Excellence
in Pediatric Endocrine Care
Our mission at MSPEC is to provide excellent patient and family-centered pediatric endocrine care so the infants, children, and teens of North Mississippi and West Alabama can thrive.
Two convenient clinic locations
Address
452 W Bankhead Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Address
2600 5th Street N
Columbus, MS 39705
Hours
Thursday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What is a pediatric endocrinologist?
Endocrinology is the science of hormones secreted by endocrine glands. A pediatric endocrinologist is a “Hormone Doctor for Children”. To be a pediatric endocrinologist, a pediatrician must complete three additional years of specialized training and then pass a national board certification exam to become board certified.
Conditions we treat
The endocrine glands include the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the thyroid, the parathyroid, the pancreas, the adrenal glands, the testicles, and the ovaries. These organs regulate many important bodily functions including carbohydrate metabolism, growth and development, puberty, stress response, heart and blood pressure, calcium metabolism, and bone strength. In addition, some non-endocrine disorders in children may cause problems with growth and puberty.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
What is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia?
Adrenal Glands are small organs that are located above each kidney. Through a series of chemical reactions, the enzymes in the adrenal glands change cholesterol from your blood into steroid hormones that help your body function normally. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a condition where a child is born with too little of a certain adrenal enzyme or none at all. The body senses there is not enough important steroid hormones and tries to stimulate the adrenal glands. The system becomes backed up and the adrenal glands produce too much of certain types of sex steroid hormones and not enough of the other steroid hormones.
How is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia diagnosed?
The excessive amounts of sex steroid hormones cause excessive male development or an abnormal salt balance. Signs and symptoms of CAH may be present at birth or may not begin until puberty or even adulthood. The newborn screen done before infants are discharged from their birth hospital, includes measuring levels of one of the male sex steroids intended to diagnose CAH in the newborn period.
If a child is suspected to have Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a provider will need to measure blood levels of a hormone called 17-hydroxy-progesterone (17-OHP). This should be done first thing in the morning when male sex steroid levels are highest. A Bone Age x-ray of the child’s hand can also be done to determine whether the excessive male hormones have cause advanced bone maturation.
How is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia treated?
Treatment of children with CAH includes a low dose short-acting steroid medication taken daily to replace the important hormones the adrenal gland isn’t making enough of. This is to reduce the overstimulation of the adrenal glands and therefore reduce the levels of male hormones being made. During times of stress, extra amounts of the steroid medication are needed to help the body cope. If the child also has abnormal salt imbalance a daily medication is needed to help regulate salt levels. Treatment monitoring is done with regular visits to a Pediatric Endocrinologist several times a year. Blood tests and bone age x-rays are needed to monitor therapy and make medication changes.
Growth Disorders
What are Growth Disorders?
A child’s growth pattern is as unique as they are. There are many factors that influence how fast a child grows and what their adult height will be, including heredity, nutrition, sleep quantity and quality, hormones, and the presence of an underlying illness or external stress. Some of these factors can be controlled and others cannot.
Delayed growth, poor weight gain, poor linear growth, and short stature are all terms used to describe when a child does not follow the typical growth pattern of other children their age.
How are Growth Disorders diagnosed?
Every time your child goes to their primary care provider their weight should be measured. Every time your child goes to their primary care provider for a well child check-up their height should be measured. You can help make sure these measurements are accurate by either always leaving your child’s shoes on or always taking your child’s shoes off. Your child’s primary care provider will plot the height on a growth chart. The growth chart shows normal growth patterns for healthy children at various ages for comparison. Your child’s primary care provider will also review previous growth patterns.
Your child’s primary care provider may decide a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist is needed. A thorough history and physical examination by a pediatric endocrinologist may reveal the reason for a child’s poor growth without the need for diagnostic testing. If needed a pediatric endocrinologist may recommend lab tests or xrays. Sometimes special testing called an endocrine stimulation test may be needed before a diagnosis can be made.
How are Growth Disorders treated?
The treatment of a child with poor growth is designed to target the specific cause or multiple causes of their condition. For example, if a child is not growing well because they are not getting enough calories and nutrients from age-appropriate nutritious foods then their treatment plan would include receiving education from a registered dietician. A nutritional supplement may be needed for a short time. If a child is diagnosed with an endocrine condition which negatively affects growth such as hypothyroidism or growth hormone deficiency then their treatment plan would include giving hormone medications.
Abnormal Weight Gain
What is Weight Gain?
A child or teen would be diagnosed with abnormal weight gain if they have persistent weight gain that is more than what is expected during normal growth. There are many factors which affect a person’s weight including genetics, metabolic rate, food and beverage intake, physical activity, medications, and behaviors such as getting enough good quality sleep.
How is Weight Gain diagnosed?
Every time your child goes to their primary care provider their weight should be measured. Every time your child goes to their primary care provider for a well child check-up their height should be measured. Your child’s body-mass-index (BMI) can be calculated using their weight and height. The BMI is a measure of body fat based on a person’s height and weight. To determine if your child’s weight gain is abnormal the provider will plot their weight and BMI on a growth chart. The growth chart shows normal growth patterns for healthy children at various ages for comparison.
The term overweight means a child’s BMI is at or above the 85 th percentile or in other words their BMI is greater than 85% of other children of the same sex and age. The term obese means a child’s BMI is at or above the 95 th percentile or in other words their BMI is greater than 95% of other children of the same sex and age. The term morbid obesity means a child’s BMI is at or above the 99 th percentile or in other words their BMI is greater than 99% of other children of the same sex and age.
The evaluation of a child or teen with abnormal weight gain should include a panel of blood work to screen for diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and thyroid dysfunction. A thorough history and physical exam will help rule out more rare causes of weight gain such as a genetic defect or a medication side effect.
How is Weight Gain treated?
Pediatric obesity is a serious health concern affecting 22% of Mississippi children and teens. A little more than half of obese children become obese teens, but at least 80% of obese teens become obese adults. Obesity in adulthood increases the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and joint pain and disability.
The main goal of treatment for childhood obesity is to reduce the risk of the chronic health conditions listed above. The management plan for a child or teen who is overweight or obese should always include evaluation and treatment by a Registered Dietician who is comfortable working with young people. The Dietician would discuss the child’s eating habits and daily physical activity. Together with the dietician the patient, parents, and caregivers can set realistic goals to begin a healthy lifestyle which can be maintained for a lifetime.
If a child is diagnosed with an endocrine condition which predisposes to weight gain such as hypothyroidism then the treatment plan would include giving hormone medications.
Hypopituitarism
What is Hypopituitarism?
The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized organ that is located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the “master gland” because it controls the function of many other glands including the adrenals, thyroid, testes, and ovaries. There are many important bodily functions which are monitored and regulated by the pituitary gland including growth, metabolism, sexual development and reproduction, lactation, salt & water balance, blood pressure, and the stress response.
Hypopituitarism is a condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough of one or more of the pituitary hormones. There are many different mechanisms which can cause hypopituitarism from underdevelopment of this area of the brain during fetal growth to radiation damage during cancer treatment.
How is Hypopituitarism diagnosed?
The most common way in which hypopituitarism is detected in children is when they are evaluated for growth failure. Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will do a thorough history and physical examination along with blood/urine testing and possibly an xray to diagnose hypopituitarism. If hypopituitarism is confirmed a specialized brain MRI is almost always done to visualize the pituitary gland and its surrounding structures.
How is Hypopituitarism treated?
The treatment of hypopituitarism depends on which pituitary hormones are deficient. For example, if the pituitary does not make enough thyroid-stimulating hormone then treatment would include giving thyroid hormone replacement.
Early Puberty
What is Early Puberty?
Puberty is a process when the glands of the body begin to release hormones that work together to cause a child’s body to mature and develop into a teenager. The onset of puberty in girls is marked by either the growth of breast tissue or pubic hair. The onset of puberty in boys is marked by the enlargement of the penis and testicles. Early puberty, also known as precocious puberty, is defined as the onset of puberty in girls before 8 years old and in boys before 9 years old. African American and Hispanic girls often have a slightly earlier onset of normal puberty compared to Caucasian girls.
There are many different mechanisms which can cause precocious puberty in children. The most common cause for precocious puberty is idiopathic central precocious puberty. Idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP) is when the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain begins sending signals to start puberty too early but the specific reason for this early trigger is not known.
How is Early Puberty diagnosed?
Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will do a thorough history and physical examination along with blood testing and possibly an xray or pelvic ultrasound to diagnose precocious puberty. Sometimes a specialized blood test called a Leuprolide Stimulation Test is needed to reach a final diagnosis. If the cause is confirmed to be CPP a specialized brain MRI is almost always done to visualize the pituitary gland and its surrounding structures.
How is Early Puberty treated?
Treatment for precocious puberty depends on the child’s age and their emotional and physical development, as well as what the specific cause is. If the cause is CPP, your pediatric endocrinologist may offer treatment with a medication given as an injection or as an implant under the skin of the arm. The goal of this therapy is to slow down the physical changes of puberty and delay the onset of periods in girls.
Often precocious puberty will cause a child’s bones to mature rapidly which will cause their adult height to be significantly shorter than his/her potential height. Treatment of precocious puberty may decrease the rate of bone maturation and allow more time for a child to grow.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
During normal female puberty the adrenal glands make male-like hormones, called androgens, which cause underarm hair, pubic hair, and body odor to develop. In normal healthy girls during and after puberty the ovaries begin making 3 types of hormones: estrogens, progesterone, and androgens. In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) the ovaries make too much androgens. The high androgen levels can cause increased body & facial hair, severe acne, and irregular periods.
Girls with PCOS have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol. PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance which increases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Many but not all girls with PCOS struggle with gaining too much weight.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome diagnosed?
PCOS should be suspected if a young girl has irregular periods and either excess body/facial hair or severe acne. The irregular periods may manifest as either months without any period at all or periods that happen too often or last too long.
It is normal for periods to be irregular during the 2-3 years after they first occur therefore it may be difficult to diagnosis PCOS in the early teenage years. Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist can measure blood androgen levels to diagnose PCOS and rule out other endocrine disorders which can have similar symptoms. Sometimes a pelvic ultrasound is helpful in this evaluation too.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome treated?
Hormone treatments in the form of either pills, patches, or intrauterine devices are commonly used to regulate menstrual periods. Sometimes these same hormone treatments can also help with acne and unwanted hair but if needed a medication called Spironolactone may be added to block the effects of the excess androgens.
It is true that women with PCOS sometimes have a harder time conceiving a baby. However, ALL sexually active girls with PCOS, even those who do not have regular menstrual periods, can easily become pregnant and should therefore use contraception.
Aside from managing the symptoms of PCOS it is important to address the risk of any associated insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Glucophage, best known by its’ brand name, Metformin, is a medication commonly used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and is very helpful in treating the insulin resistance associated with PCOS. But rather than a medication, it is making and maintaining healthy habits of good nutrition and regular physical activity which has the biggest impact on living well with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Diabetes Mellitus
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
The carbohydrates you eat are broken down into sugar (glucose) and then released into your bloodstream. Your body also makes sugar by a process primarily occurring in the liver, called gluconeogenesis. When your blood sugar levels goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone which acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the levels of glucose in the blood are higher than normal. There are 3 main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children and teens compared to adults. It is an autoimmune disease in which the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. Type 2 diabetes is more often diagnosed later in life. However, most people are surprised to learn that 1 of every 3 new cases of diabetes in patients younger than 18 years old are Type 2. The underlying cause of Type 2 diabetes is the body’s inability to respond to insulin normally, known as insulin resistance.
How is Diabetes Mellitus diagnosed?
A person with high blood sugar may show any of the following symptoms: increased thirst, excessive urination or bed-wetting, change in appetite, weight loss, fatigue, trouble concentrating, abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting, headaches, blurry vision, or changes in behavior. If you suspect your child has diabetes you must seek immediate medical attention. A quick blood sugar and urine test can determine if an urgent referral to a pediatric endocrinologist is necessary.
Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will perform a thorough history, physical examination, and possibly order additional lab tests to determine if your child does indeed have diabetes and what the most likely type is.
How is Diabetes Mellitus treated?
People with Type 1 diabetes are entirely dependent on taking insulin through injections or an insulin pump to survive. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with healthy nutrition and regular physical exercise. In many cases though medications taken by mouth or injection are needed to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Like with any other chronic medical condition, having a child diagnosed with diabetes is life-changing and often quite scary. With support and proper care from their family and collaboration with qualified pediatric diabetes specialists, children and teens with diabetes can live long, happy, fulfilling lives.
Thyroid Disorders
What are Thyroid Disorders?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck centered right above the chest bone. There are 2 main hormones produced by the thyroid gland, T3 and T4. Thyroid hormones are very important for a child’s normal growth and development and can affect many other bodily functions including: metabolic rate, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, and muscle strength.
Children and teens can be affected by a number of different kinds of thyroid gland disorders including underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), thyroiditis, goiter, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in children and occurs in 1 of every 1,250 children.
How are Thyroid Disorders diagnosed?
The most common reason a thyroid disorder is suspected is because a child is displaying abnormal growth or low energy levels. Your child’s primary care provider will likely order the initial screening tests, a TSH and free T4 level, before referring to a pediatric endocrinologist. In the case of a newborn the thyroid disorder may be discovered because of an abnormal newborn screen (the heelprick done before discharge from birth hospital). Following a thorough history and physical examination, your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will likely recommend repeating the thyroid function tests and possibly autoantibody levels. In some cases a thyroid ultrasound or other radiologic imaging is necessary.
How are Thyroid Disorders treated?
Hypothyroidism is treated with a once daily medication called Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone. Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will monitor thyroid function tests and adjust the dose of medication accordingly. Thyroid hormone replacement is almost always needed for life as there is not currently a cure for hypothyroidism.
The most appropriate treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the underlying cause and severity of the disease. In many cases, a type of medication called a beta-blocker is used initially to help relieve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. In order to reduce the thyroid hormone levels, a pediatric endocrinologist will prescribe an antithyroid medication called Methimazole. Many patients will require treatment to prevent recurrence of hyperthyroidism such as radioactive iodine ablation or surgery to remove the thyroid gland.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
What is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia?
Adrenal Glands are small organs that are located above each kidney. Through a series of chemical reactions, the enzymes in the adrenal glands change cholesterol from your blood into steroid hormones that help your body function normally. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a condition where a child is born with too little of a certain adrenal enzyme or none at all. The body senses there is not enough important steroid hormones and tries to stimulate the adrenal glands. The system becomes backed up and the adrenal glands produce too much of certain types of sex steroid hormones and not enough of the other steroid hormones.
How is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia diagnosed?
The excessive amounts of sex steroid hormones cause excessive male development or an abnormal salt balance. Signs and symptoms of CAH may be present at birth or may not begin until puberty or even adulthood. The newborn screen done before infants are discharged from their birth hospital, includes measuring levels of one of the male sex steroids intended to diagnose CAH in the newborn period.
If a child is suspected to have Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a provider will need to measure blood levels of a hormone called 17-hydroxy-progesterone (17-OHP). This should be done first thing in the morning when male sex steroid levels are highest. A Bone Age x-ray of the child’s hand can also be done to determine whether the excessive male hormones have cause advanced bone maturation.
How is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia treated?
Treatment of children with CAH includes a low dose short-acting steroid medication taken daily to replace the important hormones the adrenal gland isn’t making enough of. This is to reduce the overstimulation of the adrenal glands and therefore reduce the levels of male hormones being made. During times of stress, extra amounts of the steroid medication are needed to help the body cope. If the child also has abnormal salt imbalance a daily medication is needed to help regulate salt levels. Treatment monitoring is done with regular visits to a Pediatric Endocrinologist several times a year. Blood tests and bone age x-rays are needed to monitor therapy and make medication changes.
Growth Disorders
What are Growth Disorders?
A child’s growth pattern is as unique as they are. There are many factors that influence how fast a child grows and what their adult height will be, including heredity, nutrition, sleep quantity and quality, hormones, and the presence of an underlying illness or external stress. Some of these factors can be controlled and others cannot.
Delayed growth, poor weight gain, poor linear growth, and short stature are all terms used to describe when a child does not follow the typical growth pattern of other children their age.
How are Growth Disorders diagnosed?
Every time your child goes to their primary care provider their weight should be measured. Every time your child goes to their primary care provider for a well child check-up their height should be measured. You can help make sure these measurements are accurate by either always leaving your child’s shoes on or always taking your child’s shoes off. Your child’s primary care provider will plot the height on a growth chart. The growth chart shows normal growth patterns for healthy children at various ages for comparison. Your child’s primary care provider will also review previous growth patterns.
Your child’s primary care provider may decide a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist is needed. A thorough history and physical examination by a pediatric endocrinologist may reveal the reason for a child’s poor growth without the need for diagnostic testing. If needed a pediatric endocrinologist may recommend lab tests or xrays. Sometimes special testing called an endocrine stimulation test may be needed before a diagnosis can be made.
How are Growth Disorders treated?
The treatment of a child with poor growth is designed to target the specific cause or multiple causes of their condition. For example, if a child is not growing well because they are not getting enough calories and nutrients from age-appropriate nutritious foods then their treatment plan would include receiving education from a registered dietician. A nutritional supplement may be needed for a short time. If a child is diagnosed with an endocrine condition which negatively affects growth such as hypothyroidism or growth hormone deficiency then their treatment plan would include giving hormone medications.
Abnormal Weight Gain
What is Weight Gain?
A child or teen would be diagnosed with abnormal weight gain if they have persistent weight gain that is more than what is expected during normal growth. There are many factors which affect a person’s weight including genetics, metabolic rate, food and beverage intake, physical activity, medications, and behaviors such as getting enough good quality sleep.
How is Weight Gain diagnosed?
Every time your child goes to their primary care provider their weight should be measured. Every time your child goes to their primary care provider for a well child check-up their height should be measured. Your child’s body-mass-index (BMI) can be calculated using their weight and height. The BMI is a measure of body fat based on a person’s height and weight. To determine if your child’s weight gain is abnormal the provider will plot their weight and BMI on a growth chart. The growth chart shows normal growth patterns for healthy children at various ages for comparison.
The term overweight means a child’s BMI is at or above the 85 th percentile or in other words their BMI is greater than 85% of other children of the same sex and age. The term obese means a child’s BMI is at or above the 95 th percentile or in other words their BMI is greater than 95% of other children of the same sex and age. The term morbid obesity means a child’s BMI is at or above the 99 th percentile or in other words their BMI is greater than 99% of other children of the same sex and age.
The evaluation of a child or teen with abnormal weight gain should include a panel of blood work to screen for diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and thyroid dysfunction. A thorough history and physical exam will help rule out more rare causes of weight gain such as a genetic defect or a medication side effect.
How is Weight Gain treated?
Pediatric obesity is a serious health concern affecting 22% of Mississippi children and teens. A little more than half of obese children become obese teens, but at least 80% of obese teens become obese adults. Obesity in adulthood increases the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and joint pain and disability.
The main goal of treatment for childhood obesity is to reduce the risk of the chronic health conditions listed above. The management plan for a child or teen who is overweight or obese should always include evaluation and treatment by a Registered Dietician who is comfortable working with young people. The Dietician would discuss the child’s eating habits and daily physical activity. Together with the dietician the patient, parents, and caregivers can set realistic goals to begin a healthy lifestyle which can be maintained for a lifetime.
If a child is diagnosed with an endocrine condition which predisposes to weight gain such as hypothyroidism then the treatment plan would include giving hormone medications.
Hypopituitarism
What is Hypopituitarism?
The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized organ that is located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the “master gland” because it controls the function of many other glands including the adrenals, thyroid, testes, and ovaries. There are many important bodily functions which are monitored and regulated by the pituitary gland including growth, metabolism, sexual development and reproduction, lactation, salt & water balance, blood pressure, and the stress response.
Hypopituitarism is a condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough of one or more of the pituitary hormones. There are many different mechanisms which can cause hypopituitarism from underdevelopment of this area of the brain during fetal growth to radiation damage during cancer treatment.
How is Hypopituitarism diagnosed?
The most common way in which hypopituitarism is detected in children is when they are evaluated for growth failure. Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will do a thorough history and physical examination along with blood/urine testing and possibly an xray to diagnose hypopituitarism. If hypopituitarism is confirmed a specialized brain MRI is almost always done to visualize the pituitary gland and its surrounding structures.
How is Hypopituitarism treated?
The treatment of hypopituitarism depends on which pituitary hormones are deficient. For example, if the pituitary does not make enough thyroid-stimulating hormone then treatment would include giving thyroid hormone replacement.
Early Puberty
What is Early Puberty?
Puberty is a process when the glands of the body begin to release hormones that work together to cause a child’s body to mature and develop into a teenager. The onset of puberty in girls is marked by either the growth of breast tissue or pubic hair. The onset of puberty in boys is marked by the enlargement of the penis and testicles. Early puberty, also known as precocious puberty, is defined as the onset of puberty in girls before 8 years old and in boys before 9 years old. African American and Hispanic girls often have a slightly earlier onset of normal puberty compared to Caucasian girls.
There are many different mechanisms which can cause precocious puberty in children. The most common cause for precocious puberty is idiopathic central precocious puberty. Idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP) is when the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain begins sending signals to start puberty too early but the specific reason for this early trigger is not known.
How is Early Puberty diagnosed?
Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will do a thorough history and physical examination along with blood testing and possibly an xray or pelvic ultrasound to diagnose precocious puberty. Sometimes a specialized blood test called a Leuprolide Stimulation Test is needed to reach a final diagnosis. If the cause is confirmed to be CPP a specialized brain MRI is almost always done to visualize the pituitary gland and its surrounding structures.
How is Early Puberty treated?
Treatment for precocious puberty depends on the child’s age and their emotional and physical development, as well as what the specific cause is. If the cause is CPP, your pediatric endocrinologist may offer treatment with a medication given as an injection or as an implant under the skin of the arm. The goal of this therapy is to slow down the physical changes of puberty and delay the onset of periods in girls.
Often precocious puberty will cause a child’s bones to mature rapidly which will cause their adult height to be significantly shorter than his/her potential height. Treatment of precocious puberty may decrease the rate of bone maturation and allow more time for a child to grow.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
During normal female puberty the adrenal glands make male-like hormones, called androgens, which cause underarm hair, pubic hair, and body odor to develop. In normal healthy girls during and after puberty the ovaries begin making 3 types of hormones: estrogens, progesterone, and androgens. In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) the ovaries make too much androgens. The high androgen levels can cause increased body & facial hair, severe acne, and irregular periods.
Girls with PCOS have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol. PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance which increases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Many but not all girls with PCOS struggle with gaining too much weight.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome diagnosed?
PCOS should be suspected if a young girl has irregular periods and either excess body/facial hair or severe acne. The irregular periods may manifest as either months without any period at all or periods that happen too often or last too long.
It is normal for periods to be irregular during the 2-3 years after they first occur therefore it may be difficult to diagnosis PCOS in the early teenage years. Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist can measure blood androgen levels to diagnose PCOS and rule out other endocrine disorders which can have similar symptoms. Sometimes a pelvic ultrasound is helpful in this evaluation too.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome treated?
Hormone treatments in the form of either pills, patches, or intrauterine devices are commonly used to regulate menstrual periods. Sometimes these same hormone treatments can also help with acne and unwanted hair but if needed a medication called Spironolactone may be added to block the effects of the excess androgens.
It is true that women with PCOS sometimes have a harder time conceiving a baby. However, ALL sexually active girls with PCOS, even those who do not have regular menstrual periods, can easily become pregnant and should therefore use contraception.
Aside from managing the symptoms of PCOS it is important to address the risk of any associated insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Glucophage, best known by its’ brand name, Metformin, is a medication commonly used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and is very helpful in treating the insulin resistance associated with PCOS. But rather than a medication, it is making and maintaining healthy habits of good nutrition and regular physical activity which has the biggest impact on living well with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Diabetes Mellitus
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
The carbohydrates you eat are broken down into sugar (glucose) and then released into your bloodstream. Your body also makes sugar by a process primarily occurring in the liver, called gluconeogenesis. When your blood sugar levels goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone which acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the levels of glucose in the blood are higher than normal. There are 3 main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children and teens compared to adults. It is an autoimmune disease in which the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. Type 2 diabetes is more often diagnosed later in life. However, most people are surprised to learn that 1 of every 3 new cases of diabetes in patients younger than 18 years old are Type 2. The underlying cause of Type 2 diabetes is the body’s inability to respond to insulin normally, known as insulin resistance.
How is Diabetes Mellitus diagnosed?
A person with high blood sugar may show any of the following symptoms: increased thirst, excessive urination or bed-wetting, change in appetite, weight loss, fatigue, trouble concentrating, abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting, headaches, blurry vision, or changes in behavior. If you suspect your child has diabetes you must seek immediate medical attention. A quick blood sugar and urine test can determine if an urgent referral to a pediatric endocrinologist is necessary.
Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will perform a thorough history, physical examination, and possibly order additional lab tests to determine if your child does indeed have diabetes and what the most likely type is.
How is Diabetes Mellitus treated?
People with Type 1 diabetes are entirely dependent on taking insulin through injections or an insulin pump to survive. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with healthy nutrition and regular physical exercise. In many cases though medications taken by mouth or injection are needed to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Like with any other chronic medical condition, having a child diagnosed with diabetes is life-changing and often quite scary. With support and proper care from their family and collaboration with qualified pediatric diabetes specialists, children and teens with diabetes can live long, happy, fulfilling lives.
Cortisol Deficiency
What is it?
A cortisol deficiency can be a symptom of several disorders. This deficiency is due to hypopituitarism, and may require cortisol treatments.
How is it diagnosed?
Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland. This hormone aids in the daily functions of the body. When one is in stress the body produces extra of this hormone to help the body recover. There are forms of cortisol that are made synthetically to help with cortisol deficiencies.
How is it treated?
Thyroid Disorders
What are Thyroid Disorders?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck centered right above the chest bone. There are 2 main hormones produced by the thyroid gland, T3 and T4. Thyroid hormones are very important for a child’s normal growth and development and can affect many other bodily functions including: metabolic rate, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, and muscle strength.
Children and teens can be affected by a number of different kinds of thyroid gland disorders including underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), thyroiditis, goiter, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in children and occurs in 1 of every 1,250 children.
How are Thyroid Disorders diagnosed?
The most common reason a thyroid disorder is suspected is because a child is displaying abnormal growth or low energy levels. Your child’s primary care provider will likely order the initial screening tests, a TSH and free T4 level, before referring to a pediatric endocrinologist. In the case of a newborn the thyroid disorder may be discovered because of an abnormal newborn screen (the heelprick done before discharge from birth hospital). Following a thorough history and physical examination, your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will likely recommend repeating the thyroid function tests and possibly autoantibody levels. In some cases a thyroid ultrasound or other radiologic imaging is necessary.
How are Thyroid Disorders treated?
Hypothyroidism is treated with a once daily medication called Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone. Your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will monitor thyroid function tests and adjust the dose of medication accordingly. Thyroid hormone replacement is almost always needed for life as there is not currently a cure for hypothyroidism.
The most appropriate treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the underlying cause and severity of the disease. In many cases, a type of medication called a beta-blocker is used initially to help relieve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. In order to reduce the thyroid hormone levels, a pediatric endocrinologist will prescribe an antithyroid medication called Methimazole. Many patients will require treatment to prevent recurrence of hyperthyroidism such as radioactive iodine ablation or surgery to remove the thyroid gland.
Hello and Welcome!
Why you should choose MSPEC
At Mississippi Pediatric Endocrine Care we are dedicated to one goal, to provide excellent, evidence-based pediatric endocrine care delivered with empathy and kindness in a consistent, efficient, and timely manner. Our provider and staff live in the communities we serve which we feel allows us to better serve the needs of your child. We know your children are the center of your world so please come visit us and let your family become the center of our practice.
Meet our staff
Jordan Coker, LPN
Hello, my name is Jordan Coker. I am a life-long resident of North MS. I grew up in the small town of East Union. After graduating high school, I furthered my education at Itawamba Community College, first majoring in paramedicine then nursing. I have worked many years in healthcare and absolutely love this field. I have a heart and passion for serving others. I always strive to put my patients care as a top priority and to always be the best nurse that I can be, no matter the situation. I look forward to serving our pediatric patients and their families with the best care possible.
Shaneka Green, MA
Hello, my name is Shaneka Green and I am born and raised in Tupelo Ms. I attended Tupelo high school and continued my education at Northeast Community College and finished at Ole Miss. I have two daughters and have been in the medical field since 2012 and completed my medical assistant journey in 2017. My experience overs the years combined with my medical assistant journey has blessed me with the opportunity to work for Dr. Silver and I am blessed and honored to be able to help provide awesome care for all of her patients.
