Short Stature

If your child has short stature, they are shorter than their peers. If you’re worried about your child’s growth or development, turn to the expert team of board-certified pediatricians at Newport Children’s Medical Group, with locations in Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Laguna Beach, California. They can evaluate your child to find the underlying cause of short stature and treat their condition. Schedule an appointment with Newport Children’s Medical Group by phone today.

Short Stature Q & A

What is short stature?

Short stature occurs when your child’s height falls at or below the third percentile on a growth chart based on their age and gender.

Numerous factors can cause short stature, and many of them are treatable. If your child is much shorter than their peers, see the experts at Newport Children’s Medical Group for an evaluation.

What are typical growth rates?

Typical growth rates in children often include:

  • 10 inches per year at 0-12 months old
  • 5 inches yearly at 1-2 years old
  • 3 ½ inches a year at 2-3 years old
  • 2-2 ½ inches yearly at three years old to puberty

While every child is different, these typical growth rates can help you determine if your child’s growth and development is on track. With short stature, your child might also experience growth hormone deficiency or delayed puberty.

What causes short stature?

Causes of short stature in children include genetic and environmental factors such as:

  • Genetic disorders
  • Systemic diseases
  • Anemia
  • Growth hormone deficiency
  • Malnutrition
  • Thyroid problems
  • Severe stress
  • Delayed puberty

Newport Children’s Medical Group specialists diagnose short stature by measuring your child’s height and plotting it on a growth chart.

They also ask questions about your child’s development, complete a physical exam, and may use blood tests, X-rays, or other imaging procedures to detect or rule out medical conditions associated with short stature.

How is short stature treated?

Your child’s personalized short stature treatment depends on what’s causing their condition. Your pediatrician might recommend:

Watchful waiting

If your child has a family history of short stature or delayed puberty, Newport Children’s Medical Group specialists might recommend watchful waiting.

Nutrition changes or supplements

If malnutrition is the cause of short stature, your child’s doctor offers suggestions for dietary changes. They might recommend medications that stimulate appetite, dietary supplements, and specific meal plans.

Medications

If a thyroid or pituitary disorder is the cause of short stature, your child’s doctor can prescribe medications to accelerate their growth rate.

Hormone therapy

Testosterone, estrogen, or growth hormone therapy can jumpstart growth, development, or puberty in boys and girls. Your child’s doctor might recommend injections, oral medicines, or skin patches.

Don’t let the underlying cause of your child’s short stature go undetected and untreated. Schedule an evaluation with the experts at Newport Children’s Medical Group by phone today.