Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.   How can I have my child seen by an endocrine physician?

• Primary Care Physician may make referral for the appointment.
  *See how to contact us
• Follow your insurance guidelines for specialty referrals
• Call on us to book an appointment.
  *See how to contact us

2.   What should I expect at my first appointment in Endocrine Clinic?

• Plan on four hours to fully complete your visit.
  *Your child may have lab work or x-rays after seeing the endocrinologist.
• Each child will have a complete history and physical exam and may include full pubertal exam with the endocrinologist.
• Your child is likely to be reviewed by several child specialists

3.   What do I need to bring to my visit?

• Any growth records including the child immunization record.
• After your visit feel free to fill the client feedback form to enable us to serve you better.

4.   What kind of testing will my child have?

Each child is different. The tests ordered depend on the reason for the visit and based on the child's physical exam. Testing may include lab test or x-ray.

5.   When will I know the results of the evaluation?

Test results vary depending on the test. The physician will review completed tests along with your child's history and physical to complete the evaluation. Where appropriate, the nurse will contact you when the results are back so that your child can be reviewed.

6.   Where will my endocrine appointment be?

Endocrine clinics are held at the Muthaiga specialist clinic.
*See the Contact Us page for more information.

7.   My child is smaller than all the other children in the classroom and certainly smaller than my other children. Should I be concerned?

How a child grows is influenced by many things. Family genetics, nutrition, other medical diseases or medications can affect growth rates. Children normally grow at regular rates through childhood. Your pediatrician or family doctor can show you on a growth chart how your child has been growing, if the rate has remained steady, and if the growth has been appropriate based on family genetics. Children who are growing at slower rates than their same-age peers or who are smaller than you'd expect based on the height of other family members should be evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist

8.   When is it too early for my child to be starting puberty?

All children have body changes at puberty. For some children, these changes come early. Signs of sexual maturity in girls include breast development. In boys, the penis and testicles grow larger. Both boys and girls have an increase in their growth, growing suddenly taller. Pubic hair and skin that has become more oily may be present in both boys and girls. Many times, early sexual maturation is not a medical problem. Talk with your child's doctor about your child's signs of sexual maturation. Girls under age seven or boys under age nine who have signs of sexual maturation may benefit from an evaluation for early (precocious) puberty, but first discuss your concerns with your child's physician.

9.   When is it late for my child to be starting puberty?

Girls should have breast development by age 14 and menses by two years after breast development. Boys who are late do not shown signs of puberty (testicle changes, enlargement of penis, pubic or axillary hair, increased rate of growth) by age 13 ½ to 14 years. Start by talking with your child's physician about your concerns. Children with a delay in puberty may benefit from a consultation with a pediatric endocrinologist

10.   My child is overweight. Could this be a hormonal problem?

It is very unusual for a child to be overweight because of a hormone problem. Most overweight children are heavy for other reasons. Talk with your child's doctor about your concerns. Your child's doctor can screen your child for the various causes of obesity.