Hormones are necessary parts of physical development and maturing, and it’s essential that you understand how they can affect your children as they age. There are a few telltale signs that some hormonal issues are at play in the early stages of your child’s life—issues you need to identify. Be aware of some of these reasons your child may need to see an endocrinologist.
They Develop Body Oder Too Young
Body odor is an issue that teenagers and adults deal with, as the adrenal glands—the sources of body odor—activate during puberty. Children who develop noticeable body odor before then may have issues with their adrenal glands. Early adrenal gland activation can point to a few different conditions, making it essential to consult an endocrinologist about the next steps to treating your child.
They Seem Too Tall or Too Short for Their Age
The hormone HGH (human growth hormone), which originates in the pituitary gland, causes children to grow and physically develop. If there’s a deficiency of this hormone, then your child may be undersized for their age, while an excess will cause them to grow rapidly. Diagnosing the cause of the excess or deficit is critical to ensuring your child’s health, whether that means limiting these growth hormones or stimulating them.
They’re Overweight or Underweight
The thyroid gland is the chief organ in the body regulating metabolism; the faster the metabolism, the faster the body breaks down food and fat. With hypothyroidism, these bodily processes slow down significantly, causing sudden weight gain. Conversely, hyperthyroidism speeds up the process, leading to sudden weight loss. Take your child to a professional if they are over or under their age range’s average weight.
Your child’s physical development is a critical part of growing up, and you need to do everything you can to make sure it happens without major issues. This means knowing the signs to take your child to an endocrinologist to make sure everything is going smoothly. Catching these issues early will enable you and your child to seek the help they need, making their transition into adulthood as seamless as possible.
Dr. Philip Rabito
is an endocrinologist in Manhattan with a history of successfully treating patients with all manner of endocrine disorders. Schedule an appointment today and get the treatment your child needs. He also serves Brooklyn, Long Island, and New York City.
