Growth Hormone Deficiency in ChildrenMedical Author:
Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Arthur B Chausmer, MD, PhD, FACP, FACE, FACN, CNS
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
George T Griffing, MD
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children OverviewGrowth 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. |
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Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children
Growth Hormone Deficiency FAQs »
What is growth hormone deficiency?
Growth hormone deficiency is a disorder that involves the pituitary gland (a small gland located at the base of the brain). This gland produces growth hormone and other hormones (chemical messengers of the body). When it does not produce enough growth hormone, growth will be slower than normal. If other pituitary hormones are absent or present in inadequate amounts, the condition is called hypopituitarism.
Growth hormone deficiency can occur at any age. Growth hormone is necessary for normal growth and development in children. In adults, growth hormone is needed to maintain the proper amounts of body fat, muscle, and bone. In adults, low or absent growth hormone can also cause emotional symptoms, such as tiredness and lack of motivation.What causes growth hormone deficiency?
Growth hormone deficiency is caused by low or absent secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. This condition may be...
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Growth Hormone Deficiency »
Many European paintings, particularly those of the Spanish Court, portray people with extremely short stature who may have had growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
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