What does growth hormone do?

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hanh Trang, deputy head of the Pediatrics Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, explains that some children are shorter than average for their age due to genetics or premature birth. Restricted height can also result from growth hormone deficiency, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases, or hypothyroidism.

Growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, promotes growth in children. Growth hormone (GH) therapy is intended for children with severe growth hormone deficiency. Children typically receive this therapy for many years, sometimes throughout their lives.

How much taller do children grow with growth hormone injections?

Children with growth hormone deficiency are shorter than their peers. Many experience delayed tooth development, and X-rays often reveal that their bones are smaller than expected for their age. Girls may not develop breasts, and boys' voices may not change at the same rate as their peers.

The success of GH therapy depends on several factors, including when treatment begins, its duration, the child's underlying medical condition, and their height potential. There's no specific height increase guarantee for children undergoing this therapy.

A child's height and weight are measured to assess growth. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A child's height and weight are measured to assess growth. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

At what age can it be used?

Growth hormone therapy is usually initiated when there's evidence of a growth problem, typically detected before puberty. It can start earlier if a child is diagnosed with a specific condition. Doctors inquire about the child's development and medical history, requesting tests and bone age X-rays.

If a child's bone age is significantly younger than their chronological age, it may indicate a growth hormone deficiency. Detailed brain imaging helps doctors determine if the pituitary gland or brain is causing the GH deficiency. This therapy is less effective when girls are around 14 and boys around 16 years old.

Is it safe?

Growth hormone therapy is considered safe, rarely causing side effects, but its effectiveness varies. Some children may experience headaches, transient fever, joint pain, swelling, or scoliosis.

To prevent this hormone deficiency, children should combine a healthy diet with regular exercise and rest. Adequate sleep and avoiding late nights help the body release growth hormone (GH). Most growth hormone is released during sleep, especially deep sleep. Parents should regularly measure their child's height, record their growth chart, and intervene promptly if necessary.

Tue Diem