Rickets and Bone Metabolic Disorder

Rickets is a condition where a child's bones become soft and weak due to an extreme vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps bones absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. In some cases, rickets can be genetic or hereditary.

Children between the ages of 6 months to 24 months are at the greatest risk for rickets because their bones are growing at a fast rate during this time. Other factors for children diagnosed with rickets may include :

• Dark skin

• Limited exposure to sunlight

• Diet lacking in vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus

Symptoms of Rickets

Some of the symptoms of rickets may include :

• Stunted or delayed growth

• Larger than average forehead

• Abnormal curve in the spine or back

• Abnormalities in the breast and rib bones

• Wide joints at the elbow and wrist

• Abnormally shaped legs

• Wide ankles

Diagnosing Rickets

Your child's doctor will conduct a physical examination and may ask about your child's family health history and diet. If your doctor feels your child may have rickets, he or she may order the following testing :

Blood tests : Blood tests can determine if your child has the appropriate amount of vitamin D, Calcium, Phosphorus, Parathyroid hormone, magnesium.

X-rays : X-rays of your child's arms or legs can reveal any bone abnormalities to determine if your child has rickets.

Treatments Offered for Rickets

Treatment varies depending upon the severity of the condition. Generally treatment includes :

• Daily doses of calcium and vitamin D

• Yearly injections of vitamin D

• Increased foods with calcium

Adrenal Disorder

Adrenal disorders can occur when the adrenal glands either produce excessive or inadequate amounts of hormones. These conditions include adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, and pheochromocytoma. If left untreated, these disorders can cause health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Fortunately, they usually can be treated successfully.

The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, secrete hormones essential for the body's normal processes. The center of the gland is called the adrenal medulla, which secretes hormones such as epinephrine, also called adrenaline, that affect heart rate, blood pressure and sweating. The adrenal cortex is the outer layer of the adrenal gland and produces hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone that control blood pressure, levels of salt and potassium in the body as well as the body's use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The adrenal cortex also produces some male sex hormones, such as testosterone.

Menstrual & PCOS Disorders In Girls

Combinations of obesity, excess body hair, menstrual irregularity, and finding of many cysts of varying maturity on ultrasonography.

Hirsutism

Growth of excess body hair at unwanted sites.