Rare Endocrine Disorders in Children

When should a child be evaluated for a rare endocrine disorder?

Consider specialist evaluation when a child has:

• Severe or unusual growth abnormalities
• Very early or delayed puberty
• Severe obesity beginning at a very young age
• Diabetes at an unusually young age
• Multiple endocrine abnormalities
• Recurrent unexplained hypoglycemia
• Abnormal genital development
• Recurrent fractures
• Unexplained calcium or phosphate abnormalities
• A strong family history of endocrine disease

Does a rare diagnosis mean that something is seriously wrong?

Not necessarily. “Rare” simply means the condition occurs less frequently. Some rare endocrine disorders can be effectively managed when diagnosed correctly.