Preparing for an appointment

You may start by seeing your family doctor or your child's pediatrician. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the adrenal glands (pediatric endocrinologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment. Consider taking a family member or friend along for support and to help you remember information.

What you can do

To prepare for your appointment:

• Find out if your child needs to follow any pre-appointment restrictions, such as changing food or liquid intake to get ready for blood and urine tests.
• Make a list of any signs and symptoms your child has been experiencing, and for how long.
• Make a list of your child's key medical information, including recent illnesses, any medical conditions, and the names and dosages of any medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your doctor.

Some basic questions to ask your doctor may include:

• What is likely causing my child's signs and symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes for these symptoms?
• What kinds of tests does my child need?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• What are the expected results of treatment?
• What are the possible side effects of treatment?
• How will you monitor my child's health over time?
• What is my child's risk of long-term complications?
• Do you recommend that my child receive psychological counseling?
• Do you recommend that our family meet with a genetic counselor?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over points you want to focus on. For example, your doctor may ask:

• What are your child's symptoms?
• When did you first begin noticing these symptoms?
• Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia? If so, do you know how it was treated?
• Are you planning to have more children?