Endocrinology Department

Medical Staff

Dr Sarah Kiff Dr Harriet Miles Dr Daniella Elleri Dr Tarini Chetty Professor Rod Mitchell Dr Kathryn Cox Dr Elizabeth Bayman

Endocrine Nurse Specialists

Jennifer Roach Kirstie Paterson

Biochemists

Mike Crane Neil Squires

Endocrine Coordinator

Karen Gilhooly

If you or a family member has any concerns about an Endocrine problem, please contact your GP first.  A GP referral is required before you can be seen at the Endocrine Clinic. The department secretary can be contacted via telephone on 0131 312 0443.

After a referral, we usually see children and young people at an Outpatient clinic, where an Endocrine nurse will usually record height and weight to measure a patient’s growth. Other tests, like blood pressure, might also be done at the same time. Nurses will always explain what is going to happen and are happy to answer any questions. Patients will also meet one of the doctors at the clinic to understand why the clinic appointment has been made and what help is needed. For all new patients, a general physical examination might be done by one of the doctors. Sometimes a check-called a ‘pubertal examination’ might be done to see if there are any physical changes, for example, underarm hair or changes in breast size for girls or enlargement of testicles in boys. Parents and carers can always be present for any examinations to help children or young people feel more relaxed, or a chaperone can be offered.

Sometimes a blood test might be carried out while at the clinic – this can be done by one of our specialist nurses. A bone age x-ray might be taken to see whether a child’s bones reflect their actual age. This would be done in a different part of the hospital but doesn't take very long. Test results are usually shared with patients and families by phone, about two weeks after the clinic appointment and usually by the same doctor from the visit to the clinic. Sometimes, more tests might be needed, and a patient might be asked to come to the Planned Investigation Unit Opens in new window for a day, on a date to be arranged. Children and young people might be asked to come to the PIU to allow several tests and checks to be done over the course of a day. Some of these might include: Nurses and doctors are always happy to answer any patient questions – sometimes it helps to write your questions down before your visit, so you don’t forget anything.

Growth & puberty

Precocious puberty is a medical term that means a girl or boy has started developing early.

The term precocious is used when the development or puberty has started before 8 years old in girls, or 9 years old in boys.

Thyroid

Common thyroid disorders include

Hypothyroid – Autoimmune or Congenital

Hyperthyroid – Graves Disease

Watching this video might help answer some of your questions.

Turner Syndrome

Turner Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting girls, where only one normal X sex chromosome develops, instead of two.  Girls with Turner Syndrome are usually shorter in height and have under-developed ovaries, meaning that they may not develop in the same way around puberty.  The Endocrine team might be involved in treating some of the symptoms associated with Turner Syndrome. Find out more about this syndrome on the Turner Syndrome Support Society website. Opens in a new window

Adrenal Insufficiency

Sometimes a child’s adrenal glands are not able to produce enough cortisol. This problem may be present from birth or can develop during childhood.  Children with this condition may run into problems during times of illness or after accidents.

Transgender

We sometimes support the Young People’s Gender Service once we receive a referral from the Sandyford clinic. More information can be found on the National Gender Identity Clinical Network for Scotland.

Further information

The Scottish Paediatric Endocrine Group (SPEG) has lots of resources and information for children, young people and their families. You can find out more about the group on their website Opens in a new window