Procreation is a natural animal instinct. And humans are no exception from this essential function to maintain the continuation of the species. However, humans have brains that are more advanced than other animal species in their development and are more complexly structured with multi-layered emotional and social structures.
As such, the human instinct to procreate is intertwined with emotional bonding with a partner which makes procreation, not only an instinctive necessity, but an emotional yearning and desire to bring new life into the world. And, unlike other animal species, the bond between parent and offspring lasts a lifetime. In human parlance, we might label this as “Love.”
It is the love, and not only instinct, which makes a parent care for and protect their offspring. Parents nurse their young when they are ailing, they defend them from danger and comfort them through pain. However, as much as love and instinct can do for a child’s wellbeing, there are some things beyond parental control.
A child’s growth and development can be directed and shaped through good parenting, but the formative years of a child’s life are equally shaped by their own bodily functions. No two children are alike, growth and development rates are different in every child. For the vast majority of children their growth and development falls within the parameters of what would be considered normal.
For some children, growth and development may fall outside of what are considered to be the normal parameters. Very often this is due to an imbalance in the body’s production of hormones, of which there are more than 50 different types. Hormone imbalance can lead to many health problems, including diabetes.
This complex field of human biology is recognized by the Growth, Endocrine and Diabetes Center in Bangkok. This is a dedicated, and essential, medical facility which has been specifically created to tackle the issues caused by hormone imbalances in children. The center exploits 21st century technology and bio-medical knowledge to relieve suffering in children with hormone imbalances.
Essential Hormone Production in the Young
Somatotropin, commonly referred to as the human growth hormone, or HGH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is essential in the growing process in young people. This hormone is responsible for overall body growth and developing strong, healthy bones.
A deficiency in HGH production is not uncommon. This can lead to an impaired rate of growth in a child’s stature, delayed puberty, and a prolonged youthful appearance. Additionally, those children often experience poor hair growth and a chubby appearance with deficient HGH production.
Although there are cases where no specific cause for HGH deficiency can be pinpointed, it can be caused by genetic factors. Brain tumors are also known to be a potential cause, as is any physical trauma to the head. HGH impairment can also be a side effect of radiation therapy.
The thyroid gland is essential in the production of hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Along with HGH, these hormones play a vital role in body growth and development. Additionally, heart and brain functions along with energy and metabolism rates are governed by the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Deficiencies in a child’s thyroid function can have lifelong negative effects on a person’s health and wellbeing.
A deficiency in the production of hormones from the thyroid gland is known as hypothyroidism. Equally, the thyroid gland can be overactive, referred to as Hyperthyroidism. Common signs of hyperthyroidism are irritability, excessive appetite, and weight loss, along with a rapid heart rate and excessive sweating. In extreme cases a sufferer may appear to have bulging eyes.
The sex hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, produced by the ovaries in females, and testosterone, produced by the testes in males, trigger a young person’s sex characteristics during puberty. These hormones can be physically characterized as being breast development and the onset of menstrual cycling in females, and facial hair growth in males. When a child produces these characteristics at an age considered too young, it is referred to as precocious puberty, or too late as delayed puberty. Genetic disorders can also have a bearing on this part of a child’s development. As such, and as with all potential hormonal health issues, accurate diagnosis is essential.
Hormonal Health Diagnosis and Treatment
At the Growth, Endocrine and Diabetes Center in Bangkok, precise diagnosis of a child’s hormonal health status is looked upon as being the foundation of any further treatment that a child may undergo. Hi-tech and boundary pushing scientific procedures go hand-in-hand at the center resulting in an unequalled level of precision in hormone imbalance diagnostics.
Blood tests are a key tool in diagnosing hormone irregularities in children. The center’s ultra-modern laboratory testing procedures typically include testing for the measuring of Insulin growth factor or IGF-1 and for IGF binding protein 3, or IGFBP-3 and growth hormone stimulation testing. Also, procedures will be undertaken to test enzyme-linked immunoassay, or ELISA. immunoradiometric assay, known as IRMA and ligand-induced functional assay also referred to as LIFA.
X-ray imaging during the diagnostic stage can be used to assess bone aging. This aids in the detection of slow bone development, and in very rare cases, early excessive aging of the bones. Magnetic resonance imaging, more commonly called MRI scanning, is also utilized. This non-invasive procedure combines radio waves and magnets to produce very detailed images of the head and brain.
For youngsters with lower-than-normal hormone levels, the center may recommend hormone replacement therapy. This involves regular injections of synthetic growth hormones and may have to be undertaken for a number of years. Children with hormone production that is considered excessive and outside of normal parameters, the treatment may involve radiation therapy, and, or medication. In more extreme cases it may be necessary for the child to undergo surgery.
In children where a hormone imbalance has caused diabetes the center is well equipped to aid in the mitigation and control of the disorder. Although there is no cure, with skilled assessment guidance and support, diabetes can be controlled to a level where a child is able to lead a full and rewarding life. The highly trained team at the center are unequalled in their treatment of childhood diabetes, as they are in all areas of endocrine health issues in young people.
If you’re concerned about your child’s growth, hormonal balance, or diabetes management, expert care is just a click away. The Growth, Endocrine, and Diabetes Center in Bangkok offers cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments to ensure your child receives the best possible care.
Take the first step towards a healthier future—learn more or book a consultation today!
