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Pediatric Hormone Testing
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The Importance of Balancing Hormones in Children
The overall quality of our children’s lives is very dependent on the delicate balance of several essential functions of their bodies. These functions are controlled by reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone), the thyroid gland and the relationship between insulin and glucose. Each of these powerful hormones are intertwined, with one interdependent upon the other. When one is out of balance, it has a direct and tangible effect on the others. The net result is that your child’s sense of well-being can diminish, and in turn affect their quality of life.
Our goal through our pediatric hormone testing process is to help you assess your childs’s specific situation to obtain a complete and comprehensive picture of their overall health. Based on our pediatric hormone testing findings, we will work with you and your child to develop a holistic strategy specifically tailored to your child’s needs.
Reproductive Hormones
Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone play a vital role in the sexual development of a child. As a child ages proper expression of these hormones determines when a child reaches puberty. Over or under expression of these hormones can have significant implications for the overall health of a child.
Recent research suggests that puberty may be happening earlier for both boys and girls. On average, girls will begin puberty around age 11 and boys around age 12.
If puberty begins earlier, it might signify a condition called Precocious puberty. This is when puberty begins before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys. Precocious puberty is a condition that may require treatment.
It is important to note that exposure to certain chemicals in the environment such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates can contribute to Precocious puberty. Both of these chemicals can be found in many common household items including but not limited to: some hard, clear plastics such as water bottles and baby bottles and in the lining of food cans. Phthalates are used to make soft, flexible plastics such as PVC (“vinyl”) products and food packaging. They are also used to make fragrances found in beauty and skin care products.
Symptoms of precocious puberty can include:
- Breast growth and first period in girls
- Enlarged testicles and penis, facial hair and deepening voice in boys
- Pubic or underarm hair
- Rapid growth
- Acne
- Adult body odor
The Thyroid: The Furnace of Life
The thyroid is critical for the healthy functioning of every aspect of the human body.
Thyroid hormones are essential for the production of energy in each and every cell in the body. It is also responsible for converting cholesterol into the hormones.
Children with an undiagnosed unactive thyroid (hypothyroid) can have the following symptoms:
- Slowed growth rate
- Dry and itchy scalp
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Slower reaction time (an important issue for drivers)
- Weight gain & obesity
- Constipation
- Sparse, coarse and dry hair
- Coarse, dry and thickened skin
- Slow pulse
- Dull facial expression
- Slow speech
- Puffy and swollen face
- Enlarged thyroid, producing a goiter-like growth on the neck
- Increased menstrual flow and cramping in girls and young women
Children with an undiagnosed overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) may experience the following symptoms:
- Trouble sleeping
- Behavior problems
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Frequent bowel movements
- Warm, moist skin
- Always feeling hot (even when others are not)
- Trembling of the hand
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Poor school performance
- Staring or bulging eyes
There are many causes of a thyroid disorder. Proper testing is essential in order to determine if there is an underlying autoimmune condition, if the condition is congenital or there are other contributing factors.
Insulin, Glucose & Childhood Obesity
Insulin and glucose both play a major role in determining how a child processes carbohydrates and in turn accumulates and store fat. Childhood obesity is a condition in which a child is significantly overweight for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. There may be no symptoms other than weight that’s above normal.
Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It’s particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once considered specific to adults only.
Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.
Not all children carrying extra pounds are overweight. Some children have larger than average body frames. And children normally carry different amounts of body fat at the various stages of development. A parent might not know by how your child looks if weight is a health concern.
The main cause of childhood obesity is a combination of eating too much and exercising too little. Or a poor diet containing high levels of fat or sugar and few nutrients
Family history, psychological and certain medications factors can also be contributing factors.
Children with obesity face four times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to children with a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range, according to a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
Both obesity and diabetes are epidemic health problems. Obesity affects about 12.7 million children and teens in the United States. The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study found 3,600 cases of type 2 diabetes were diagnosed in U.S. children and teens each year between 2002 and 2005.
The correct testing is essential in determining the impact of obesity on your child’s health. The three main tests to determine if your child is prediabetic are a fasting blood sugar test, a Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test and an oral glucose tolerance test.
Can Infants and Children Benefit from a Hormone Testing?
Yes. Proper pediatric hormone testing can be essential in determining the overall health of your child. Start the process of healing. Please call Wellness Pediatrics in Birmingham, Michigan at 248-940-1990 to schedule a hormone test for your child.
