Department of Endocrinology and Paediatric Endocrinology

The hormones have an effect on how our various bodily systems function. These hormones move through the bloodstream while sending information to cells. Moreover, hormones have an influence on the growth of children. The pituitary gland, an endocrine gland, releases hormones into the circulation. 

Endocrinology is the field of research that deals with these glands and how hormones work. The field of Paediatric Endocrinology deals with conditions involving hormonal changes in children, such as Diabetes, puberty, developmental problems, or other concerns with the gland that produces hormones in the body. A Paediatric Endocrinologist will take care of a child if they have hormone-related difficulties.

Conditions We Treat

At Gleneagles Hospital, Paediatric Endocrinologists are in charge of diagnosing, treating, and controlling hormonal problems in children, which include the following among others:

• Adrenal Dysfunction: A child's reaction to stress and even puberty is regulated by hormones secreted by the adrenal glands, which also control several other crucial processes. When a child's adrenal glands do not function normally, it leads to adrenal dysfunction. A good example of such a condition is Cushing's Syndrome.
• Gonadal Disorders: The majority of the body's sex hormones are produced by the gonads, which are the ovaries in females and the testes in males. It can have negative effects on one's health when the gonads produce too few or too many hormones.
• Phosphorus and Calcium Disorders: The two minerals that are most crucial for various bodily functions are phosphorus and calcium. The heart, muscles, and brain all benefit from calcium when they are working properly. To develop strong bones and teeth, phosphorus and calcium work together. If calcium and phosphorus concentrations are too low or too high, a number of problems may arise.
• Type 1 Diabetes: In Type 1 Diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessive because the body doesn't produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin's role is to transport blood-borne sugar into the cells. This condition is rather prevalent among children and young adults.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes occurs due to the body's improper response to insulin. When cells don't absorb enough glucose, blood sugar levels increase.
• Puberty Disorders: Children go through a developmental period during which they reach sexual maturity, known as puberty. If puberty begins too early or too late, it can affect the release of hormones and how the body uses them.
• Lipid Disorders: These conditions make it challenging to maintain body fat levels within the usual range. If a child or adolescent has high levels of LDL cholesterol, the likelihood of developing heart disease early in life increases.