When children are born, all parents have many aspirations about their lives, many dreams about seeing them grow up and thrive. Watching a child hit their growth milestones, whether it’s taking their first steps or reaching new heights, can be one of the most rewarding aspects of parenting. However, some children may experience growth challenges that make this journey more difficult, which point towards underlying health conditions that require timely medical attention for proper treatment. Many aspects of a child’s growth, along with their height, overall development, energy and well-being, can be affected, which makes identifying these issues early on very crucial. The most common cause of this is growth hormone deficiency in children.
In this blog, we will discuss the common symptoms of growth hormone deficiency, its diagnostic process, and treatment options available for children who are going through it.
What is Growth Hormone Deficiency?
Growth hormone deficiency in children is a medical condition where the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, doesn’t produce enough growth hormone. Growth hormones play a critical role in regulating a child’s growth, metabolism, and overall development. When the body lacks enough growth hormones, it can lead to growth retardation, short stature, and other developmental issues.
Childhood growth hormone deficiency can lead to delayed puberty, reduced muscle mass, and low energy levels. Since GH affects various bodily functions, the impact of this deficiency can be wide-ranging.
Symptoms of Growth Hormone Deficiency
There are several symptoms of growth hormone deficiency that can vary from child to child. Some of the common signs of low growth hormone in children are:
Short Stature
It is one of the most noticeable symptoms in children. Children with GHD tend to be much smaller physically than kids of the same age, even though they may be developing normally in other areas.
Delayed Puberty
Growth hormone is vital for the normal development of puberty. Children with GHD often experience slower development of characteristics like body hair growth, breast development, or voice changes.
Increased Body Fat
A deficiency in growth hormone can lead to an increase in body fat, especially around the abdomen. This symptom may occur even in children who are otherwise healthy or at a normal weight.
Low Energy and Fatigue
Children with GHD may feel tired more easily, have low energy levels, and struggle with physical activities. This can affect their overall quality of life by affecting their participation in school and sports activities.
Fine Hair and Thin Skin
Growth hormone also plays a key role in affecting the condition of the skin and hair of children. If your child has thin skin and fine, sparse hair, it can be an indication of growth hormone deficiency.
Diagnosis of Childhood Growth Hormone Deficiency
Growth hormone treatment for children typically involves a combination of medical evaluations, physical examinations, and specific tests to measure the level of growth hormone in the body. Here’s how the diagnosis process works:
Physical Exam
A paediatrician will assess the child’s overall health and growth pattern. They will measure the child’s height, weight, and rate of growth over time to identify any deviations from normal growth patterns.
Growth Charts
Growth charts are used to track a child’s growth compared to age-appropriate standards. A child who is not growing according to the expected percentile on the chart may indicate a potential GHD.
Blood Tests
A common test to diagnose GHD is the measurement of IGF-1, a hormone that is produced in response to growth hormone. Although not always definitive, low levels of IGF-1 can suggest hormone deficiency.
Growth Hormone Stimulation Tests
These tests involve administering specific substances, such as insulin, that should trigger the release of growth hormone. If the pituitary gland doesn’t release enough growth hormones, it confirms GHD.
MRI of the Brain
An MRI scan may be recommended by the doctors for early detection of any abnormalities in the pituitary gland. Tumours or other issues in these areas can sometimes lead to growth hormone deficiency.
How to Support Children with GHD?
In addition to medical treatment, children with growth hormone deficiency can benefit from making some lifestyle changes and emotional support from parents:
Emotional Support
It is very crucial to provide emotional support to your children along with proper medical treatment. Avoid comparison with their peers and encourage open communication so that they can talk freely about their feelings.
Proper Nutrition
A balanced diet rich in nutrients is necessary to support proper growth in children. Make sure that your child is consuming proper calories, protein and nutrients along with their GH therapy for optimal results.
Physical Activity
Build a routine and encourage your child to partake in physical activities daily and consistently to help improve their muscle development and overall health. This will also help in reducing the body fat caused by GHD.
Final Thoughts – Early Diagnosis and Treatment Can Achieve Normal Growth
If you notice the above mentioned symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in your child, it is essential to consult a pediatric endocrinologist. They are specialists in diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances in children and provide proper medical treatment and care for them. Growth hormone replacement therapy is the primary treatment for GHD. Supportive care, including proper nutrition and physical activity, can help you to manage the condition further.
Visit the best paediatric endocrinologist for growth hormone deficiency in Dubai, Dr Ashish Malpani, who will develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.