Pediatric endocrinology [en-doh-kruh-NOL-uh-jee] is a branch of medicine that focuses on the endocrine [EN-duh-krin] system in children. The endocrine system creates and controls your child’s hormones. The hormones in your child’s body regulate everything from their body temperature to their mood, growth, and more.
Hormones are secreted by endocrine glands, such as the pituitary [pi-TOO-i-ter-ee] gland, thyroid, ovaries, or adrenal [uh-DREEN-l] glands. These hormones are sent through the blood stream to various tissues and organs in the body. When there is an imbalance of your child’s hormones, it can cause bothersome and often serious problems.
The most common endocrine disorders are related to problems of the pancreas or the pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands. These problems can be caused by either a hormonal imbalance or by tumors.
Common endocrine disorders in children include the following:
