Most short children are healthy
Many short children simply have short parents, or are late developers who will catch up and reach a normal adult height. Both grow at a normal rate.
Growth rate matters most
Between about age 4 and puberty, children usually grow about 5 to 7 cm a year. Growth well below this, or a child dropping across the lines of a growth chart, needs attention.
Warning signs
- Height well below that of other children the same age
- Growing less than about 4 cm a year
- Much shorter than expected from the parents’ heights
- Poor weight gain, tummy problems or frequent illness
- Puberty that is very early or has not started by the expected age
- Headaches or vision problems
Possible causes
Hormone causes include an underactive thyroid, growth hormone deficiency and, in girls, Turner syndrome. Other causes include coeliac disease, poor nutrition, long-term illness and being born small for dates.
What assessment involves
- Accurate measurements plotted on a growth chart
- Both parents’ heights
- A hand X-ray for bone age
- Blood tests such as thyroid, IGF-1, coeliac screen and blood count, with further tests only if needed
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Growth hormone injections help children with proven deficiency and some other conditions, under specialist follow-up. Height supplements and tonics do not increase height.
Bring any previous height records and both parents’ heights to the appointment.
This guide is general information and is not a substitute for a consultation.
Related guides
Endocrine care for children at the clinic All patient guides