Endocrine Unit

The Endocrine Clinic is an outpatient clinic that provides an initial assessment, treatment, teaching and follow up for children and adolescents with hormone-related conditions. We provide education for community care providers, like daycares and schools, and other health care professionals. We also provide educational placements for nursing, medical, and nutrition students. 

How we help

Endocrine glands secrete hormones that affect many parts of the body and their function. Medical conditions associated with the endocrine system involve an abnormal secretion of hormones involving one or multiple glands located throughout the body. These glands include the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal, ovaries, and testes. Because these hormones are important to many aspects of growth and development, we typically see a wide range of conditions. The following is a list of the more common conditions we see:

• Growth Concerns
• Under active and overactive thyroid
• Early/Delayed Puberty
• Osteoporosis and other bone related disorders
• Adrenal Disorders
• Obesity and related complications
• Turners Syndrome
• Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

The Endocrine clinic at the IWK provides comprehensive care for children within Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. We also provide consultative care for children from New Brunswick when requested by the Endocrine team within New Brunswick.

Testing, treatment and teaching for Endocrine conditions is done on an outpatient basis whenever possible. The testing and treatment are individualized for the child’s age and size, and unique for each child, family, and condition.

What to expect

Your first appointment will be made after your child’s doctor has referred your child to our Clinic. If you have any questions about the appointment, or you need to cancel, please call at least 24 hours in advance. Expect to be at your appointment for at least two hours. Please follow any instructions regarding fasting.

You’ll receive a letter by mail notifying you about the appointment. You’ll receive a reminder call a week before your appointment. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please do so as early as possible. Sometimes you may receive a phone call from one the nurses to discuss issues regarding the appointment.

To fully prepare for your child’s visit, please be sure to bring along: 

• your child's health card
• your appointment letter
• a List of medications
• Insurance information
• any medications needed during your visit
• The name of your family physician as well as the name of the referring physician
• a list of questions you and/or your child may have for the physician.
• books, games, snacks (peanut free), diapers, change of baby clothes, or other necessities.
• your EasyPod Device for injections, if you or your child are using one

Once registered at the IWK (on the 5th floor of the Children's Building), a nurse will meet with you and your family. The nurse will measure your height, weight, blood pressure and pulse. She'll ask you some questions about your medications and general health. She may also be able to answer questions you may have regarding your child’s condition or medication. You may also have a blood test or an X-Ray before you leave. The appointment may take two to three hours. Returning patients should be prepared to spend two to three hours in the clinic although your returning visit may not be as long.

If an admission to the hospital is required, caregivers will be able stay with their child overnight in the hospital. Patients requiring admission would typically stay on the Pediatric Medical Unit. It’s helpful to bring quiet toys or entertainment for the children during the diabetes education or endocrine testing.

Who you’ll meet

We use a multidisciplinary team approach to provide care. The IWK’s Endocrinology team includes: 

• Endocrinologists
• Nurses 
• Dietitians 
• Social workers 
• Clerical staff
• Often the Endocrinology Team will host pediatric residents, nursing students, and dietetic interns who may also be part of your visit.