Understanding Growth Hormone Therapy for Children: Benefits & Considerations

Growth hormone therapy is a synthetic hormone doctors prescribe to help with linear growth. A normal growth pattern is two inches per year until bone maturation. The pituitary gland normally secretes a hormone to make linear growth possible. If the pituitary gland is not working properly, children will not reach their full height.

Process

• Doctors record a child's weight and height during physical exams. If the height is not progressing at the normal two inches each year, the doctor may request bone x-rays and blood samples.

Diagnosis

• Once the doctor has studied the growth pattern of the child, the results of x-rays and blood work and the family history, she may prescribe growth hormone therapy.

Side Effects

• According to The Magic Foundation, an organization for growth and related disorders, growth hormone therapy does not have "any significant side effects" when it is used as a replacement for hormone deficiencies.

Administration

• Growth hormone therapy is a shot injected once a day. The therapy continues until the child reached approximately 14 to 16 years old. Liner growth is three to four inches a year.

Monitoring

• The child visits the endocrinologist every three months. The doctor will test the blood for thyroid functioning.