Is This a good reason to see an ENDOCRINOLOST?

Question

I want my doc to refer me to an endocrinologist,

because my periods r very irregular since age 12 (my first period), until now at age 16 (3-6 months inbetween).

I read that endocrinologist also specialize in "Growth Disorders" , which I might have since I'm only 4'11 ! im hoping they could prescribe me some hormone pill that my body might b lacking due to my height

Yes, endocrinologists specialize in Thyroid problems , and I have alot of symptoms of HYPOTHYROIDISM even though my 'bloodtests' came back as 'fine' from my 'docter'

So is this a good reason to c a endocrinologist
or will it look like Im just wasting their time?

Answer 1

An endocrinologist (note spelling) specializes in diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. These are glands, my friend. The thyroid, the pineal gland, the parathyroids, the anterior & posterior pituitary, the gonads, the pancreas and the suprarenal glands make up the endocrine system.

If your thyroid panel came back negative then your primary physcian has no justification to make a referral based on that. You may think you have a lot of symptoms of hypothyroidism but your thyroid apparently doesn't agree with you. (Do you really know what the symptoms are?)

What makes you believe you have a growth disorder? Being 4'11" isn't exactly dwarfism. What about your other family members? How do they measure up? I mean there IS human growth hormone but this isn't treated lightly and growth disorders manifest at an earlier age when therapy is begun.

If you're covered by an HMO insurance, you're primary doctor has to get authorization for the referral and justification must be submitted with the request. Specialists are expensive and your insurance company has no wish to waste money on an unneccessary visit. Now if you're covered by a PPO, just have your parents make an appointment. You don't need authorization but there's a whopping co-pay.

As far as your irregular periods, you'd be better off seeing your OB/Gyn about this.

Answer 2

I would 1st see a gynecologist to see what they say. If after this you are not satisfied then I think an endocrinologist would be a fine Dr to see. They specialize in disorders of the endocrine system, not just thyroid problems. Anything that releases hormones in one part of the body to affect another part of the body is part of the endocrine system.

Answer 3

You never really need a "good reason" to see a doctor to get checked out and get peace of mind. I think that you symptoms warrant a visit. You may also want to look in to seeing a gynecologist and/or a hematologist . I would stay away from any type of hormone supplements if at all possible( especially at you age), they have way more risks than benefits. Just take a look at the increase in the number of various cancers in this country after the introduction of hormonal therapy. It sounds like your a normal 16 year old, that is a bit "vertically challenged"! Does it run in your family?

Answer 4

First thing to do is to get a hold of your blood work. Yes, ou could have a thyroid problem and the doctor isn't catching it. That's because the lab ranges at most labs aren't lowered to the new correct range. Plus, thyroid testing should be done in the morning only.

I have seen an endo before and while they are good for thise with complex problems, I don't like them for standard teatment because they aren't open to new ways of treatment.

Below is a good thyroid link. Read up on it and then have a conversation with your doctor or find a new doctor.

Answer 5

Your endocrine system regulates many things for you. You could have a thyroid disorder that requires a blood test (T3 / T4 / TSH).

It can affect your cycles, your height, your weight, and potentially even your mood. If you feel its important enough, you can ask for a thyroid panel be drawn and before you spend alot of money on an edocrine specialist, get a referral from your primary care phsyican.

And remember, big things come in small packages! And average is a subjective term.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 6

Actually I reread your question, and I think you are waisting their time. If your periods are irregular, go see a gynecologist. Plus there are worse things than being 4' 11".

P.S. Growth hormones aren't in pill form, it's an injection you have to take every night. Plus if you don't have good insurance it is very expensive.

Answer 7

Go see a gyno. Taking a growth hormone will not be a good idea. My son takes nightly injections of growth hormone because his endo said he would not grow much without them, but you know what? Id rather him be short than always feisty, very very aggressive, strong due to the steroid and beating on other kids. According to his Drs, these are the side effects to his injections and they really suck!!!!