What is stuttering? Stuttering is a speech problem in which a person may repeat, draw out, not complete, or skip words or sounds without meaning to. The problem can range from mild to severe. Sometimes stuttering starts during a child's early language-learning years (ages 2 through 7 years) and goes away on its own...

Understand the basics about estrogen and anti-androgen hormone therapy for gender affirmation.

Understand the basics about testosterone hormone therapy for gender affirmation.

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that affects males. Typically, males have one X and one Y chromosome; males with Klinefelter syndrome have at least two X chromosomes in addition to their Y chromosome and, in rare cases, as many as three or four. Symptoms, when present, vary from one person to another...

Ages 15 to 18 are an exciting time of life. But these years can be challenging for teens and their parents. Emotions can change quickly as teens learn to deal with school, their friends, and adult expectations. Teen self-esteem is affected by...

Sexual orientation means how you are attracted romantically and sexually to other people. There are different kinds of sexual orientation. For example, a person may be: Heterosexual—attracted only or almost only to the other binary (male/female) gender. "Binary" is the idea that there are only two genders, male and...

Children with poor eating habits don't get the amounts of nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. This can lead to being underweight or overweight. Children who are poorly nourished tend to have weaker immune systems, which increases their chances of illness. They are more likely to develop certain...

An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of the enzyme ALP in the blood. ALP is made mostly in the liver and in bone with some made in the intestines and kidneys. It also is made by the placenta during pregnancy. The liver makes more ALP than the other organs or the bones. Some conditions cause large...

If your child with Down syndrome is between the ages of 5 and 13, you will likely have ongoing questions and concerns. Your doctor can help answer your questions. And he or she can guide you to appropriate resources to help you manage your feelings and plan for your child's long-term care needs. Your doctor will likely...

A testicular prosthesis is a small implant with a size, shape, and consistency like a real testicle. It's usually made of a soft plastic (silicone) shell and filled with saline (salt water). The risks of a testicular prosthesis include infection and bleeding or blood clots in the scrotum. But these problems aren't...

Scoliosis is a problem with the curve in the spine. Some curves in the spine are normal. But sometimes a spine makes a large curve from side to side in the shape of the letter "S" or the letter "C." If this curve is severe, it can cause pain and...

Growth between the ages of 6 and 10 usually occurs in spurts but progresses at an overall steady pace. Most children gain an average of 7 lb (3 kg) and 2 in. (6 cm) each year. The loss of baby teeth and their replacement by permanent teeth is one of the most dramatic signs of physical development for this age group...

The nasal septum is the wall between the nostrils that separates the two nasal passages. It supports the nose and directs airflow. The septum is made of thin bone in the back and cartilage in the front. A deviated septum means that the cartilage or bone isn't straight. A crooked septum can make it hard to breathe. It...

Stretch marks are lines that appear on the skin as slightly indented streaks. They may look reddish or purplish, depending on your skin color. Or they can look lighter than the color of your skin. With time, they may fade and become less noticeable. Stretch marks may appear any time a person gains a lot of weight. They...

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a male hormone (androgen) that is made in the adrenal glands. The body turns it into testosterone. A test for DHEA-S checks the level of this hormone in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and development. In men, it is made in large amounts by the testicles. In...

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at their own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language. But they may be behind...