Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is when the pituitary gland does not produce enough or any growth hormone. GHD can occur in infancy or later in childhood. ~1 in 4,000 to 10,000 children have GHD. It can also impact adults at a rate of ~1 in 10,000. 

GHD occurs when the body does not produce enough GHD either due to a problem with the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, or a problem with getting messages between both. In many children the reason for deficiency may not be known, in this case it would be called “idiopathic growth hormone deficiency”. Other reasons for deficiency may be due to brain development or damage to the brain.

As this impact of GHD happens for many years the symptoms may be difficult to identify. Alongside slow growth children may appear immature compared to peers, appear chubbier, have a prominent forehead, or an underdeveloped bridge of the nose.

Prior to a GHD diagnosis, other stature disorders must be ruled out first. Then a complete medical history must be conducted alongside growth monitoring. Bloodwork and an x-ray must be conducted. Your bloodwork will likely include a measurement of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) which are produced when the liver and other tissues are stimulated by growth hormone. Additional tests may be conducted to confirm the GHD diagnosis.