Endocrine Care for
Teens (Ages 10 to 25)

If you are a Teen (or the parent of one), you know that the physical, mental, emotional, and social changes that happen between ages 10 and 25 represent a unique and challenging phase in a person’s life.

• Many conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol,
  become much more common after the start of puberty.
• A Teen is not just a “Big Kid”: the transition from Childhood to Puberty involves profound body changes, not just in appearance, but how the body responds to hormonal and other imbalances.
• Yet, neither is a Teen a “Small Adult”: the physical, intellectual, and emotional maturation is not complete until the late 20s, hence many tests and therapies used for Adult patients need to be modified for Teen bodies and lifestyles.
• Sometimes diagnosing or treating a hormonal problem can be challenging for families and physicians due to communication issues

The main “tasks” of the age 10-25 period are the development of one’s unique identity and role in family and society, as well as the development of knowledge and maturity to effectively take responsibility for one’s own life and health.

These developmental tasks, challenging for young people with no health problems, are even more challenging for young people with a serious or chronic endocrine condition such as Diabetes or Thyroid problems. It is hard to feel “different” from friends, and illness may make it more difficult for the young person to become independent. Sometimes, even when young people understand their conditions, the risks, and the treatment, they are not in a psychological or developmental place to do what they need to.

We understand these issues. We work with each patient and family to optimize the testing, examination, and treatment experiences through good communication, education, empathy, and respect. We also can direct our patients and their families to appropriate community resources who can provide more social and psychological support if indicated.