Frequently Asked Questions
Providing clarity and reassurance for your child's endocrine health journey. If your question isn't covered here, please reach out to our clinic.
Paediatric endocrinology is a specialised branch of medicine focused on hormone-related conditions in children and adolescents. Hormones regulate growth, metabolism, and development. As a specialist, I manage conditions ranging from growth disorders and thyroid issues to diabetes and early or delayed puberty, ensuring children develop healthily from birth through early adulthood.
Growth is a vital sign of a child’s overall health. You should consider a consultation if your child is significantly shorter than their peers, has stopped growing at their usual rate, or if they are much shorter than would be expected based on parental heights. Early assessment allows us to identify if there is an underlying hormonal or nutritional cause that can be supported.
Thyroid issues can manifest in various ways. Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) might cause weight loss, rapid heartbeat, or anxiety. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) often presents as fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, or a slowing of growth. Because these symptoms can be subtle, a clinical evaluation and simple blood tests are essential for diagnosis.
Generally, puberty starting before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys is considered 'precocious' or early. Conversely, if there are no signs of puberty by age 13 in girls or age 14 in boys, it is considered delayed. Both situations can affect a child’s emotional well-being and final adult height, so a specialist review is recommended to ensure everything is progressing appropriately.
While I can see patients without a GP referral for private consultations, I strongly recommend obtaining one. A referral provides important medical history and ensures continuity of care between your GP and our specialist clinic. Additionally, many private medical insurers require a GP referral before they will authorise payment for consultations.
Transparency in costs is important to us. You can request a full schedule of fees, including initial consultation, follow-ups, and potential diagnostic tests, by contacting my secretary directly. We provide clear, itemised quotes so you can make informed decisions regarding your child's private healthcare journey.