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Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes

Is your child having problems with diabetes, puberty, growth, or other hormone disorders? MaineHealth has pediatric endocrinologists and other specialists who can help children and adolescents lead healthy lives.

What is a pediatric endocrinologist?

Pediatric endocrinologists are trained to diagnose, treat and manage hormone disorders in all stages of childhood and adolescence. Endocrinology issues in children and teens are often very different than in adults. It is important for children and teens to be treated by a pediatric endocrinologist.

Conditions that pediatric endocrinologists treat

  • Adrenal diseases
  • Calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorders
  • Diabetes, including type 1 and type 2
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Growth and pituitary gland disorders
  • Irregular periods and excessive production of male hormones (androgens) in females
  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Obesity and insulin resistance
  • Puberty disorders
  • Thyroid diseases

Endocrine newborn screenings

Our teams include pediatric endocrinologists, diabetes educators, dietitians and social workers. We work with families to design treatment plans to fit every patient’s individual lifestyle.

Symptoms of pediatric endocrine disorders

Symptoms of some endocrine disorders are similar to many other conditions. Talk with your family doctor or provider if you suspect your child may have an endocrine disorder. Symptoms may include:

  • Upset stomach

  • Dehydration

  • Changes in skin

  • Fatigue

  • Abnormal growth rates

  • Weight loss

  • Fast heart rate

  • Sweating

  • Nervousness

  • Constipation

     

How are pediatric endocrine disorders treated?

Treatment varies for each different type of pediatric endocrine issue. Your child’s care team will work with your child and your family to create a treatment plan to fit their needs and lifestyle.

The Gender Clinic: Supporting youth and their families

The Gender Clinic at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital cares for gender nonconforming and transgender youth and adolescents and their families. It is the only one of its kind in northern New England, addressing the medical, social and psychological needs of patients.

Healthcare just for kids

Discover the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Maine's only full-service children's hospital.