Growth disorders are health conditions that can affect how a child grows. Children grow at different speeds, and being shorter than other children does not always mean something is wrong. But growing more slowly than expected may sometimes be a sign of a health condition.
Growth hormone is made by a small gland in the brain called the pituitary gland. It helps children grow and supports healthy bones, muscles, organs, and how the body uses energy. Through clinical research, we are learning more about growth disorders and looking for better treatments to help children grow and develop.
A child’s growth can be affected by their genes, the food they eat, hormone levels, and overall health. Some children grow more slowly than others and may catch up as they get older.
Sometimes, slow growth may be caused by a health condition or by the body not making enough growth hormone.
Keeping track of a child’s height over time can show if they are growing as expected. A change in how they usually grow may matter more than how tall they are compared with other children.
A healthcare professional can look at the child’s growth over time, overall health, and how family members grew. More tests may be needed to find out why the child is growing slowly.
How a growth disorder is managed depends on what is causing it. Some children may only need regular checkups to make sure they are growing well. Others may need treatment for a health condition.
When a child’s body does not make enough growth hormone, a healthcare professional may suggest growth hormone treatment. The child’s growth and health will be checked over time.
A child’s growth can tell us a lot about their health and development. These facts show that many things can affect growth and why it is important to notice changes in how a child is growing.
More than 200 health conditions can affect a child’s growth. Many of these conditions are rare.
Human growth hormone, also called hGH, is made by a small gland in the brain. It helps bones and other parts of the body grow.
Children grow at different speeds. A change in how a child usually grows may be a reason to talk with a healthcare professional.
The body releases growth hormone throughout the day, with more released during sleep. This is one reason sleep is important for healthy growth.
No growth hormone clinical studies are currently listed. New study opportunities may be added as they become available.
