pediatric endocronologist: what to expect

[knaidel]

My son is being referred to a pediatric endocronologist for growth issues. I am wondering if anyone has any experience at such a specialist and can tell me what to expect. I imagine that they will do some blood work and check various hormone levels, correct? Does anyone know anything about growth hormones? I try to buy hormone free milk and poultry, so I am not so excited about the possibility of injecting them into my son, but I definetly want to keep an open mind about various treatments, if deemed necessary.

[kelly ann]

We saw a specialist when DS was just a baby and they tested his hormones levels through a blood test. At this point we will not have to revisit the endocrinologist until DS hits puberty - unless he falls off the growth curves for height. I have done some reading up on growth hormones and there are a lot of side effects. There are more people giving growth hormones to their children these days for more "minor" height issues. For example, a son is predicted to be 5'6" and the parents would rather him be a couple of inches taller. I honestly don't see how a doctor allows this.

I think the hard part is trying to figure out how you define what is necessary, KWIM? I would not administer growth hormones in my example above, but I realized there are other less minor issues that may require hormones.

Hope this helps a little.

ETA: It sounds like you have gotten a referral, but let me know if you ever need a second opinion. I can give you the name of our doctor in the Chicagoland area.