What Is Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children? A Caregiver’s Guide
Growth hormone deficiency in children, often called pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD), is a rare medical condition that occurs when a child’s body does not produce enough human growth hormone. This hormone, made by the pituitary gland in the brain, plays a critical role in helping children grow and develop normally. When levels are too low, it can affect not only height, but also muscle development, metabolism, and overall health.
For caregivers, understanding what PGHD is, and how it may show up, can be an important first step toward getting the right care and support for your child.
What Does Growth Hormone Do?
Human growth hormone is essential for childhood development. It helps stimulate bone growth, supports the development of healthy muscle, and plays a role in how the body uses fat and sugar for energy. Growth hormone also contributes to heart health and overall physical strength.
Because growth hormone affects so many systems in the body, a deficiency can have wide-ranging effects beyond slowed growth.
What Causes Growth Hormone Deficiency?
In some children, growth hormone deficiency is present at birth due to genetic or developmental issues involving the pituitary gland. In other cases, it can develop later in childhood as a result of injury, infection, tumors, or radiation therapy affecting the brain. In many children, however, the exact cause is unknown.
Importantly, PGHD is not caused by poor nutrition, parenting choices, or lack of sleep: something caregivers may worry about unnecessarily.
Common Signs and Symptoms
The most noticeable sign of growth hormone deficiency is slow or delayed growth. Children with PGHD may grow much more slowly than their peers, often falling below expected growth patterns on pediatric growth charts. This typically becomes more apparent after age three.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Shorter height compared to children of the same age and sex
- Increased body fat, especially around the abdomen
- A round or “baby-faced” appearance that persists longer than expected
- Lower muscle mass or reduced physical strength
- Delayed puberty
- Low energy or fatigue
While not every child will experience all of these symptoms, seeing several together may warrant further evaluation.
How Is PGHD Diagnosed?
If a pediatrician suspects growth hormone deficiency, they may refer your child to a pediatric endocrinologist: a doctor who specializes in hormone-related conditions. Diagnosis often involves reviewing growth patterns over time, blood tests to assess hormone levels, and imaging tests to examine the pituitary gland.
Because growth hormone is released in pulses, diagnosis can be complex and usually requires multiple steps rather than a single test.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Untreated growth hormone deficiency can have long-term effects on a child’s physical development and overall health. In addition to short stature, children may experience changes in body composition, reduced muscle strength, and potential cardiovascular concerns later in life.
The good news is that with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many children with PGHD can grow closer to their expected height and reduce the risk of future complications.
Supporting Your Child
Learning that your child may have a hormone condition can feel overwhelming. Asking questions, working closely with your child’s healthcare team, and staying informed can help you feel more confident in navigating next steps.
If you notice that your child isn’t growing or developing as expected, trust your instincts and talk to their pediatrician. Early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in your child’s health and well-being: now and in the future.