Growth Disorders
Does your child seem shorter or taller than other children of the same age? Does your child seem to be growing too slow or too fast?
Your child’s growth could be normal or abnormal. Some children are short or tall because their parents are shorter or taller people. Some children mature physically early and some mature late. Some children are short because they were born small. Some children have a condition that is causing them to grow differently. Growth disorders can have many causes.
Infants, children and teenagers should have regular checkups that include measuring their height and weight. This is the best way to tell if your child is growing normally. If you have a concern about your child’s growth, talk to your child’s primary care provider.
What happens if my child is referred to the Blank Children's Endocrinology Clinic?
In the Endocrinology Clinic, your child’s height and weight will be measured. Other body measurements may be done. A health history will be taken. Your child will have a complete physical exam. An x-ray may be taken of the hand and wrist. The x-ray is used to look at your child’s growth plates to see how mature his/her bones are. Blood tests may be done to check for health problems that can cause growth problems. Special tests will be done if needed. It is common for your child’s growth to be rechecked over time to determine if it is normal, too slow, or too fast. Many conditions that cause growth disorders can be managed or corrected with medical treatment.
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