Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children

• Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children Overview
• Growth Hormone Deficiency Causes in Children
• Growth Hormone Deficiency Symptoms in Children
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Growth Hormone Deficiency Treatment in Children
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Outlook
• Support Groups and Counseling
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children Overview

Growth hormone deficiency is a disorder that involves the pituitary gland (a small gland located at the base of the brain), which produces growth hormone and other hormones. When the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone, growth will be slower than normal. Growth hormone is necessary for normal growth and development in children. Growth hormone deficiency can occur at any age.

The child’s growth pattern is an important part of determining normal growth. Normally, a child grows about 2 inches per year. A child with growth hormone deficiency usually has a growth pattern of less than 2 inches per year. In many cases, the child grows normally until he or she is about 2 or 3 years old; then, signs of growth delay begin to show. In other cases, the child may experience growth delay earlier or later than this age. Although much smaller, a child with growth hormone deficiency has normal body proportions (the relationship of one body part to another) and tends to look younger than other children of the same age.