Common Myths
Answers to common questions about common myths.
Questions on this page
- “Short parents mean my child cannot grow tall.”
- “Growth hormone can make any child taller.”
- “A chubby child will automatically become overweight as an adult.”
- “Children with diabetes cannot eat sweets at all.”
- “Every high TSH means my child needs thyroid medicine.”
- “Puberty timing is the same for every child.”
- “Puberty-related gynecomastia means something is seriously wrong.”
- WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
“Short parents mean my child cannot grow tall.”
Not necessarily. Genetics influences height, but nutrition, health, hormones and puberty also influence growth.
“Growth hormone can make any child taller.”
No. Growth hormone is a medical treatment for specific conditions and is not appropriate for every short child.
“A chubby child will automatically become overweight as an adult.”
Not necessarily. Childhood weight should be assessed using age- and sex-specific growth charts and followed over time.
“Children with diabetes cannot eat sweets at all.”
Children with diabetes need a balanced dietary plan, carbohydrate awareness and appropriate glucose management. Their diet should also support normal growth.
“Every high TSH means my child needs thyroid medicine.”
No. TSH needs to be interpreted together with free T4, symptoms, age and the clinical context.
“Puberty timing is the same for every child.”
No. There is a normal range of variation, but unusually early, delayed or rapidly progressing puberty should be assessed.
“Puberty-related gynecomastia means something is seriously wrong.”
Usually not. Pubertal gynecomastia is common and often resolves, although persistent or unusual cases should be evaluated.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
You should consider specialist evaluation when there is concern about:
- Growth: Short stature • Poor growth • Rapid growth • Unexpected change in growth pattern
- Puberty: Early puberty • Delayed puberty • Abnormal genital development • Menstrual problems
Weight & Metabolism:
Childhood obesity • Excessive weight gain • Insulin resistance • Abnormal cholesterol or glucose
Diabetes:
Excessive thirst • Frequent urination • Weight loss • High blood glucose • Recurrent hypoglycemia
Thyroid:
Abnormal TSH • Abnormal thyroid hormone levels • Goitre • Thyroid nodules • Suspected thyroid disease
Other Hormonal Problems:
Calcium disorders • Vitamin D problems • Growth hormone disorders • Adrenal disorders • Pituitary disorders