Pediatric Endocrinology specialization requires completing medical school, followed by approximately 4-5 years of Pediatrics specialization training, and then an additional 3-4 years of sub-specialization training.
Pediatric Endocrinologists deal with hormonal disorders at all stages of childhood and adolescence. We diagnose, treat, and monitor hormonal disorders in children and adolescents aged 0-18 years. Hormones are substances released into circulation from glands in our bodies and are essential for the correct functioning and development of many body functions. In childhood, they are closely related to growth and development. For example, in goiter disease, which presents with swelling in the neck, thyroid hormone deficiency can lead to short stature, obesity, delayed puberty, decreased school performance, excessive sleep, fatigue, and pallor.
The physiological and psychological characteristics of children differ from those of adults. They are in a continuous process of growth and development. Endocrine problems that can be seen in childhood can lead to serious adverse effects in adulthood if not properly treated. Growth problems in children are health issues that require follow-up by the Pediatric Endocrinology Department. The main ones include:
- Obesity
- Short stature,
- Early or delayed puberty,
- Menstrual problems in girls,
- Excessive hair growth;
- Elevated TSH levels in newborn heel blood,
- Underactive or overactive thyroid gland,
- Goiter,
- Congenital or acquired adrenal gland diseases,
- Ovarian dysfunction,
- Diabetes,
- Hypoglycemia,
- Low or high calcium levels,
- Vitamin D deficiency,
Dr. Gülsüm Figen OLTULU
Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist
