Endocrinology care focused on your child
Pediatric endocrinology
We’re here to deliver the endocrinology care your child needs, so they can focus on what’s important — being a kid.
Endocrine care tailored to your child’s needs
Your child’s endocrine system has an important job to do. It’s responsible for creating and regulating the hormones their body uses to control metabolism and development. So when their endocrine hormones are off balance, your child may not feel their best. If your child has juvenile diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, a growth and development disorder or another hormone-related disorder, you want the very best care for them. And we do, too.
Our pediatric endocrinology team treats a variety of conditions, including:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Diabetes insipidus
- Gender dysphoria
- Growth disorders
- Gynecomastia
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Thyroid issues
- Hypothyroid – Hashimoto’s disease
- Hyperthyroid – Graves’ disease
- Metabolic bone disorder
- Panhypopituitarism
- PCOS
- Precocious/delayed puberty
- Primary adrenal insufficiency
- Type I and Type II diabetes
What is a pediatric endocrinologist?
Endocrinologists treat issues that have to do with hormones and the glands that produce them. Pediatric endocrinologists are specially trained to treat children. Since children are in the process of growing, they need special treatment.
That’s why our pediatric endocrinology care team includes pediatric endocrinologists, pediatric nephrologists (care for kidney and urinary tract), pediatric dietitians and other compassionate, skilled staff to help provide your child the support and care they need.
How are pediatric endocrine conditions diagnosed?
Our endocrinology specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating all kinds of pediatric endocrine conditions.
Some of the diagnostic tests your child’s doctor may perform to test for endocrine conditions include:
- Blood tests: Your doctor may start by ordering bloodwork to evaluate your child’s thyroid function and help diagnose any underlying thyroid conditions. A typical thyroid panel can include measuring your child’s levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), free T3 and T4, reverse T3 and T4, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO). These tests can also rule out any issues with your child’s thyroid, liver or kidneys.
- Radioactive iodine uptake test: This test takes place over the course of 24 hours. On the first day, your child will be given a pill that contains a small dose of radioactive iodine. Twenty-four hours later, they’ll take another pill. Your child’s doctor will then measure the amount of iodine that goes into their thyroid using a special device that shows whether it is working properly.
- Urine test: During this test, we’ll collect a urine sample from your child. It will then be sent to a lab to analyze how quickly their body produces certain hormones needed for endocrine function.
- Imaging tests: Diagnostic imaging tests, such MRIs, CT scans and PET scans, are used to produce detailed pictures of your child’s endocrine system.
- Meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan: This nuclear imaging test takes place over two days. On the first day, your child will receive an injection of MIBG, a chemical similar to adrenaline. Several hours later, a special camera will take pictures of your abdomen to determine where the chemical has collected. Additional pictures and a scan will be taken the following morning.
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Pediatric endocrinology treatment
Our endocrinology team is experienced in diagnosing and treating all kinds of pediatric endocrine conditions.
Depending on the type and severity of your child’s condition, one or more of the following treatments may be recommended.
Lifestyle changes
There are several lifestyle changes your doctor may suggest to help your child manage his or her symptoms. These may include:
- Increasing their sleep
- Exercise
- Change in diet
- Reducing stress
- Emotional support
Medications
Hormonal disorders can often be managed with hormone replacement. Your child’s doctor may recommend prescription medications to help them manage their symptoms and treat endocrine conditions. This may include medications to regulate the amount of hormones their bodies produce.
Radioactive iodine
Your doctor may recommend a radioactive iodine treatment to help shrink your child’s thyroid gland.
Surgery
Our surgeons use the latest techniques to treat pediatric endocrine conditions, including minimally invasive surgery, to offer your child the best outcome and path for healing. Our team is highly trained and board certified, which means they have passed an optional national exam to demonstrate their medical expertise. Many of our surgeons are also fellowship trained, holding additional training in specific types of endocrine-related surgeries for children.
Pediatric endocrinology care at Geisinger
Our pediatric endocrinology team is here to provide your child with compassionate care and the most advanced treatments available. We offer:
- Personalized, compassionate care for children – From maintaining your child’s health and well-being to providing more advanced care, our pediatricians and pediatric endocrinologists provide care that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs. Your child deserves the moon and the stars — and the very best care available.
- World-class care in your neighborhood – With Janet Weis Children’s Hospital located in Danville and many offices throughout Pennsylvania, exceptional care for your child is never far from home.
- Treatments powered by research – From minor to serious health issues, our drive to improve the health and lives of children is never-ending. Through ongoing education, research and innovation, we’re here to evolve pediatric care — taking the latest research-based treatments to care for children.
- Family support – We see your family like our family. As relentless advocates for children and their loved ones, we’re here to guide families at every step — from programs to community support and resources.
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