Endocrinology

Endocrinology is a branch of medicine that treats hormones and metabolism. A pediatric endocrinologist works with kids who have endocrine diseases or issues with growth.

Endocrinology can help children who show signs of:

• Osteogenesis imperfecta and other bone health concerns, such as:
  • Osteoporosis
  • Metabolic bone diseases
  • Juvenile arthritis
  • Bone density disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Epilepsy
• Down syndrome
• Thyroid and parathyroid conditions
• Puberty concerns
• Pituitary disorders
• Lipid disorders
• Adrenal gland disorders
• Chronic inflammation
• Growth concerns or inconsistent growth patterns
• Hormonal imbalance
• Prader-Willi syndrome

For kids who have a history of taking certain anticonvulsants and steroids, and children who have gone for long periods of time with little or no movement, endocrinology services might also help.

For some children who have growth disorders, endocrine treatment might involve:

• Addressing vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Changing medicines
• Improvements in diet and nutrition
• Weight-bearing activities to strengthen bones and improve balance

An endocrine doctor works with your child, performing endocrinology tests to determine what types of treatment are most appropriate.

If your child needs support beyond lifestyle changes and medicines, we might prescribe additional medicines to reduce the amount of bone breakdown and improve other aspects of endocrine health.

To diagnose and monitor problems related to bone density, your child might benefit from dual-energy radiography absorptiometry (DXA) scans.

If your child has a complex condition they might need treatment for related hormonal and growth-related effects. Endocrinology programs at Gillette Children’s are designed to give your child their best chance at leading a typical, active life.

The Gillette endocrinology team understands the growth and hormonal needs of children who have disabilities and complex conditions. We also collaborate with providers in a variety of specialties across Gillette to provide comprehensive care, with a special focus on pediatric bone health.

In addition to the ease of integration with other specialties, the endocrinology team at Gillette also provides support for:

• Pre-hospitalization, anticipatory endocrine concerns
• Post-operative care
• Inpatient consultations for patients who are currently hospitalized
• Outpatient management of unusual pediatric endocrine conditions
• Many general pediatric concerns that have an important endocrine component (such as puberty, growth, obesity, and neurodevelopment)

As part of their treatment or therapy, your child might also receive care from world-recognized specialists in:

• Nutrition and feeding
• Radiology and imaging
• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation medicine