Do short children have to take growth hormone

Short children do not necessarily need to receive growth hormone, and whether to use it should be evaluated based on specific causes. Growth hormone therapy is mainly suitable for specific conditions such as growth hormone deficiency and idiopathic short stature. For other reasons such as genetic short stature and malnutrition, targeted interventions should be prioritized.

1. Growth hormone deficiency: Children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency can effectively improve their height through growth hormone treatment. This type of child needs to be diagnosed through medical examinations such as growth hormone stimulation tests, and regular monitoring of blood glucose, thyroid function, and other indicators is required during treatment.

2. Idiopathic dwarfism:

When there is no clear cause but the height is below the 3rd percentile of children of the same age and gender, growth hormone therapy may be considered after professional evaluation. Excluding factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and chronic diseases, the treatment effectiveness rate is about 60% -80%.

3. Hereditary short stature:

Inheriting parental height is a common cause of short stature in children. The effectiveness of growth hormone therapy is limited in this type of situation. It is recommended to promote growth potential through natural methods such as balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and vertical exercise.

4. Malnutrition factors:

Lack of nutrients such as calcium, zinc, and vitamin D can lead to growth retardation. It is necessary to adjust the diet structure, increase the intake of dairy products, fish, and dark vegetables, and supplement nutrient preparations if necessary. Most children's height can catch up to the genetic level.

5. Effects of chronic diseases:

hypothyroidism, congenital heart disease, and other diseases may inhibit growth and development. Priority should be given to treating the primary disease. Some children can recover their growth rate on their own after controlling the primary disease, without the need for additional growth hormone intervention.

For children who are shorter in height, it is recommended to regularly monitor their growth curve and record their annual growth rate. Ensure 500ml of milk daily, 1 hour of skipping rope or basketball exercise, and go to bed before 22:00. If the annual growth rate is less than 4 centimeters or the bone age is significantly lagging behind, it is necessary to seek timely medical attention from the endocrinology department. Avoid blindly supplementing health products in daily life, reduce psychological pressure, and most children will experience catch-up growth during adolescence.