In order to understand what an endocrinologist does, you first need to understand what endocrinology is. Everyone’s body undergoes changes, some natural and some not, that can affect the way the endocrine system works. Some of the factors that affect endocrine organs include aging, stress, genetics, certain diseases and conditions, and even the environment.
Your endocrine system includes eight major glands throughout your body, including the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas. Hormone levels that are too high or too low can cause an endocrine disease. Endocrine diseases also occur if your body does not respond to hormones the way it is supposed to.
For example, thyroid hormone is essential in development as well as many aspects of homeostasis and metabolism, while glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, are important for both growth and nutrient supply, and also impact immune function.
The way your child grows, develops, and feels can depend upon how well their endocrine system is working. In other words, your child’s endocrine system contains hormone-producing glands that affect growth and development, puberty, metabolism, energy level, and mood. Endocrine disorders in children are caused by abnormal hormone levels circulating throughout the body. In order for your child’s body to function optimally, everything needs to be working in harmony — that is, the glands need to secrete just the right amount of hormone throughout the blood stream.
When your child is facing a diagnosis of a disease, such as obesity, diabetes, or thyroid disease, your doctor may suggest you see an endocrinologist. Unlike a family doctor or general practitioner, an endocrinologist is a specialist who studies these diseases in depth, and will be able to provide the best possible treatment.
Endocrine disorders create hormone imbalances that can affect a child’s health in many different ways. Common diseases and disorders that pediatric endocrinologists may manage and treat include:
- Adrenal and Pituitary Disorders
- Growth Disorders
- Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes – Type 1 & Type 2
- Obesity Associated with Insulin Resistance
- Pediatric Weight Management
- Metabolic diseases
- Osteopenia and vitamin D deficiency
- Precocious (early) or delayed puberty
At Endocrine Kids, our pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Jacalyn Bishop, specializes in diagnosing, treating, and educating children suffering from all endocrine and metabolic disorders, from infants to adolescents.
For more information on any of these conditions, or to request an appointment at our pediatric endocrinology office, call (248) 347-3344 or request an appointment online. We take pride in helping keep your kids on the right track!
