Endocrinology
Learning HubLearn about endocrine disorders including disorders affecting growth, bones, the thyroid, and puberty. The pages below discuss different endocrine disorders affecting children and teens, diagnosis, treatments and how to manage life-long conditions.
Adrenal
The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both kidneys. Learn about conditions of the adrenal glands including congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease.
Calcium parathyroid & bone
Read about the importance of bone health for children, conditions that affect the bones and how they can be managed.
- Kids and their bones: A guide for parents
- Bone health: The role of calcium and vitamin D
- Vitamin D deficiency and rickets
- X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH)
- Osteoporosis: Overview
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Pseudohypoparathyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypercalcemia
- Pamidronate: Informational handout for families
- Zoledronate: Informational handout for families
Growth
Children and teens can experience growth problems for several reasons. Learn about growth problems, growth hormone deficiency, short stature and what can be done about these conditions.
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General
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Growth hormone deficiency
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Short stature (small for gestational age & growth)
Hypoglycemia & hyperinsulinism
Learn about hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinism, how they impact blood sugar levels, and how they can be managed.
Pituitary
The pituitary gland makes several important hormones. Find out which endocrine disorders affect the pituitary gland and how they can be managed.
- Hypopituitarism
- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) deficiency
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) deficiency (diabetes insipidus)
- Gonadotropin (FSH, LH) deficiency
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency
- Growth hormone (GH) deficiency
- Growth hormone deficiency: A guide for families
- Beginning growth hormone therapy: FAQs
- Septo-optic dysplasia
Puberty
There are several conditions that can impact puberty. Other conditions may not occur until your child enters puberty. Learn more about puberty and conditions that can affect it.
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General
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Early puberty
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Delayed puberty
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of the neck. Learn about conditions that can affect the thyroid and how they can be managed.
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General
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Hypothyroidism
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Hyperthyroidism
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Thyroid nodules and cancer
- What is thyroid cancer?
- Thyroid cancer for teens
- Thyroid biopsy/FNA using image guidance
- What to expect after thyroid biopsy
- What to expect after surgery (thyroidectomy)
- Instructions for patients receiving radioiodine therapy
- Low iodine diet created by Thyroid Cancer Canada
- Hypocalcemia: Post-surgical monitoring
- Thyroid nodules in children and adolescents
- Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer
Endocrine disorders after treatment for childhood brain tumours
Brain tumours and their treatments can impact the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. As a result, children may need treatment for endocrine disorders. Learn more in the pages below.
- Diabetes insipidus after brain tumour treatment
- Thyroid abnormalities after brain tumour treatment
- Effects of brain tumours and treatment on growth in childhood
- Effects of brain tumours and treatment on the adrenal glands
- Puberty and fertility in boys after diagnosis and treatment for brain tumours
- Puberty and fertility in girls after diagnosis and treatment for brain tumours
- Osteoporosis after brain tumour treatment
- Excess weight gain after brain tumour treatment
Other endocrine disorders
Read about other endocrine disorders that affect children and teens, and find resources from other organizations to help support you and your child.
Nutrition, physical activity and mental health
The Meant2Prevent Resource Hub has trusted youth-focused resources that promote healthy living, mental health and lifestyle habits. Also find resources from AboutKidsHealth on supporting mental health and well-being.
Diabetes Learning Hub
Visit the Diabetes Learning Hub to learn more about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, insulin, and managing your child's care.