If your child has growth issues, puberty issues or any other condition involving their hormones or endocrine system, a pediatric endocrinologist might be who they see. A pediatric endocrinologist specializes in children’s endocrinology, a field of study that includes hormones and how they help your child’s body function properly.
A pediatric endocrinologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in children’s endocrinology, a field of medicine that studies conditions related to your child’s hormones. A pediatric endocrinologist can diagnose and treat endocrine conditions in children and adolescents. They may treat your child if they have issues with puberty, growth, diabetes or other disorders related to their hormones and the glands that produce them.
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Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system, which is made up of the endocrine glands, endocrine organs and hormones.
The endocrine glands are special tissues in your child’s body that produce and release hormones. Endocrine glands include:
Endocrine organs perform specific functions in your child’s body. Endocrine organs include:
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel from one endocrine gland or organ in your child’s body to another through their blood. Hormones play a key role in many bodily functions, including:
Pediatric endocrinologists have extensive training in treating children and adolescents with hormonal issues and endocrine disorders. Children aren’t just small adults. The types of hormone problems that arise in children are very different from those that develop in adults. Pediatric endocrinologists have specialized training in pediatric endocrine conditions as they relate to your child’s development and growth.
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A pediatric endocrinologist diagnoses, treats and manages many different conditions that may affect your child’s endocrine system.
A pediatric endocrinologist can diagnose and treat conditions related to your child’s adrenal glands. Adrenal glands produce many important hormones. Conditions concerning adrenal glands may include:
Many hormones affect your child’s bone metabolism and calcium levels. Conditions concerning bone and calcium health may include:
A pediatric endocrinologist can develop treatment plans for metabolic conditions. A very common metabolic condition is diabetes. Types of diabetes and other metabolic conditions that may affect your child include:
A pediatric endocrinologist can diagnose and treat conditions related to disorders of sex development, such as:
A pediatric endocrinologist can diagnose and treat conditions related to genetic endocrine disorders, such as:
Many hormones affect your child’s growth and development. Conditions concerning growth and puberty issues may include:
A pediatric endocrinologist can diagnose and treat conditions related to your child’s pituitary gland. The pituitary gland makes many important hormones. Conditions concerning the pituitary gland may include:
Pediatric endocrinologists can treat any medical condition that keeps your child’s thyroid gland from producing the right amount of hormones. Conditions that can affect how your child’s thyroid gland functions include:
At your child’s first endocrinology appointment, you can expect their pediatric endocrinologist to ask you thorough questions about your child’s symptoms, medical history and any current medications they’re taking. They may also perform a physical exam.
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Pediatric endocrinologists are medical doctors who first begin a specialization in pediatrics.
After four years of medical school, a pediatric endocrinologist must complete a three-year residency program in general pediatrics. After a residency, they must complete a three-year fellowship in pediatric endocrinology. The fellowship is an intensive training program that focuses specifically on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions within the field of endocrinology. In the United States, the fellowship must be a program accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
To become a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist, you must first get certification in general pediatrics from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). Then, you can get certified in the subspecialty of pediatric endocrinology. Board certification is voluntary, but it’s a level of recognition that lets the public know you hold a standard of excellence.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If your child has a condition that affects their endocrine system, a pediatric endocrinologist can help manage and treat it. They’re experts in their field and have the latest information on the technology, procedures and medications that can help your child. If your child needs more specialized care, their pediatrician will refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist.
Last reviewed on 04/07/2023.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy