pediatric endocrinologist in your corner.

Expert endocrinology care for children

Children are not just small adults, especially when it comes to endocrinology care. While general endocrinologists treat hormone disorders in patients of all ages, pediatric endocrinologists are specially trained to treat hormone disorders in children, teens, and young adults.

The types of hormone issues that arise in children are very different from those in adults, as are their growth and development needs. Hormonal imbalances that affect height, weight, or sexual development can have significant effects on a child’s emotional well-being, especially during puberty.

Pediatric endocrinologists know how hormones affect a child’s growing body, including the emotional impact they may cause. Pediatric endocrinologists are also able to communicate effectively with young people, using age-appropriate language to make the situation less scary and more manageable for the entire family.

How the endocrine system works

The endocrine system is incredibly complex, producing over 50 hormones – many of which can influence each other. The primary function of the endocrine system is to release hormones into the bloodstream while continuously monitoring their levels.

The active hormones in your child’s body affect nearly all aspects of their health, including:

  • Growth and development
  • Metabolism
  • Mood
  • Sleep-wake cycle
  • Blood sugar regulation
  • Blood pressure
  • Electrolyte balance
  • Body temperature
  • Sexual function
  • Reproduction

Having too much or too little of a particular hormone, even in very small amounts, can trigger significant changes in your child’s body. You may notice symptoms like weight gain or loss, hair growth or loss, increased thirst or urination, fatigue, or mood changes. Here’s more insight into how the endocrine system works and why these changes may occur.

Endocrine glands

The glands and organs that make up the endocrine system produce and release most of the hormones in your body, while endocrine glands release hormones directly into your bloodstream. Examples of endocrine glands include:

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that connects to the pituitary gland. It releases several hormones that control the pituitary gland, such as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), oxytocin (the “love hormone”), and dopamine (the “feel-good hormone”).

Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, directly below the hypothalamus. This tiny gland also releases several hormones, many of which control the function of other endocrine glands. Examples include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), growth hormone (GH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Pineal gland

The pineal gland is another tiny gland located within the brain. It releases the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

Thyroid

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. The thyroid’s main purpose is to control the speed of your metabolism (the process by which your body converts the food you eat into energy). The thyroid also releases hormones, including thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which together are often called thyroid hormone (TH).

Parathyroid glands

Most people have four pea-sized parathyroid glands located behind their thyroid gland. However, they may also be located on your esophagus or in your chest. Parathyroid glands release parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is responsible for the calcium levels in your blood and bone health.

Adrenal glands

Adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped glands located on top of each of your two kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol (the “stress hormone”), adrenaline (which causes the fight-or-flight response), and aldosterone (which regulates your body’s salt and water balance).

Endocrine organs

Certain organs in your body also produce and release hormones and are considered part of the endocrine system, including:

Pancreas

The pancreas is located in the back of the abdomen and is part of your digestive system. It releases both insulin and glucagon, which are essential to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Ovaries

These small, oval-shaped glands are located on either side of the uterus. Ovaries make and store female reproductive eggs and also produce sex hormones that control menstruation and pregnancy.

Testicles

Testicles are small, round organs within the scrotum, underneath the penis. Testicles produce the sperm required to fertilize a female reproductive egg, as well as the sex hormone testosterone.

Reasons to visit a pediatric endocrinologist

Many conditions can compromise your child’s endocrine system and cause symptoms that require professional care. Some of the most common reasons why children are referred to a pediatric endocrinologist range from early or delayed puberty to thyroid disorders to diabetes management. Here are a few examples:

Growth disorders

  • Short stature – Your child is shorter than at least 95% of other children of the same sex and age
  • Early or delayed puberty – The physical signs of puberty begin much earlier or later than usual
  • Failure to thrive – Your child’s growth or weight gain falls significantly below expected standards

Thyroid disorders

  • Hypothyroidism – Your child’s thyroid gland does not release enough thyroid hormone into their bloodstream
  • Hyperthyroidism – Your child’s thyroid gland releases too much thyroid hormone into their bloodstream
  • Goiter – Your child’s thyroid gland grows larger than normal

Diabetes and metabolic conditions

  • Type 1 diabetes – Your child’s pancreas can no longer produce insulin, causing high blood sugar levels
  • Type 2 diabetes – Your child’s body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly, also causing high blood sugar levels
  • Obesity – Your child has excessive body fat or a body mass index (BMI) above 95% of other children of the same sex and age

Pituitary gland disorders

  • Diabetes insipidus – Your child’s body produces too much urine and cannot properly retain water
  • Hypopituitarism – Your child’s pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones, causing issues with growth, puberty, and other complications

Your first pediatric endocrinologist appointment

is much like preparing for any doctor’s appointment. Your TopLine MD Alliance Network pediatric endocrinologist will ask thorough questions about your child’s symptoms, medical history, and any medications they are currently taking (including over-the-counter and prescription medications).

Be sure to let the doctor know about any family history of endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid issues. Your TopLine MD Alliance Network pediatric endocrinologist will likely perform a physical exam, so have your child wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove.

If your child has been seen by any other providers for issues related to their endocrine system, bring copies of those medical records if possible. You are also welcome to bring a list of any questions or concerns that you have.

What else can one do

While certain endocrine disorders are often genetic (such as type 2 diabetes and thyroid issues), others can be avoided by keeping your child’s endocrine system as healthy as possible. To accomplish this, encourage your child to:

  • Eat a nutritious diet
  • Be physically active
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Keep stress to a minimum

It’s also important for your child to see their pediatrician or primary care provider regularly, especially if they have diabetes or any other chronic conditions.

Find a TopLine MD Alliance Network provider today.

The TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, connecting them with top-tier healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

The TopLine MD Alliance brings together high-quality care and exceptional service while ensuring that you are always satisfied with your choice of medical providers. Our specialties include pediatric endocrinology, general endocrinology, pediatrics, family medicine, and so many more.

To get started, find a provider near you today.