Human growth hormone (GH) is a natural protein that initiates growth in bones and cartilage. It also increases protein building and causes fat to be used for energy. Growth hormone is valuable for people of any age, but it is essential to children as they mature and grow.

There are a number of medical conditions that interfere with growth, including growth hormone deficiency (GHD). If your child has GHD it means that he/she doesn't produce quite enough growth hormone to reach his/her normal adult height and the child will not maintain normal growth rates for his/her age.

Currently, there is no simple test that can accurately or easily aid in the diagnosis of GHD, so doctors assess patients by comparing them to other children of the same age. Children with GHD are usually shorter than other children their age.

This chart shows the change in an average child's height and weight as they grow. If your child's growth rate continues to fall below a defined target range for their age over a prolonged period of time, you or your doctor should seek an explanation. Your doctor may send you to a specialist, known as a pediatric endocrinologist. If this doctor determines that your child has GHD, growth hormone replacement therapy may be recommended.

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