Condition
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a rare condition in which the body does not make enough growth hormone (GH). GH is made by the pituitary gland, a small organ at the base of the brain.
In children, GH is essential for normal growth, muscle and bone strength, and distribution of body fat. It also helps control glucose (sugar) and lipid (fat) levels in the body. Without enough GH, a child is likely to grow slowly and be much shorter than other children of the same age and gender.
It’s important for parents to know that there are many reasons for slow growth and below-average height in children. At times, slow growth is normal and temporary, such as right before puberty starts. A pediatric endocrinologist (children’s hormone specialist) or primary care doctor can help find out why a child is growing slowly. Most children with GHD grow less than two inches (5 centimeters) each year.
Some children are born with GHD. Others develop it after birth due to a brain injury, a tumor, or radiation treatment to the head. For some children, doctors can find no cause.
Your doctor will review your child’s medical history and growth charts, and look for signs of GHD and other conditions that affect growth. Your doctor may do tests to help find the cause of slow growth. These include:
Children with GHD receive treatment with daily injections of synthetic (manufactured) human GH, a prescription medicine. The GH, given at home, is injected under the skin. Initially monitoring is preformed with serum IGF-1 levels. After 3-6 months of treatment, the growth response to GH therapy is monitored.
The best results occur when GHD is diagnosed and treated early. In some children, GH can lead to four inches (10 centimeters) of growth during the first year of treatment. Others grow less, but usually faster than without treatment. Some children need treatment until adolescence; others need it into adulthood.
You can help your child get the best care for GHD by taking these steps:
Find an endocrinologist today to ensure that you are on the path to health with the right medical care. Keep Your Body In Balance!
The Hormone Health Network is the public education affiliate of the Endocrine Society dedicated to helping both patients and doctors find information on the prevention, treatment and cure of hormone-related conditions.
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