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

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.

On the Endo Kids Podcast, pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Rinku Mehra interviews pediatric sleep expert Dr. Funke Brown, founder of The Restful Sleep Place, about why sleep is a foundational pillar of childhood health affecting brain function, emotion regulation, memory, metabolism, heart health, growth, puberty, obesity, and diabetes risk. Dr. Brown explains age-based sleep needs and how sleep architecture shifts from high REM in infancy to more deep sleep when growth hormone is released, then to more light sleep with age. They discuss effects of chronic sleep deprivation, why sleep should be part of endocrine treatment plans, common pediatric sleep disorders (sleep apnea, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, restless leg syndrome), when to pursue a sleep study, and how screens, caffeine, and late-night activity disrupt sleep. They also address teen circadian delay, melatonin use considerations, and note telehealth availability in NJ, PA, CA, and VA.

00:00 Welcome to Endo Kids

00:55 Meet Dr Funke Brown

02:15 Why Sleep Matters

03:51 Sleep Needs by Age

06:44 Sleep and Metabolism

09:12 Sleep in Treatment Plans

10:44 Common Sleep Disorders

11:59 When to Get a Study

13:52 Sleep and Growth Hormone

15:54 Teen Sleep Shift Explained

18:12 Sleep Hygiene Basics

19:28 Screens Blue Light Melatonin

21:11 Caffeine and Sleep

22:05 What Not to Do

23:09 Melatonin Safety Tips

24:41 Key Takeaway 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.

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.

In this episode of Endo Kids Podcast, Dr. Rinku Mehra interviews Kelsie Lewis, founder of Balanced Diabetes Wellness, about her personal journey with type 1 diabetes and her innovative approach to diabetes management. They discuss practical strategies, technology, misconceptions, and the importance of compassionate care for athletes and all individuals living with diabetes.

00:00 Introduction to Diabetes Care

00:49 Kelsey's Personal Journey with Diabetes

02:57 Navigating Life with Type 1 Diabetes

06:14 Transitioning to College and Managing Diabetes

09:00 Kelsey's Approach to Diabetes Education

11:08 Common Misconceptions in Diabetes Management

13:32 Exercise Myths and Blood Sugar Management

15:31 Strategies for Stabilizing Blood Sugar

17:27 Meal Planning for Different Types of Diabetes

18:48 Balancing Weight Management and Insulin Use

20:51 Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitors

23:23 Technology in Diabetes Management

27:23 Addressing Parental Concerns about Exercise

28:58 The Role of Athletics in Diabetes Management

29:50 Managing Tough Days with Diabetes

31:36 Supporting Clients through Diabetes Burnout

32:45 Recommended Tools and Apps for Diabetes Management

34:24 Final Thoughts 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.

Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Lindsey Waldman of the Endo Kids Podcast explain the adrenal glands’ structure (cortex and medulla), hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, adrenal androgens, adrenaline), and brain regulation via the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ACTH feedback loop. They clarify cortisol’s essential roles in blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, and stress response, and contrast adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt cravings, hyperpigmentation) and adrenal crisis (vomiting, dehydration, hypoglycemia, shock) requiring urgent hydrocortisone and IV fluids. They discuss excess cortisol/Cushing syndrome (weight gain with slowed height, round face, stretch marks, hypertension, mood changes), premature adrenarche versus central puberty, rare catecholamine tumors like pheochromocytoma, and common testing approaches. They cover congenital adrenal hyperplasia (often 21-hydroxylase deficiency), newborn screening, treatment, and stress dosing, and debunk “adrenal fatigue” while warning that unnecessary steroids can suppress adrenal function.

00:00 Welcome to Endo Kids

00:55 Adrenal Glands Overview

02:52 Cortisol Basics

04:06 Adrenal Insufficiency

05:38 Adrenal Crisis Signs

06:40 Too Much Cortisol

08:25 Adrenarche vs Puberty

10:56 Adrenal Medulla Hormones

11:46 Testing and Workup

12:24 Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

14:51 Adrenal Fatigue Myth

16:51 Cushing Syndrome Deep Dive

20:01 Premature Adrenarche Tips

21:08 Rapid Fire Questions

24:38 Steroids and Adrenal Suppression

26:30 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up

27:06 Subscribe 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.

In this episode of the Endo Kids podcast, Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Sarah Stombaugh discuss the complexities surrounding obesity medications, particularly in children and adolescents. They explore the misconceptions about obesity as a character flaw versus a chronic disease, the safety and efficacy of various medications, and the importance of understanding the long-term implications of treatment. The conversation emphasizes the need for informed discussions between parents and healthcare providers, addressing safety concerns, managing side effects, and defining success in weight management beyond just numbers on a scale.

00:00 Welcome to the Endo Kids Podcast + Medical Disclaimer

00:55 Why Weight-Loss Meds Are Everywhere (and Why Parents Need Context)

02:11 Biggest Misconception: Obesity Is a Chronic Metabolic Disease, Not a Character Flaw

03:57 Medication Safety 101: What We Know About GLP-1s and Long-Term Data

05:12 Obesity Meds Explained: Qsymia, Metformin, Saxenda, Wegovy/Ozempic, and What’s Next

08:29 How Clinicians Choose a Medication: Step Therapy, Insurance Coverage, and Trust

11:03 Oral Wegovy (2026): How It Compares, How to Take It, and Cost/Coverage

14:18 Is It Just Appetite Suppression? Treating Metabolic Health and Changing a Child’s Trajectory

19:01 Side Effects Reality Check: What’s Common, What’s Rare, and Why Dosing/Titration Matters

21:46 Safer GLP-1 Titration: Managing Side Effects Before Increasing Dose

22:05 Constipation Fears vs Reality: Preventing Rare Bowel Obstruction

22:57 Gastroparesis Talk: Who’s Actually at Risk (and Why It’s Rare)

23:54 Mood Flattening & Suicidality: What the Data and Labels Really Say

27:01 “Blindness” Concerns Explained: Retinopathy vs NAION

29:44 Defining Success: Scale Goals vs Life-Changing Non-Scale Victories

32:11 Stopping GLP Meds: Regain Risk, Weaning Options, and Long-Term Use

36:20 For Parents: First Steps, BMI Percentiles, and Finding the Right Specialist

38:48 A Message to Pediatricians: Avoid Unsafe Compounds & Keep Patients Supported

39:40 Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways, Where to Find Dr. Stone, and Final 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.

Dr. Rinku Mehra hosts the Endo Kids Podcast and interviews pediatrician Dr. Herb Bravo, who works with Sanofi’s type 1 diabetes clinical research programs, about advances in type 1 diabetes care, early detection, and emerging therapies. Dr. Bravo describes the trauma and dangers of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), emphasizing that many children present in DKA without parents knowing the warning signs. The episode explains that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease with a long asymptomatic period and discusses screening with commercially available autoantibody tests (e.g., through LabCorp/Quest), TrialNet, and the Barbara Davis Center’s ASK study, including risk implications of having one versus two confirmed autoantibodies and the potential to prevent most DKA cases through earlier identification. They discuss who might be screened (especially those with first-degree relatives with type 1 diabetes or family/self-history of autoimmune disease), the idea of broader population screening, and the current gap in clinician education and infrastructure. Treatment updates include diabetes technology (pumps, CGMs, hybrid closed loops), inhaled insulin, and disease-modifying therapy that can delay insulin dependence by about three years and preserve beta-cell function, with additional therapies under investigation to support beta-cell preservation and immune modulation. Dr. Bravo outlines stages of disease (autoimmunity with normal glucose, dysglycemia without symptoms, and symptomatic diabetes) and notes a key intervention window before overt hyperglycemia, comparing this approach to preventive care for hypertension and high cholesterol. The conversation highlights the burden, costs, hospital impact, and reduced life expectancy associated with early diagnosis, and closes with encouragement that many people with type 1 diabetes thrive and that the future of care is improving, along with resources including the Barbara Davis Center ASK study, TrialNet, and organizations such as Breakthrough T1D.

00:00 Welcome to the Endo Kids Podcast (What We Cover + Disclaimer)

00:55 Meet Dr. Herb Bravo: Why Type 1 Diabetes Research Matters

02:02 The Trauma of DKA: Why Early Detection Is So Critical

04:03 From Primary Care to Sanofi: Dr. Bravo’s Turning Point

07:43 Type 1 Diabetes 101 + Recognizing Early Symptoms

10:00 Screening for Autoantibodies: How Testing Works (LabCorp, TrialNet, ASK)

13:16 Who Should Get Screened? Family History, Autoimmune Risk & Population Screening

17:04 “Do I Want to Know?” Counseling Families on Risk & Follow-Up Plans

20:21 New Therapies & Beta-Cell Preservation: Delaying Onset and Reducing Burden

26:27 Stages of Type 1 Diabetes: The Window Where Treatment Can Help Most

29:45 The Future of Type 1 Care: Remission Hopes, Costs, and Big-Picture Impact

33:21 Key Message for Parents + Resources, Links, and Final 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.

In this episode of the Endo Kids Podcast, Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Lindsey Waldman, both board-certified pediatric endocrinologists, dive into the complexities of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. The discussion aims to remove the stigma and blame often associated with the condition, focusing instead on the science behind insulin resistance, symptoms, diagnosis, and holistic treatment approaches. The hosts emphasize the importance of early intervention, balanced nutrition, proper sleep, and family-based lifestyle changes, along with the role of medications like metformin and GLP-1s. The episode also explores the genetic and socioeconomic factors contributing to the rising cases of type 2 diabetes in kids. This informative and compassionate episode is designed to empower families with the knowledge and tools they need to manage the condition effectively.

00:00 Introduction to the Endo Kids Podcast

01:01 Understanding Type 2 Diabetes in Children

03:03 Causes and Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes

04:17 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

06:46 Treatment Approaches for Type 2 Diabetes

09:35 Medication for Type 2 Diabetes

11:37 Addressing Stigma and Mental Health

13:32 Conclusion and Future Episodes

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.

Welcome to the Endo Kids Podcast, hosted by Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Lindsey Waldman, both board-certified pediatric endocrinologists. This episode provides an in-depth exploration of Type 1 Diabetes, breaking down the science behind the disease, its symptoms, and long-term management. The hosts emphasize the importance of differentiating Type 1 from Type 2 Diabetes, addressing common misconceptions, and providing practical tips for families navigating this diagnosis. They also discuss treatment options, including insulin injections and pumps, as well as the role of continuous glucose monitors. The episode aims to reassure parents that with proper management and support, children with Type 1 Diabetes can lead full, independent lives. For more resources and support, visit www.endokidsconcierge.com.

00:00 Welcome to the Endo Kids Podcast

00:56 Understanding Type One Diabetes

05:02 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Type One Diabetes

08:21 Managing Type One Diabetes: Insulin and Technology

16:02 Dealing with Low Blood Sugars

18:35 Living with Type One Diabetes: Quality of Life and Mental Health

21:43 Conclusion and Support 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.

In this episode of the Endo Kids Podcast, host Dr. Lindsey Waldman is joined by Kelly Benson Vogt, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, for an in-depth discussion on pediatric feeding disorders. Drawing on her 28 years of experience, including 16 years in private practice and early intervention, Kelly helps distinguish typical picky eating from true feeding disorders. She highlights early signs parents should watch for during infancy and toddlerhood, shares practical, realistic strategies to encourage children to try new foods, and walks listeners through what a typical feeding therapy session looks like. This episode empowers parents with the knowledge and tools needed to better support their child’s feeding and nutritional development.

00:00 Introduction to Endo Kids Podcast

00:57 Meet Our Special Guest: Kelly Benson Vogt

01:39 Kelly's Journey into Pediatric Feeding Therapy

03:18 Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorders

05:45 Tips for Managing Picky Eaters

09:07 The Importance of Family Mealtimes

13:17 Engaging Kids in the Kitchen

20:28 Red Flags in Infant and Toddler Feeding

25:04 What to Expect in Feeding Therapy

28:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

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.