In this episode of the Endo Kids Podcast, Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Lindsey Waldman, both board-certified pediatric endocrinologists, delve into the complex topic of puberty. They discuss the typical timelines for puberty in boys and girls, highlight common concerns such as early or delayed maturation, and explain what constitutes 'normal' development. The episode addresses questions parents often have about acne, body odor, and rapid growth spurts. They also touch on the importance of nutritional factors, potential medical evaluations, and treatment options for atypical puberty. Valuable insights are provided to help parents feel more confident and informed about their child's growth and development.

00:00 Welcome to the Endo Kids Podcast

00:55 Introduction to Puberty

02:26 Normal Puberty Timelines

04:54 Signs and Concerns of Puberty

07:40 Evaluating Delayed Puberty

10:29 Evaluating Early Puberty

12:16 Treatment Options for Puberty Issues

15:24 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of the Endo Kids Podcast, Dr. Ring Mehra and Dr. Lindsay Waldman discuss growth concerns in children, including the significance of growth charts, common causes of growth issues, and what to expect during an endocrinology evaluation. Learn about the role of hormones, genetics, and nutrition in children's growth and get tips for promoting healthy growth at home. Join us for an in-depth look at how to support your child's development and when to seek professional help.

00:00 Introduction to Endo Kids Podcast

00:50 Understanding Growth Concerns in Children

02:02 Decoding Growth Charts and Percentiles

04:31 Identifying Red Flags in Growth Patterns

06:15 Causes of Growth Issues

08:16 Evaluation and Diagnosis Process

09:19 Importance of Bone Age in Growth Assessment

11:04 Addressing Common Growth Myths

15:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

16:55 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode, Dr. Mehra and Dr. Waldman break down the basics of hormones—what they are, how they work, and why they’re so important for kids’ health. The doctors explain the role of hormones as the body’s chemical messengers, discuss the organs that produce them, and share real-life examples of how hormones impact growth, mood, energy, and more. They also tackle common myths, red flags for parents to watch for, and why early evaluation matters.

Key Topics Covered:

• What are hormones?
• How hormones act as chemical messengers in the body
• The endocrine system and key hormone-producing organs (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes)
• How hormones affect growth, energy, mood, and puberty
• Common myths about hormones (e.g., sugar and early puberty)
• Red flags and when to seek help from a pediatric endocrinologist
• The importance of early evaluation and trusting your instincts as a parent

Takeaways:

• Hormones control much more than just puberty—they influence nearly every aspect of a child’s health and development.
• Parents know their children best; if something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek an evaluation.
• Early intervention can make a big difference in treatment and outcomes.

Connect with Us: Have questions or topics you want us to cover? Reach out on Instagram or TikTok (links in the show notes). We’d love to feature your questions in future episodes!

Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive deeper into growth concerns in kids.

Thanks for listening to Endo Kids!