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Condition

Pediatric Short Stature

What You Need to Know

The cause of a growth problem depends on the type of growth disorder in question. Some growth problems are genetic, while others may be caused by hormonal disorders or poor absorption of food.

Key Symptoms

The most common symptoms of short stature are:

  • Being abnormally small for a child's age 
  • The child grows less than two inches a year after their second birthday

Diagnosis

Doctors typically diagnose a growth problem by: 

  • Observing the child's health and growth over a period of time
  • Blood tests 
  • Bone X-rays
  • Examining the functions of the pituitary gland

Treatment

  • Treatment of growth problems will depend on the type of growth disorder presented
  • If a medical condition causes the growth problem, treatment of that condition may alleviate the growth problem

Schedule an Appointment

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs. Meet the providers and schedule an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Growth Problems

What causes growth problems?

What are the symptoms of growth problems?

How is a growth problem diagnosed?

Growth Hormone Deficiency

What is growth hormone deficiency?

What causes growth hormone deficiency?

What are the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency?

How is growth hormone deficiency diagnosed?

Treatment

Treatment for growth problems

Treatment of growth hormone deficiency

How safe is growth hormone treatment?

Meet the Providers Who Treat Short Stature

A Life in Balance for Rocco

Rocco has a rare genetic condition that makes him small for his size. A clinical trial at Children's National is helping him thrive.

Departments that Treat Short Stature

    A young girl smiles in the waiting room of the Division Endocrinology and Diabetes.

    Endocrinology and Diabetes

    Ranked among the best in the U.S., our Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes offers pediatric care for endocrine conditions, including hormone health and diabetes management. Learn more about this department.