Questions for a Pediatric Endocrinologist

Pediatric endocrinologists specialize in the treatment of children with diseases of the endocrine system like diabetes or abnormal developments in height and growth. Endocrinologists need the cooperation of the parents or primary caregiver to ensure treatment is successful. By coming prepared to the initial visit with a list of questions to ask the doctor, parents will more quickly allay their concerns and better prepare their children to face treatment.

Genetics

• Ask about the possibility the endocrine condition is genetic. This is obviously of concern for parents concerned about the impact upon their other kids, because the possibility it will manifest itself in siblings is much higher. A genetic condition is also of concern for those parents considering having more children.

Alternative Medicine

• Establish how the physician feels about alternative medicines and healing practices. Physicians using alternative medicine such as homeopathy, acupuncture and herbal remedies for the treatment of Addison's Disease, a genetic endocrine condition, have seen considerable success in the Eastern world. Consequently, Western physicians are becoming more comfortable resorting to alternative approaches.

Effects Of Nutrition

• Chemicals in foods have been blamed for a marked increase in endocrine system diseases, according to Nutrition and Health, an online health magazine. Therefore, ask the physician how he feels about the effects of processed foods on the endocrine system. You may then want to discuss the potential benefits of an organic diet.