Growth Hormone Disorders
Answers to common questions about growth hormone disorders.
Questions on this page
What happens when growth hormone is excessive in children?
Excess growth hormone before growth plates close can cause excessive linear growth, known as gigantism.
What happens when growth hormone is deficient in children?
Growth hormone deficiency can result in reduced growth velocity and short stature. The cause needs appropriate evaluation.
Can adults have growth hormone deficiency?
Yes. Adults with significant pituitary disease may develop growth hormone deficiency, which can affect body composition, bone health and quality of life.
Does every short child need growth hormone testing?
No. Growth patterns, family height, puberty and other medical factors must be assessed before deciding whether testing is necessary.