Endocrinology encompasses the management of conditions where hormones are involved.
Hormones are substances made in one part of the body which then have an action somewhere else. For example, the pancreas makes insulin, which travels around in the blood to act at target tissues such as muscle, to allow glucose (sugar) to be taken up into cells.
In Paediatrics, there are a wide range of conditions that involve hormones. The most common condition is Type 1 Diabetes, where the body does not make enough insulin and therefore glucose levels run high.
Endocrinologists also see a large number of children for growth assessments, as there are a number of hormones involved in the regulation of growth. Issues with the thyroid gland, such as under or overproduction of thyroid hormone, or concerns about gland size also are seen commonly.
Pubertal development is also driven by hormones and young people with concerns about early or late onset of puberty will often see an Endocrinologist.
Rarer conditions such as those involving the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland or those of calcium/phosphate metabolism are also seen.
Finally, bone health is under hormonal control in part, and therefore assessment and management of these issues may be undertaken.
Generally, Endocrine assessment will involve review of the young person to understand the potential issues, then appropriate investigations and ultimately management if indicated. Monitoring of growth/pubertal issues may be performed even if no immediate action is required.
Paediatric Endocrinologists, Dr Peter Simm, and Dr Danielle Longmire consult privately at Melbourne Paediatric Specialists.
PLEASE NOTE: the Endocrinologists at Melbourne Paediatric Specialists DO NOT accept referrals for Diabetes management or Weight management. Please direct your referral if appropriate to the Royal Children’s Hospital Outpatient Department:
https://www.rch.org.au/specialist-clinics/contact-us/.
Any referrals for diabetes or weight management forwarded to Melbourne Paediatrics Specialists WILL NOT be actioned and will accordingly be deleted.
