What should I do if my child is short? Can I take growth hormone? Here are some tips on how to grow taller

Children's height problem

It has always been the focus of parents' attention

When you find that your child has not grown much taller for a long time

Some parents consider taking their children to get growth hormone injections

What is growth hormone?

When is it appropriate to use growth hormone?

What other methods can help children grow taller?

What is Growth Hormone?

Growth hormone, also known as human growth hormone (hGH), is a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its main function is to promote the growth of bones, internal organs and the whole body, as well as protein synthesis, and has a regulatory effect on sugar metabolism, lipid metabolism and immunity. What we usually call "growth hormone injection" actually refers to the injection of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), which is a hormone synthesized by genetic engineering technology and used for replacement and complementary therapy.

Growth hormone affects height mainly because it can affect bone development, promote the proliferation and ossification of bone and cartilage tissue, lengthen long bones, and thus increase height. The recombinant human growth hormone for injection used clinically is equivalent to natural human growth hormone and has a certain therapeutic effect on patients with precocious puberty, idiopathic dwarfism, small for gestational age, and growth hormone deficiency.

If my child is short, can he be given growth hormone?

Being a short child is not an absolute indication for growth hormone injections. Parents should pay more attention to the reasons for their children's short stature, observe and diagnose them in a timely manner, and carry out systematic and standardized treatment for the cause, rather than blindly following the trend.

Under what circumstances is it appropriate to inject growth hormone ?

Luo Feihong, director of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, once stated that there are two prerequisites for considering the use of growth hormone: the first is that the epiphyseal line has not closed. The epiphyseal line of boys at the age of 16 and girls at the age of 14 is basically closed. Using "height-increasing injections" when the epiphyseal line is closed or nearly closed will not only fail to promote growth, but may also cause the bones to become thicker and larger. The time for epiphyseal line closure is different for each person, and it needs to be determined by a doctor's examination. The second is that the height is significantly lower than the average height of children of the same age and gender, and the annual growth is less than 5 cm.

It is important to know that growth hormone is not a panacea and may be accompanied by some side effects when used:

Pain and redness at the injection site: After injecting growth hormone, you may experience pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. These symptoms usually disappear on their own within a few days.

Hypothyroidism: Some children may develop mild hypothyroidism after receiving growth hormone treatment and need to be restored to normal by taking oral thyroxine tablets.

Increased blood sugar: Growth hormone may cause a temporary increase in blood sugar, which is more common in adolescent children. Usually, blood sugar will return to normal as the medication is extended or reduced or the medication is stopped.

Joint and muscle pain: Growth hormone treatment may be related to accelerated growth and development in children, leading to joint and muscle pain after activities. The amount of exercise should be reduced and moderate exercise is sufficient.

Edema: Growth hormone may cause the body to retain more water and blood sodium, leading to edema of the eyelids, face, and lower limbs.

Increased intracranial pressure: Some children may experience headaches, which are caused by water and sodium retention and usually improve with longer medication duration.

Tumor problem: For patients with tumor cells in their bodies, growth hormone may promote the accelerated growth of tumor cells, so it is not recommended for patients with tumors.

Bone problems: including femoral head slippage, scoliosis, enlarged hands and feet, etc., require a pelvic X-ray before treatment and avoid strenuous exercise during treatment.

Cardiovascular problems: Studies have shown that patients who were treated with growth hormone as children and adolescents and followed for up to 25 years had a two-thirds higher risk of cardiovascular events in men and twice as high in women compared with untreated patients with similar conditions.

How to help children grow taller scientifically?

Nutrition should be balanced

The intake of nutrients and trace elements will affect the growth and development of children. It is necessary to have a reasonable diet and eat on time.

Keep regular exercise

Appropriate physical exercise can stimulate the growth of children's epiphysis, accelerate metabolism, promote bone development, and benefit growth and development. It is recommended to exercise at least 5 times a week, each time for at least 30 minutes.

Get enough sleep at night

Lack of sleep will lead to a decrease in the secretion of growth hormone, which will affect height growth. It is recommended that children go to bed before 9 o'clock every night and ensure 8 to 9 hours of adequate sleep.

Measure your height regularly

Measure your child's height and weight at least once every three months, and make sure to keep the same measurements (same time, same measuring ruler, same person). If your child's height is significantly behind that of his or her peers, take him or her to a pediatric endocrinology specialist clinic for consultation as soon as possible to avoid missing the best time for intervention.

Source: Guangdong Science Popularization Comprehensive from CCTV News, Guangzhou Daily, China Youth Daily

First review: Chen Jiaqi

Review: Wei Xinghua

Final Judge: Han Yonglin