Children's Endocrinology

Expert Care for Kids with Hormonal Conditions

Your child's endocrine system is made up of hormone-producing glands that affect essential functions such as metabolism, growth and sexual development. The endocrine system impacts nearly every organ and cell in the body and an imbalance in hormone levels can have serious effects.

If you suspect a hormonal or growth-related disorder in your child, turn to the pediatric endocrinologists at Sanford Children’s. Using the latest technologies and techniques, they can help you and your family understand and manage your child’s endocrine system condition.

For physicians: Refer a patient to Sanford Health.

Diagnosing Pediatric Hormonal Conditions

Hormonal conditions in children can be challenging to catch. The symptoms can be vague. If you're concerned about your child's health, schedule an appointment with their primary care provider.

Symptoms of an endocrine disorder include:

• Unusual growth, such as growing too fast or slow
• Being underweight or overweight without a clear cause
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Early or late puberty
• Goiters
• Overactive or underactive glands (thyroid, adrenal or pituitary)
• Ovarian or testicular issues

These symptoms can be signs of a variety of endocrine system disorders. Diabetes is the most common, but there are a variety of other conditions that affect the endocrine system in children. Our specialists can also treat problems affecting specific glands.

Additionally, patients at Sanford Children’s have access to Sanford PLEDGE, a research study looking for better ways to identify type 1 diabetes and celiac disease in children under age 6.

Diabetes in Kids

Children can have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, with type 1 being the most common. Diabetes is a condition caused by a lack of insulin or a resistance to insulin, meaning the body can’t properly break down carbohydrates and sugars. Diabetes can impact the eyes, kidneys, nervous system, heart and other organs later in life.

Signs of diabetes in children include unquenchable thirst, frequent urination and an extreme appetite. Other symptoms include fatigue or unexplained weight loss.

If you think your child may have diabetes, see a pediatric endocrinologist right away. After a diagnosis, your endocrinologist will help your family create a management plan.

This plan will include:

• Regularly checking blood sugar levels
• Administering insulin as needed
• Regulating your child’s diet
• Exercising regularly

Finding a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes

Worldwide, about 70,000 children ages 14 and younger are developing type 1 diabetes each year. The Sanford Project is focused on driving innovative research to prevent, detect and treat type 1 diabetes. The goal of the project is to find safe and clinically relevant solutions and cures.

Learn More About the Sanford Project