Pediatric Hormonal Disorders
HOW COMMON IT IS?
Every 1 out of 10 Children in India is prone to Diabetes
Pediatric hormonal disorders occur when a child’s endocrine system, which controls the release of hormones, is disrupted. These disorders can affect growth, puberty, metabolism, and overall development. Hormonal imbalances can lead to conditions like early or delayed puberty, short stature, and issues like childhood diabetes or thyroid problems. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these disorders is essential for early treatment and proper management.
Types of Pediatric Hormonal Disorders
Early Puberty (Precocious Puberty)
Early puberty occurs when a child’s body begins to develop adult characteristics (such as breast development in girls or testicular enlargement in boys) much earlier than usual—before the age of 8 in girls and before the age of 9 in boys.
Symptoms
Rapid Hair Growth
Early Development of underarm hairs
body odor
Acne
Early Menstruation
Facial HAir Growth
The average age for girls to start puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12
Delayed Puberty
Delayed puberty is when a child does not show signs of puberty by the age of 13 in girls or 14 in boys. This can happen due to various hormonal or genetic factors.
Symptoms
no breast development
Delayed menstruation
Underdeveloped testicles
facial hair growth
Short Height (Growth Hormone Deficiency)
Short height can result from a deficiency of growth hormone, a critical hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth in children. Growth hormone deficiency can lead to stunted growth and delayed development.
Symptoms
Slower Age growth
immature facial features
fat around the waist
poor muscle development
Diabetes in Children
ype 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children, is a condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes, although more common in adults, is increasingly affecting children due to rising rates of obesity.
Symptoms
frequent urination
excessive thirst
weight loss,
infections
Thyroid Disorder in Children
Pediatric thyroid disorders include both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, and any imbalance can affect a child’s growth and development.
Symptoms
fatigue
weight gain/loss
dry skin
hyperactivity
Rickets
Rickets is a bone disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, leading to soft and weak bones. It is most common in children who don’t get enough sunlight or have a poor diet.
Symptoms
pain in the bones
muscle weakness
bowed legs
thickened wrists
treatment
- Medications: Hormonal imbalances are often treated with medications that either replace deficient hormones or suppress excessive hormone production. For example, growth hormone therapy may be recommended for children with growth hormone deficiency, while insulin therapy is used to manage diabetes.
- Lifestyle Modifications: In conditions like Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management are essential parts of the treatment plan. We work closely with families to help children maintain healthy habits.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgical interventions may be required, especially for conditions like tumors affecting the endocrine glands. Our team of experts ensures that surgical options are only considered when absolutely necessary and are performed with the utmost care.