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Growth Hormone (HGH or human growth hormone as some people call it) is a crucial hormone for a healthy life. What surprises most people is the fact that GH affects much more than just a child's height. Concerns for families of children diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency include serious problems relating to; heart strength, lung capacity, bone density, immune system function and much more! The entire body is affected if a child is growth hormone deficient! Therefore, it is IMPORTANT to identify children with growth hormone deficiency as early as possible to avoid the permanent internal delays and damage in addition to the potential loss of permanent inches.
Growth Hormone Deficiency is a treatable condition.
Welcome to the Growth Hormone Deficiency Division of The MAGIC Foundation
On this page you will see:
- Medical overview of Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) prepared by a pediatric endocrinologist (specialist in childrens growth)
- Explanation about Growth Hormone Deficiency (what it is, what it means, testing, and other details) written by "a Mom" for other parents
- Links to personal stories about our GHD children- you are not alone!
- Links to additional medical information helpful to parents of growth hormone deficient children
- Glossary of Terms (to your left) helps you understand medical terms
If you need help, or want to speak to a parent of a child with Growth Hormone Deficiency contact us at (708) 383-0808 or here online.
Click pictures to read personal stories about growth hormone deficiency
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Mary, Deno (GHD), Dianne and James Andrews |
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James, Ashley (McCune-Albright Syn.), Jamie, & Courtney Harvey(GHD) |
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Steve (GHD), Teresa, Ed & Janette Tucker |
GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY IN CHILDHOOD Introduction
One cause of children's growth failure is Growth Hormone Deficiency. Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary and is one of a number of hormones affecting a child's growth. Sometimes there is a deficiency of other pituitary hormones resulting in Hypopituitarism. However, for this segment we will restrict our discussion to growth hormone deficiency in children.
A growth hormone deficient child usually shows a growth pattern of less than 2 inches a year. In many cases the growth hormone deficient child will grow normally until the age of 2 or 3 and then begin to show signs of delayed growth. Other children will experience growth failure earlier or later than this age range. Though much smaller, these growth hormone deficient children have normal body proportions and often tend to look younger than their peers. Some may appear to be on the higher percentile in weight, though cases of Growth Hormone Deficiency have been diagnosed for children of low weight.
When a parent suspects growth failure of their child, they are often not immediately tested for Growth Hormone Deficiency. Previous growth measurements, when available, should be evaluated, a bone age (x-ray of a child's hand and wrist) taken and blood samples assessed for possible thyroid hormone deficiency.
Testing for Growth Hormone Deficiency will occur when other possibilities of short stature have been ruled out. A child's growth hormone secretion will be stimulated by one of several agents such as clonidine and Ldopa. The release of growth hormone may also be measured over a period of 8-12 hours, since growth hormone secretion varies throughout the day and is greatest after falling asleep.
Once diagnosed with GHD, treatment is with human growth hormone, now available in unlimited quantities. Though every child may not react similarly to growth hormone treatment, the majority of children under therapy today reach a normal adult height or nearly their full growth potential. Growth hormone therapy is given by injection, either daily or several times per week. Parents are trained to give these injections and children, once they are comfortable with it, continue on their own.
Early diagnosis is extremely important for a growth hormone deficient child. To obtain the best results, a child must be diagnosed and treated at a relatively young age. Accurate annual measurements and plotting of a child's growth chart allows for identification of growth failure and treatment before the child's bones fuse. Once fusing has taken place, no additional growth is possible.
Short stature can be difficult for a child and their family. Many children much shorter than their peers experience both physical and emotional problems. Communicate with your child, offer assistance when necessary, but remember, act towards your child according to their age, not according to their size.
Contributing Medical Specialist
Richard A Levy, M.D.
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Rush-Presbyterian St. Lukes Medical Center
Chicago, IL 60612
NOTE: The following information was written by the parent of a growth hormone deficient child, NOT a medical professional. ALWAYS consult your child’s medical team for real medical advice and information.
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Explained by a Mother
Hi- I am the mother of a growth hormone deficient child. I had an awful time understanding "human growth hormone deficiency-HGH-GHD"-and all the other medical terms used. I would read something, link to something else, get more lost and more confused to the point of real frustration.
During visits to the doctor....I would think I was understanding what the doctor was saying - when he was saying it, but as soon as I got in the car to go home...my brain turned to putty and I had a thousand questions. Or he would just start saying something about shots, and my brain went blank! Didn't want to hear it and brain tuned out! So each night I went back to the Internet searching for information.
After a while, I finally began to “get it”. But I know how hard this process can be for parents- been there! Therefore, to help other parents, I prepared this "commentary". I honestly warn you that it is NOT medically proper as I use terms and examples which are for “our” understanding as parents NOT medical professionals. Hopefully, this will give you a good starting point from which you can begin to build your understanding of this complicated medical issue.
To continue reading my parent's explanation- click here.
Email: ghd@magicfoundation.org
Call: (708) 383-0808 or toll free at 800-362-4423
Our Motto: Children have a short time to grow and a lifetime to live with the results.”
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ADDITIONAL Pages commonly requested by growth hormone deficient parents:
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Always remember: We (the parents) are always here to help you with questions about your children with growth hormone deficiency. If you are worried about your child, new to the diagnosis and/or treatments- please don't sit at home and worry! We are here for you! Growth hormone deficiency and all growth disorders can be difficult to understand. We are not medical experts but can help you from our own personal experiences. Call 1-800-3 MAGIC 3.
LEGAL NOTE:The information in this article is copywritten and legally protected against unauthorized reproduction in any complete or partial form. This article was prepared specifically for The MAGIC Foundation. Any type of reproduction is strictly prohibited pending the foundation and author's written authorization. Privacy and enforcement of our authors, families and materials is taken very seriously. Failure to comply with the legal posting of this notice, will be met with legal action. |
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Want to learn more, talk/network with a parent with an affected child or read more personal stories from affected families? These features and much more are available for our Members areas. See also Foundation Information/ Family Services (drop down link at the top) for more details. |
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