H
Hirsutism
Excessive growth of facial and body hair (usually in females).
Hyperinsulinism
Above normal levels of insulin in the blood of a person. It is the most common cause of low blood sugars seen in newborn babies. Hyperinsulinism can also lead to decreased insulin sensitivity, which may lead to high blood sugars. Treatment is aimed at keeping blood sugar levels normal and will be based on the cause of the condition.
Hyperparathyroidism
Overactive parathyroid gland causing too much calcium and low phosphorus levels in the blood. Calcium levels that are too high can cause weakness, dehydration, kidney stones, brittle bones, high blood pressure, seizures or coma. Treatment is based on the cause of the condition.
Hyperprolactinemia
An increase of the hormone prolactin secreted from the pituitary gland. An increased prolactin level can cause breast drainage (galactorrhea), irregular menstrual cycles or enlarged breasts.
Hyperthyroidism
An increase in the production of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland, which causes trouble sleeping, diarrhea, tiredness, goiter, feeling hot, fast heart rate, weight loss, bulging of the eyes or shakiness. Treatment may include antithyroid medications and management of fast heart rates. In some cases, radioactive iodine or surgery could be necessary. See Health Library.
Hypopituitary
A condition resulting from decreased secretion of pituitary hormones. See Health Library.
Hydrocortisone
A medication that replaces the hormone cortisol. It is taken by patients who have conditions of adrenal insufficiency.
Hypothyroid, congenital
A condition found in one out of every 4,000 newborns. All babies are tested for congenital hypothyroidism within the first week of life. When a baby has this condition, her thyroid gland is not producing enough hormone for the brain and body to grow and develop. See Health Library.
Hypothyroid, acquired
A disorder that does not allow the thyroid gland to make enough thyroid hormone for the brain and body to grow and develop normally. Although the condition is more common in adolescent girls, it can be found in boys and girls of any age. See Health Library.
I
Idiopathic Short Stature
Cases where children fall below the third percentile for height on the standard growth chart. After evaluation by an endocrinologist, no medical conditions that cause growth failure are found. Patients may be candidates for growth hormone therapy.
IGF-1
A hormone that plays an important role in growth. IGF-1 is influenced by growth hormone and nutritional status. The amount of hormone found in the blood is useful in screening for growth hormone deficiency .
IGF-1 deficiency
A condition in which the body does not make enough IGF-1. Often, this condition causes short stature.
Insulin
A hormone made in the pancreas that has many functions. One important function is helping your body control blood sugar levels.
Insulin Resistance
A condition in which the body needs more insulin than normal to control blood sugar. This increases a person’s risk of diabetes and heart disease. This condition is usually associated with obesity.
K
Kallmann’s syndrome
A syndrome in which the body makes low levels of the puberty hormones. People with this syndrome have poor or absent ability to smell. An evaluation by a pediatric endocrinologist is recommended at the time of puberty to assist with medications to promote puberty.
Karyotype
A test that looks at a person’s genetic make-up. The test looks at the number, shape and size of the person’s chromosomes (cell structures that carry DNA or genes). Extra, missing or abnormal chromosomes can explain problems with growth and development.
Klinefelter syndrome
This condition occurs in one out of 500 to 1,000 male births. Boys are born with an extra X chromosome. Boys may present with tall, slim stature and delayed puberty. They may also experience behavior problems and delayed language skills. Testosterone therapy is recommended for boys age 11-12 after evaluation by a pediatric endocrinologist. A Klinefelter syndrome support group can be contacted at Klinefeltersyndrome.org.