"I understand bed wetting could be do to a hormonal problem. Is this true? If so, what can be done?"

Hi, I’m Dr. Wolffe, a member of the GoodNites NiteLite panel. All of the water intake and output of our bodies is under the control of hormones. One is made in the adrenal glands, and helps to regulate both salt and water levels in the body. The other is made in the pituitary gland, and also regulates water levels. The water levels in our bodies is tightly regulated by these hormones. If they are not working right, we are likely to develop abnormalities of salts, such as potassium or sodium, in our bloodstream. These abnormalities can affect the function of our nerves and muscles, including the basic functions of the heart and brain.

It's true that someone with a rare problem of one of these glands may have bedwetting as a symptom. But nearly all bedwetting in children is not the result of an abnormality in the pituitary or adrenal glands. In children--even teenagers--it's usually because they sleep so deeply that they aren't waking up when the bladder sends a signal that it needs some attention.

A medication is available that is a synthetic form of one of these hormones. When a child takes it, the kidneys get the message that they need to conserve water. This quickly reduces urine production. As a result, it's possible to have a dry night. As soon as the child stops taking the medication, urine output returns and bedwetting will resume. The child's body doesn't learn from this experience. Though hormonal medication for bedwetting has its uses, it doesn't fix the problem. It doesn't appeal to me to interrupt a child's essential regulatory processes unless medically necessary. Patience is usually effective.