Familial short stature is the most likely diagnosis when a child is grow­ing at a normal rate (following his or her curve) and one or both parents are short. I.e., the mother is 5’1” (~155 cm) or shorter and/or the father is 5’5” (~165 cm) or shorter.

Often the only symptom seen is short stature, but they are otherwise healthy. Usually, the chances of finding another endocrine problem that has not already been diagnosed at this stage is low.

Screening laboratory tests almost always produce a normal result. Some specialists order laboratory studies and some do not. A hand radiograph for bone age is sometimes helpful because in children aged 7 years and older, it can help make a prediction of how tall the child will be as an adult.