Hormone Imbalances

Hormones play a critical role in growth, development, metabolism, mood, and energy regulation throughout childhood and adolescence. When hormone signaling becomes imbalanced, it can affect multiple body systems and may contribute to symptoms that are often misunderstood or attributed solely to “normal” puberty.

Hormonal imbalances in children and teens can be influenced by genetics, stress, nutrition, metabolic health, inflammation, immune function, and environmental factors.

 Hormonal systems are highly interconnected. At Heal Pediatrics, we focus on understanding how multiple hormone pathways interact rather than evaluating hormones in isolation.

Hormonal patterns we commonly assess include:

• Thyroid hormones (including autoimmune thyroid patterns)
• Insulin and blood sugar regulation
• Stress and adrenal hormone balance (HPA axis function)
• Pubertal hormone patterns (early, delayed, or dysregulated puberty)
• Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and androgens)
• Growth and metabolic signaling hormones
• Circadian and sleep-wake hormone regulation
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Evaluation is guided by age, symptoms, development, family history, and overall clinical context.

 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal condition that commonly affects adolescent and young adult females. It is associated with imbalances in insulin, androgens (male-pattern hormones), and ovarian signaling.

PCOS may present with:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Acne or oily skin
• Excess hair growth or hair thinning
• Weight gain or difficulty managing weight
• Insulin resistance or blood sugar imbalance
• Fatigue or mood changes

PCOS is not just a reproductive condition—it is closely connected to metabolic and hormonal health.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system affects the thyroid gland, altering thyroid hormone production. The thyroid plays a key role in regulating metabolism, energy, growth, and temperature.

In children and teens, Hashimoto’s may be associated with:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Weight changes
• Cold intolerance
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Constipation
• Mood changes or anxiety
• Family history of autoimmune disease

Symptoms may be subtle early on and can overlap with other conditions.

Testing is used to identify patterns and imbalnces, not just isolated numbers, and is always interpreted in the context of growth, puberty, and overall health