The Endo Kids Podcast-Where little hormones meet big answers.

The Endo Kids Podcast-Where little hormones meet big answers.

by Rinku Mehra, MD
MedicineParenting
Season 1
Episode 28: From Panic Attacks at 11 to Nutrition Expert: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Kids & Anxiety- with Sammy Barnett
In this insightful interview, Sammy Barnett shares her personal journey from childhood panic disorder to becoming a clinical nutritionist. She explores the deep connection between food, anxiety, resilience, and mental health, offering practical advice for parents and children to foster healthier relationships with food and reduce anxiety. 00:00 Sammy's Journey: From Panic to Nutrition 03:09 The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health 05:54 Engaging Kids: Nutrition Education Through Entertainment 08:58 Understanding Eating Behaviors in Anxious Children 12:06 Improving Child Mental Well-Being Through Nutrition 15:11 The Complicated Landscape of Kids' Nutrition 17:55 Marketing and Misconceptions in Nutrition 19:26 The Lunchbox Dilemma 21:10 Understanding Weight and Health 22:37 Anxiety as a Teacher 26:10 Misunderstanding Anxious Children 28:28 Building Resilience in Children 30:19 Encouraging Healthy Eating 33:28 Debunking Food Myths 36:54 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Health Medical Disclaimer:The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E28
Jun 29, 2026
36:57
Episode 27: It’s a Girl Thing: Demystifying the First Few Years of Periods
In this episode, pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Lindsey Waldman interviews Dr. Rachel Casey about puberty and menstrual health in girls. They discuss normal age ranges for periods, signs to watch for, managing irregularities, and how to support young girls through puberty. 00:00 Introduction to Pediatric Gynecology 02:13 Understanding Menstrual Cycles 05:52 Normal vs. Abnormal Periods 11:51 Managing Painful Periods 16:55 Treatment Options for Irregular Periods 20:46 Tips for Parents and Open Conversations Medical Disclaimer:The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E27
Jun 16, 2026
23:13
Episode 26: PCOS Is Now PMOS: Symptoms, Insulin Resistance, Fertility & What the Name Change Means
This episode explores the recent renaming of PCOS to P M O S, highlighting the shift in understanding this complex endocrine and metabolic condition. Dr. Rinku Mehra discusses the implications for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach beyond reproductive symptoms. 00:00 Introduction to PMOS: A Major Shift in Terminology 03:18 Understanding PMOS: Beyond Ovarian Cysts 07:23 The Role of Insulin Resistance in PMOS 11:27 The Emotional and Mental Health Impact of PMOS 14:51 Fertility Myths and Realities in PMOS 15:58 Treatment Approaches for PMOS 16:26 Guidance for Parents on PMOS Symptoms 17:33 Common Questions About PMOS 20:18 outro.mp3 Medical Disclaimer:The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E26
Jun 1, 2026
21:04
Episode 25: The Looksmaxxing Trap: What Teen Boys Are Secretly Taking to Build Muscle, Burn Fat, and Change Their Bodies
This episode explores the rising trend of teen boys using substances like SARMs, steroids, and peptides to enhance their appearance rapidly. Dr. Waldman discusses where they get these substances, the risks involved, and how parents can recognize warning signs and start important conversations. 00:00The Looksmaxxing Trap: What Teen Boys Are Secretly Taking to Build Muscle, Burn Fat, and Change Their Bodies 02:27Understanding SARMs and Their Effects 05:15The Risks of Steroid Use 07:45The Dangers of Stacking Substances 10:24Peptides: A Growing Trend 12:58Recognizing Red Flags and Starting Conversations Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E25
May 4, 2026
17:21
Episode 24: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Explained
Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Lindsey Waldman of the Endo Kids Podcast explain congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), focusing on classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. They review how CAH is often detected through an abnormal newborn screen and confirmed with bloodwork (including 17-hydroxyprogesterone) and electrolytes, sometimes with genetic testing. They describe CAH as a genetic condition causing low cortisol (and sometimes low aldosterone) with excess androgens, which can lead to salt-wasting, dehydration, vomiting, and ambiguous genitalia in girls while boys may appear normal. They also discuss non-classic CAH presenting later with early puberty signs, acne, excess hair, or irregular periods. Management includes replacing missing hormones with hydrocortisone, sometimes fludrocortisone and salt supplements, monitoring growth, labs, and bone age, and using stress-dose steroids during significant illness or injury. 00:00 Welcome to Endo Kids 01:06 Episode Topic CAH 01:25 Newborn Screen Call 03:04 What Is CAH 05:02 Why It Happens 06:37 Types and Severity 08:21 Symptoms and Signs 10:13 Testing and Diagnosis 11:42 Treatment Basics 12:49 Follow Up and Monitoring 13:21 Stress Dosing Plan 15:01 Living Well With CAH 16:22 Wrap Up and Resources Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E24
Apr 27, 2026
17:08
Episode 23: Does My Child Need Growth Hormone? What Every Parent Should Know
Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Lindsey Waldman of the Endo Kids Podcast explain what growth hormone is, how it works through IGF-1, and why it affects more than height, including bone, muscle, fat metabolism, and energy. They stress that growth is a pattern over time and that “wait and see” can cost valuable time, so families should track accurate measurements, growth velocity, and consider bone age X-rays and labs when concerned. They review FDA-approved indications for treatment, including growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, chronic kidney disease, being small for gestational age without catch-up by age 2, and select cases of idiopathic short stature. They describe daily vs weekly injections, insurance considerations, monitoring with periodic bloodwork and annual bone age, potential side effects (site reactions, headaches, hip/joint pain, increased intracranial pressure, blood sugar changes, rare scoliosis), and note growth hormone is not helpful once growth plates are closed. 00:00 Welcome to Endo Kids 00:55 Today’s Topic Growth Hormone 01:36 Why Timing Matters 02:23 How Growth Hormone Works 04:34 Who Actually Needs It 07:23 Tracking Growth the Right Way 10:28 How Treatment Is Given 12:32 Daily vs Weekly Shots 14:03 Side Effects and Monitoring 19:11 Key Questions Before Starting 20:05 When It’s Too Late to Grow 22:40 Wrap Up and Resources Medical Disclaimer:The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E23
Apr 20, 2026
23:50
Episode 22: Strong Bones 101: Calcium and Vitamin D for Growth, Kids, and Teens
Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Lindsey Waldman discuss pediatric bone health, explaining that bones are metabolically active and shaped by osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes, with growth plates driving length until estrogen closes them in puberty. They emphasize peak bone mass, noting 40–60% is built in adolescence and ~90% by late adolescence/early adulthood. Practical guidance includes age-based calcium needs (1–3: 700 mg/day; 4–8: 1,000 mg/day; 9–18: 1,300 mg/day) spread throughout the day, calcium-rich foods (milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified plant milks, calcium-set tofu, leafy greens), and vitamin D (~600 IU/day) from sunlight, fortified foods, fatty fish, or supplements. They highlight weight-bearing/high-impact activity for bone density, key hormones (GH/IGF-1, estrogen, testosterone), risk factors (celiac, IBD, arthritis, kidney disease, long-term steroids, some anti-seizure meds), evaluation considerations (fracture history, growth, DEXA interpreted with pediatric norms), and red flags such as multiple long-bone fractures or vertebral fractures. 00:00 Welcome to Endo Kids 01:40 Bones as Living Tissue 02:54 Growth Plates and Peak Bone 04:25 Calcium Needs and Foods 06:42 Vitamin D and Key Nutrients 08:14 Exercise That Builds Bone 09:34 Hormones and Bone Health 11:26 Risk Factors and Medications 12:18 Testing and Red Flags 14:39 Daily Bone Healthy Habits 17:18 Common Questions and Supplements 20:24 Myth Busting Bone Health 23:23 Talk to Kids and Wrap Up Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E22
Apr 13, 2026
25:25
Episode 21: Beyond the Plate: Understanding Eating Disorders in Kids
Pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Lindsey Waldman welcomes registered dietitian nutritionist Shelby Santin, who specializes in eating disorders, to discuss adolescent nutrition, misconceptions, and supportive family strategies. Santin explains her role goes beyond meal plans to address food rules, fears, and barriers to adequate intake, emphasizing that eating disorders can affect anyone and are often missed due to stereotypes about body size. She outlines initial steps after referral: thorough history, assessing nutritional adequacy, coordinating medical evaluation, and building a family-supported plan. They discuss distinguishing eating disorders from picky eating, and how to talk about weight and food using neutral language and avoiding “good/bad” labels, including recommending clinicians discuss weight concerns with parents without the child present. Santin stresses early intervention, notes recovery timelines vary (often 6–12 months or longer), recommends two books, and shares how families can contact her for virtual or in-person care. 00:00 Show Welcome 00:55 Meet Shelby Santin 02:42 What Dietitians Do 03:46 Eating Disorder Myths 04:49 First Appointment Steps 05:44 Picky Eating Or Disorder 07:24 Talking About Weight 10:27 Neutral Food Language 12:16 Treatment Phases 14:04 Recovery Timeline 16:14 Key Takeaways 18:00 Books and Resources 18:47 Contact and Wrap Up 20:08 Final Outro Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E21
Apr 6, 2026
20:54
Episode 20: PCOS in Teens: Irregular Periods, Acne, Heavy Periods & What Parents Need to Know
Dr. Rinku Mehra hosts the Endo Kids Podcast with guest Dr. Jessica Ritch, an OB-GYN with minimally invasive gynecology training, to discuss why adolescent menstrual health is a vital sign and how common conditions like PCOS can begin in the teen years but often go ignored. They address misconceptions that painful, heavy, or irregular periods are “normal,” explain when patterns warrant evaluation (especially if symptoms disrupt school or activities), and describe PCOS using parent-friendly criteria: irregular periods, androgen excess (acne, abnormal hair growth or hair loss), and polycystic-appearing ovaries. Dr. Ritch reviews workup (history, tracking cycles, labs including A1C/CBC/iron, and selective ultrasound), treatment options (lifestyle changes, hormonal contraception, metformin, spironolactone, and some supplements), stigma-free counseling, fertility considerations, and recommended ongoing follow-up into adulthood. 00:00 Welcome to Endo Kids 00:55 Meet the Guest 02:00 Why Periods Matter 04:14 Parent Period Myths 05:39 When to Get Checked 08:34 PCOS Explained Simply 12:13 Risks and Complications 13:42 Testing and Diagnosis 16:32 Treatment Options 21:10 Reducing PCOS Stigma 23:55 Fertility and PCOS 26:40 Long Term Follow Up 29:31 Key Takeaways and Resources 31:10 Google and Final Wrap 33:04 Podcast Outro Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E20
Mar 30, 2026
33:50
Episode 18: When Should Kids See a GI Specialist? Growth, Feeding & Digestive Issues Explained
Dr. Lindsey Waldman hosts pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Natalie Sikka to discuss where gastroenterology and endocrinology overlap in children, especially around growth and nutrition. They explain that “normal” weight gain means tracking along an individual child’s growth curve, with concern raised by rapid increases or decreases, plateaus, or drops in weight or height percentiles, while considering genetics and dietary intake. Dr. Sikka outlines an evaluation for poor weight gain, including detailed diet history and assessing for vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, swallowing issues, or malabsorption, with stepwise testing such as blood work, stool studies, imaging, and endoscopy/colonoscopy when indicated. They cover picky eating strategies emphasizing nutritious foods modeled by parents, the gut-brain connection and anxiety-related symptoms, practical constipation guidance, moderating sweets, and red flags warranting GI referral (night pain, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, blood in stool, anemia, unexplained weight loss, and growth changes). 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:32 Why Pediatric GI 03:34 What Normal Growth Means 05:09 Genetics Weight and Nutrition 06:52 Workup for Poor Weight Gain 09:03 Picky Eating Red Flags 10:27 Healthy Habits for Selective Eaters 13:22 Gut Brain Connection 14:30 Testing and Stepwise Evaluation 16:39 Constipation Practical Advice 19:10 Sweets and Junk Food Rules 21:01 When to See a GI 21:59 Myths Communication and Wrap Up 23:30 How to Book and Closing Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on The Endo Kids Podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
S1 · E18
Mar 16, 2026
25:30
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