Pediatric Endocrinology

Hormones play a vital role in your child’s growth, development and overall health. When the glands that make these hormones aren’t working properly, it can affect how your child grows, goes through puberty, and even how they sleep and maintain energy. 

At Banner Children’s, our pediatric endocrinologists specialize in diagnosing and treating hormone-related conditions in infants, children and teens. We’ll help your child and family understand what’s happening and create a care plan that supports healthy growth and development. 

What is pediatric endocrinology 

Pediatric endocrinology focuses on the endocrine system, the network of glands that produce hormones to control essential body functions. These hormones regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response and many other processes. 

Key glands in the endocrine system include the: 

• Pituitary gland, which controls growth and development 
• Thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and energy levels 
• Pancreas, which manages blood sugar 
• Adrenal glands, which produce stress and growth hormones 
• Ovaries and testes, which control puberty and reproductive health 

When these glands produce too much or too little hormone, it can lead to medical conditions that affect your child’s growth, mood or physical changes during puberty. 

Common pediatric endocrine conditions 

Children can develop endocrine disorders at any age - from infancy through adolescence. Some of the most common include: 

• Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism 
• Early or delayed puberty 
• Growth disorders caused by pituitary gland changes 
• Adrenal gland disorders, including Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome 
• Ovarian and testicular dysfunction 
• Diabetes, including type 1 and type 2 
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) 
• Obesity or rapid weight gain due to hormonal imbalance 

Endocrine disorders often occur when the body produces too much or too little of a specific hormone, but they can also result from genetics, autoimmune conditions or certain medications. 

How pediatric endocrine conditions are diagnosed 

Your child’s doctor may refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist if there are concerns about growth, puberty timing or unexplained changes in weight, mood or energy. 

Diagnosis often includes: 

• Blood or urine tests to measure hormone levels 
• Growth tracking over several visits 
• Imaging studies to examine glands such as the pituitary or thyroid 
• Ongoing monitoring to assess changes over time 

Because hormone levels can fluctuate, your child’s care team may recommend multiple or routine tests to identify the cause of the problem accurately. 

Treatment for pediatric endocrine disorders 

Treatment depends on your child’s specific condition and its severity. Common options include: 

• Medication to balance hormone levels 
• Insulin therapy or blood sugar management for diabetes 
• Growth hormone therapy to support normal growth 
• Lifestyle and nutrition counseling to help manage weight or energy 
• Regular monitoring to ensure hormones stay in balance as your child grows 

Our pediatric endocrinologists collaborate with your child’s primary care provider and other specialists to deliver coordinated, family-centered care. 

Why choose Banner Children’s 

At Banner Children’s, we understand how important your child’s growth and development are. Our pediatric endocrinology team provides: 

• Expertise in all areas of hormone-related care 
• Advanced diagnostic testing and treatment options 
• Education and support for families managing long-term conditions 
• Compassionate, age-appropriate care in a welcoming environment 

We’re here to help your child stay healthy and confident through every stage of growth. 

Find a pediatric endocrinologist near you.