Paediatric Endocrinology

What Is Paediatric Endocrinology?

Paediatric endocrinology focuses on hormone-related conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Hormones act as chemical messengers throughout the body, regulating growth, puberty, energy levels, metabolism, reproduction, and water and electrolyte balance.

Even small hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on how a child’s body functions. Endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas release hormones into the bloodstream, and when these systems are disrupted, specialist assessment is often required.

Children are not small adults. Their bodies, brains, and emotional needs are constantly changing, which is why hormonal conditions in childhood require a specialised, developmentally informed approach.

Conditions We Assess and Manage

We support children and adolescents with a wide range of endocrine and hormone-related conditions, including:

Growth and Development

• Growth assessment and short stature

• Faltering growth or changes in growth patterns

• Concerns about predicted adult height

• Failure to thrive

Puberty-Related Concerns

• Precocious (early) puberty

• Delayed puberty

• Abnormal pubertal development

Thyroid Conditions

• Congenital hypothyroidism

• Acquired hypothyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism

• Thyroid nodules

• Goitre

Diabetes and Metabolic Conditions

• Type 1 diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes

• Monogenic diabetes (MODY)

• Congenital diabetes

• Diabetes associated with pancreatic conditions

• Insulin resistance and metabolic screening

Each child receives an individualised management plan that takes into account medical needs, lifestyle factors, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.

Childhood Obesity

Children with elevated weight relative to height may be affected by medical, hormonal, nutritional, or environmental factors. Assessment includes screening for hormonal and metabolic conditions, as childhood obesity can increase the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Hormonal Stimulation and Diagnostic Testing

Some endocrine conditions cannot be diagnosed through a single blood test. In these cases, specialised hormonal stimulation tests may be required.

These tests are used to assess conditions such as:

• Growth hormone deficiency

• Early or delayed puberty

• Adrenal gland disorders

Testing is only recommended when clinically indicated and follows careful assessment. Procedures are conducted in appropriate medical settings and explained clearly to parents and caregivers.

Diabetes Care and Ongoing Management

Diabetes in children requires ongoing monitoring and tailored treatment. Management depends on the type of diabetes and may include insulin therapy via injections or insulin pumps.

We also support families using digital health tools such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and glucose sensors, including remote review of uploaded data and adjustments to treatment plans when needed. Care is always individualised and family-focused.

Gender-Affirming and Puberty-Related Care

Some young people experience distress related to gender identity and physical development. Gender dysphoria can significantly affect emotional wellbeing and daily functioning. When appropriate, gender-affirming medical care may be considered as part of a broader, holistic approach that supports physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal condition that can affect adolescent girls and may present with:

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Acne

• Excess hair growth

• Weight gain or obesity

Assessment focuses on identifying the underlying hormonal imbalance and tailoring treatment to the individual’s symptoms and needs.

Other Endocrine and Hormonal Conditions

We also assess and manage a wide range of less common endocrine conditions, including:

• Adrenal disorders (including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency)

• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

• Bone and mineral disorders (calcium, phosphate, vitamin D imbalance)

• Disorders of sexual development (including ambiguous genitalia)

• Hormone overproduction syndromes (such as excess growth hormone or cortisol)

• Genetic endocrine syndromes (including Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and overgrowth syndromes)

A Multidisciplinary, Child-Focused Approach

Our clinic works within a multidisciplinary framework, collaborating with other health professionals when needed to ensure comprehensive care. This approach recognises that hormonal health is closely linked to physical development, emotional wellbeing, nutrition, and family context.

Care is respectful, developmentally appropriate, and focused on long-term outcomes.

Appointments and Consultations

Initial consultations are longer to allow for thorough assessment, while follow-up appointments focus on ongoing management and review. For families who live outside Auckland or are unable to attend in person, telehealth consultations may be available when appropriate.

Families do not always require a referral to book an appointment. If previous medical records, growth data, or test results are available, bringing these to the consultation is helpful.