We see a wide range of conditions — far too many to list here.
Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Adrenal disorders happen when the adrenal glands,(the two small organs above the kidneys)make too much or not enough of hormones called cortisol, adrenaline, aldosterone, or "adrenal male like hormones" called androgens. These hormones are responsible for regulating things like blood pressure, blood sugar, metabolism, immunity,(protects the body from diseases), and stress response. Additionally, the male hormones they produce are responsible for pubc hair, axillary hair, body odor , and acne.
Premature adrenarche is the early appearance of pubic hair, traditionally before the age of 8 years in females and 9 years in males. Androgens are "male like" hormones that are released from the adrenal glands in males and females. These hormones cause the development of pubic,axillary, underarm hair, acne, body odor and an increase in growth rate and bone maturation. Premature adrenarche occurs when the adrenal gland "turns on" a little early.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) are inherited disorders of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands, located on the top of the kidneys, produce three types of hormones,(cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens).
Growth in children is as unique as each individual child. The growth of your child depends on the health, physical maturiry, the parents' heights, and many other factors. For normal growth to occur the child must have enough calories and nutrients, enough sleep, a favorable environment, and good general health. Abnormal growth can have many causes, such as: disease, poor nutrition, and hormonal imbalances.
The best measure of the general health of a child is the child's height and weight progression over time. It is essential to have past height and weight measurements from the pediatrician or school records. It is also important to know the parental heights and have measurements of the child plotted on a growth chart. This helps to check whether your child is growing normally for his genetic potential.
After reviewing your child's medical and growth record the doctor will probably order blood tests to check for underlying illnesses, and hormone levels to rule out specific endocrine disorders. Additionally a bone age or skeletal age,(x-ray of hands/wrists) will be ordered to asses growth plates and time left to grow).
Puberty normally begins in girls between the ages of 8 and 13, and in boys between the ages of 9 and 14. Premature puberty is a condition in which puberty starts too soon in children.
In Girls:
In Boys:
In most cases there is not specific reason for your child's early development. While not classically not inherited family patterns are sometimes apparent.
Possible complications of early puberty if left untreated can result in short stature as the growth plates will close prematurely. Additionally, these young children often times struggle to manage their feelings and cope due to the hormones being out of sync.
Hypothyroidism, or an under active thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This condition is fairly common in children and adolescents and there is a tendency to be seen more commonly in females as well as a tendency to cluster in some families.
Hypothyroidism can be detected at birth, (congenital), or it can be diagnosed after birth and it is usually due to an auto immune reaction that destroys the thyroid gland, (Hashimoto being the number 1 cause overall).
Treatment with hormone replacement is critically important to avoid numerous complications that can affect growth, school performance, as well as overall health.
In the United States, about 1 in 5 children and adolescents are obese.
By definition, obesity is when BMI, (Body Mass Index) is above the 95th percentile for age and sex.
Obesity rate have sky rocketed since the 1970s
These are not often apparent but can begin with poor self esteem, stress, poor sleep, poor eating and activity habits, tall stature for genetics,(obese children tend to be tall for family genetics). A family history of obesity are often times seen.
Family factors:
Genes and Hormonal factors:
Social and economic factors:
Jorge Serrat MD PA
650 NW 180th Terrace Suite 101 Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Phone: (954) 392-1880 Fax: (866) 954-2203