Growth Hormones

I have a son who is now 9 and has been on growth hormone for about 2yrs (He 1st got tested at age 1 and was followed until age 7 when he failed the 2nd growth hormone test). I too have heard the critiques from uninformed people questioning our decision to put our son on growth hormone (after all both my husband and I are small), but I ignored them as they don't have a medical background, and they don't know what it is like for a 5yr old boy to be going to kindergarten in 18month-2T clothes.
I am proud to say he has taken to the meds wonderfully and is now in the 3rd percentile on the growth chart and has adapted well to the 6 night per week shots. He has developed his own "system" of decreasing his anxiety, and while we had to start with a sticker chart to earn prizes, we are now down to giving him "rewards" of a movie every couple of months. He even gave himself the shots when grandma was babysitting while we went out of town. Kids adapt so well, and so do we as parents. He still complains now and then, but we tell him that is just something he has to do. We never once questioned the doctor's recommendation to start the therapy, and despite the high co-pays, I would never consider not treating a medical condition. He has not had any side effects, and while he still complains about being the shortest one in his class, he is much closer to his peers and it has greatly helped his self esteem. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

Have doctors said that she could have a Turner Syndrom. Usually girls with Turner don't grow well.

It sounds like your daughter may have Celiac's Disease where they don't grow unless they have help with the growth hormones. Though you didn't mention that she had any aches in her joints are anywhere else. You may want to try to stop giving her anything with wheat, gluten, rye, or barely. This has something to do with them not being able to digest it. I have a neighbor friend who has a son with it. He's been on it since he was in grade school and he's going to be fifteen soon and he's doing great with it. He's a little smaller than most boys his age though.

I went to HS with a girl who was put on growth hormones as a child. Instead of growing taller she grew out. very large bones and some fat. So instead of looking normal, she was quite short and thick.
You should look into the side effects of growth hormones and the benefits aside from what the doctors tell you.
Make your own informed choice.
Is it harmful to a child when they don't grow taller?

I have also have a friend that was put on growth hormones as a child. He grew far beyond his genetic ability to support his size, suffered many unusual health issues, and had to have a heart valve replacement at the age of 23.

These are just a couple of anecdotal stories and not enough for you to base a decision upon. However, they should be enough to encourage you to do some real research and get some real factual information. The best authority I know of on the subject of restorative endocrynology is Dr. Janet Lang. She lives in Missouri, but no longer sees patients. She does, however, lecture and consult with practicing physicians. Her CD's are very educational and you may be able to find a doctor that will consult with her about your daughter's issues. Her web site is: http://drjlang.com/

Hope this helps you get the info you need in order to make the best decision possible. Best wishess to you and your family.