The Effects of Growth Hormones in Children

The pituitary gland, a pea sized gland at the base of the brain, secretes the growth hormone that causes a child to grow taller. When the gland doesn't secrete enough natural growth hormone, a child will not reach normal height. While the child's body will develop in proper proportion, he will likely be short. There are other complications from underproduction of growth hormone, most notably bone mass underdevelopment. Mostly, it is the social drawbacks of being short that cause some parents to consider the use of a man made hormone called the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) for their child.

Causes of Underproduction

• Abnormal development of the pituitary in utero may cause hypopituitarism, or growth hormone deficiency. Damage to the pituitary by trauma, such as a head injury, illness or a tumor can cause a child to stop growing at a normal rate. Kidney failure, diabetes, AIDS, Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome are all disorders that can affect the pituitary's natural function. In some cases there is no known cause.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• According to the Human Growth Foundation, a child who is the same height as children two or more years younger, or whose growth curve is abnormal, should be evaluated by a doctor.
  A detailed history of her growth pattern from birth, any family history of late puberty along with her medical history will be evaluated. A X-ray of her hand and wrist may be ordered to compare bone development to age and height development. A blood test can help rule out thyroid, gastrointestinal or kidney related diseases as the cause of her slower-than-normal growth.
  Under the care of a pediatric endocrinologist, HGH is administrated over a period of two to four years or until the child has reached a normal height. The two hormones most frequently given, by injection, are Somatrem or Somatropin.

Postive Effects

• HGH can help children grow to a normal height. The normal height range for men is 5 feet 7 seven inches to 5 feet 11. For women it is 5 feet 2 to 5 feet 6. The injections are administered three to seven times a week. Growth is usually visibly evident after three to four months of treatment. The growth rate typically declines over time but the child will continue to grow. Parents often report an decrease in their child's body fat (a pattern usually seen in normally developing children) and an increase in appetite.

Complications and Side Effects

• Complications of HGH include headaches, change in heart rate, ear infections, hearing problems, dizziness, vision problems and nervousness. A doctor should be contacted as quickly as possible if any of these develop. Rare complications that also require immediate medical attention include pain or swelling at the injection site, pain in the hip or knee, a limp, or nausea and vomiting.
  Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, constipation, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight gain and tightness in the chest.

Effects on Children with Functioning Pituitary

• Height is perceived as an advantage both socially and in athletics, and there is debate about the use of HGH to on children who may fall on the shorter end of the normal height range.
  There is potential for serious complications. HGH in a human body already producing enough natural growth hormone can cause abnormal growth in the heart, lungs and liver, hardening of the arteries and the development of diabetes or hypertension in otherwise healthy children.