Paediatric Endocrinology

At Mediclinic, our paediatric endocrinologists care for children whose hormones, growth or development need a closer look. We help families through conditions such as type 1 diabetes, growth problems and thyroid problems. Because many hormone conditions last for years, we follow your child over time and adjust their care as they grow.

What is paediatric endocrinology?

Paediatric endocrinology looks after babies, children and teenagers whose hormones or glands aren't working as they should. It covers conditions such as slow growth, early or late puberty, diabetes and thyroid problems. Many of these last for years, so a paediatric endocrinologist often follows your child through growth and puberty, adjusting care as they develop. A GP or paediatrician usually makes the referral, and older teenagers move on to adult services when they're ready.

When should you see a paediatric endocrinologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Your child is growing more slowly, or is much shorter than other children their age
• Signs of puberty before age 8, or no signs of puberty by age 14
• Your child is very thirsty, passing a lot of urine or losing weight without trying
• Weight gain that is hard to manage
• A baby whose genitals look different from expected at birth

If a child with these signs becomes drowsy, starts breathing fast and deeply, or is vomiting, this can be a diabetic emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Seek emergency care straight away.

Some children are referred without obvious symptoms, for example after a newborn screening result or because a hormone condition runs in the family.

What to expect

At the first appointment, the paediatric endocrinologist asks about your child's health and family history. They measure height and weight and plot them on a growth chart, comparing with earlier measurements to see how your child is developing. Depending on the concern, your child may have blood tests to check hormone levels. Some children also have a bone-age X-ray of the hand and wrist, or a scan such as an ultrasound.

Treatment depends on what's found. For some children it means regular monitoring and reviews as they grow up. Others need hormone treatments such as growth hormone or thyroid hormone, or insulin for type 1 diabetes. Care is checked and adjusted over time. Your child's specialist explains the options and agrees the next steps with you. Our diabetes educators and dietitians are often involved too.

Paediatric Endocrinology at Mediclinic

Our paediatric endocrinologists in Dubai care for children from infancy through to late adolescence and young adulthood. When a hormone or growth concern is picked up, we start with diagnostic screening and set out a treatment plan built around your child.

For children with type 1 diabetes, our paediatric endocrinologists work with diabetes educators and dietitians to help you and your child manage it day to day. We also link up with your child's wider care team when a hormone problem is part of another condition.