Pediatric Endocrinology

Hormones are molecules that communicate with the central nervous system in the body. Thanks to our endocrine system, many metabolic events such as physical growth, pubertal development control, metabolic rate, and blood sugar control are kept under control. Pediatric Endocrinology, which deals with hormonal disorders in children, is a branch of science that examines the basic normal development and hormonal diseases of newborns, infants, children, and adolescents from the first day of birth to the age of 18.

Hormones are molecules that communicate with the central nervous system in the body. Thanks to our endocrine system, many metabolic events such as physical growth, pubertal development control, metabolic rate, and blood sugar control are kept under control. Pediatric Endocrinology, which deals with hormonal disorders in children, is a branch of science that examines the basic normal development and hormonal diseases of newborns, infants, children and adolescents from the first day of birth to the age of 18.

In our internal diseases department, we examine all kinds of for internal problems, the same quality service is provided 24/7 at world standards with our faculty members and physicians who have national and international clinical and academic experience.

Basic Areas of Interest in Pediatric Endocrinology

• Short Stature
  Puberty problems (early or late puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome, gynecomastia)
  Obesity
  Sugar balance disorders (diabetes and hypoglycemia)
  Disorders related to the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules)
  Adrenal
  Problems related to the thyroid gland (adrenal insufficiency and Cushing's disease)
  Diseases related to sexual development (small penis, undescended testicles, or suspicious genital structure in boys)
  Bone and calcium metabolism disorders (parathyroid hormone disorders, low or high calcium, rickets, vitamin D deficiency, osteogenesis imperfecta)

Thyroid Diseases in Children

The thyroid gland is an organ located in the neck region where thyroid hormones, which play a role in almost all metabolic functions, are synthesized. Thyroid hormones affect the body's metabolic rate. Underproduction of thyroid hormones is called “hypothyroidism”, and overproduction is called “hyperthyroidism”. Enlargement of the entire thyroid gland is called “goiter”.

Thanks to newborn screening programs, congenital hypothyroidism cases are diagnosed at a very early age and treatment can be started without any neurological effects.

There may be no symptoms up to a certain age, but then weakness, fatigue, hair loss, Children with symptoms such as hair loss, weight gain, growth retardation, and poor academic performance should be considered to have acquired (subsequently occurring) hypothyroidism and should be tested for this condition.

Finally, patients with nodules in the thyroid gland should be followed up very carefully. Some patients with nodules may need to be evaluated with fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Early Puberty

Puberty is the transition from childhood to adulthood. It has been proven that the age of puberty has shifted backwards in children in recent years. This event is called the trend of the century. The average age of puberty is 11 for girls and 12 for boys. However, not every child starts puberty at the same age. It is considered normal for puberty signs to start to appear after the age of 8 for girls and 9 for boys.

The period from the first sign of puberty in girls, breast budding, to menstrual bleeding is approximately 2-3 years. If menarche (first menstruation) occurs after the age of 10, it is considered medically normal. In boys, the first sign is testicular enlargement. Early puberty can lead to short stature and psychosocial problems during the pubertal transition period. In addition, studies on adults have shown that early menstruation creates an increased risk for certain gynecological problems in the future. For this reason, if it is thought that signs of puberty have started in girls before the age of 8 or boys before the age of 9, or if the signs of puberty appear to be progressing very rapidly, it is recommended that they be evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist. If deemed necessary, otherwise, there are treatment methods that will slow down puberty.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease characterized by increased hair growth and menstrual irregularity. PCOS is generally seen in obese individuals who have weight problems, however, obesity is not necessary for the development of the disease.

Since the symptoms may be faint at the beginning of puberty and menstruation may be irregular for 3 years after menarche (first menstruation), there may be delays in diagnosis. In addition, diseases such as hyperprolactinemia and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which are included in the differential diagnosis of PCOS, should be excluded. If PCOS findings are found in girls under the age of 16 after examinations (such as the presence of insulin resistance, androgen excess, polycystic appearance on ultrasonography), treatment can be started early.

Biruni University Hospital Pediatric Endocrinology Department provides services with its academic physician staff and up-to-date treatments.