Does Your Child Need An Endocrinologist? Let’s Find Out
A baby is just like a bud of a flower and requires all the love and care to bloom!
The hormones required to bloom or grow are developed in the endocrine system and hence it is important to keep the glands healthy and developing so that we can produce adequate hormones for the healthy growth of the baby.
This is when the need for online endocrinologist consultation may arise at times.
Why?
To understand the condition of the child's endocrine system and to offer the required medication and supplements to keep it healthy.
That being said, understanding what endocrinology is and if your child is seriously in need of an endocrinologist is important.
It may sound a bit intimidating and hence to help you deal with such matters conveniently, we have tried our level best to make you understand when and why your child needs to see an endocrinologist.
First things first,
What is endocrinology?
Endocrinology is explained as a branch of biology and medicine that is known to deal with the endocrine system specifically. It is a field of hormone-related diseases and is known to deal with diagnosis, treatment and prevention of hormone problems and complications.
Who are endocrinologists?
Endocrinologists are specialists dealing with the functioning of the endocrine glands.
In case you want to know about the endocrine gland and system we shall discuss it further in this article.
Getting back to the point, endocrinologists are trained to closely study and analyse hormonal conditions based on which accurate and the best possible treatment can be offered for any endocrine system-related ailments.
Endocrinologists can help with hormone-related health issues for both children and adults. However, those specialising in the hormonal treatment of children as paediatric endocrinologists.
In case you want to know...
The endocrine system and hormones
The human endocrine system is known to comprise several glands that secrete chemicals that are termed hormones. These secreted hormones are known to be responsible for controlling and regulating some of the most essential functions of the human body, such as development and growth, respiration, digestion, reproduction, lactation, sleep, stress, emotions, moods and more. There is no specific duct for hormone release, and the hormones are released directly into the bloodstream.
Some of the common hormones are –
- Insulin
- Growth and development hormone
- Thyroid hormone
Over secretion or under secretion of the hormone are known to leave a negative impact on human health. Inadequate secretion or excessive secretion of the hormone can lead to complications like diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and other life-threatening ailments.
Moving forward,
Conditions treated by an endocrinologist
As mentioned, an endocrinologist with the diagnosis treatment and prevention of hormone-related ailments affecting –
- Bone metabolism
- Thyroid glands
- Thyroid metabolism
- Pancreas
- Insulin secretion
- Reproductive glands
- Pituitary glands
- Hormonal balance
- Adrenal glands
- Cancer in the endocrine glands
In a broader aspect, endocrinologists are trained to deal with health issues like hypertension, diabetes, lap of growth, metabolic disorders, infertility, lipid disorders, menopause and more.
Now that you have gathered enough information about who endocrinologists are and what they do, given below are some common reasons why you should get in touch with an endocrinologist for your child.
- Weight issues
Incorrect weight ratio in children can affect their growth and health. The weight range that is considered normal is broad and hence it is advisable to get in touch with your doctor to know if your child’s weight is normal or can affect in the near future. While some may be picky eaters, there are children who eat enough but remain skinny, while others consume less yet become plump. However, if your child fails to put on or lose weight even after taking all the required steps, it may be because of hormonal issues and needs a doctor's advice right away.
2 Growth issues
Just like weight, growth issues also may be hormone-triggered. While there is a broader trajectory of height gain that is considered normal in children, if you do not find your child growing in height with age or is growing way too fast than his/her age, it is time that you get in touch with an endocrinologist.
3 Diabetes
Although it is quite unheard and uncommon, paediatric diabetes is a real issue in children. In case you notice symptoms like hunger, excessive thirst, and frequent urination, it is better to get a child checked. Type 1 diabetes is quite common in children suffering from hormonal disorders and requires a visit to the endocrinologist.
In addition to the above, there are other situations like early activation of the adrenal gland, sudden obesity, goitre, rickets and other such problems that might require you to seek the help of a paediatric endocrinologist.
In case your child is suffering from any of the above mentioned hormonal disorders, you can register on Doctor2Care and opt for online endocrinologist consultation to seek medical help at the comfort of your home. You can discuss your child’s condition freely and in your own privacy.
Register now!