Short Stature in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment

What are the tests for short stature?

The doctor will go over your child’s medical and family history and physical examination, and talk with you about which tests are right for your child.

Some common tests include:

• Blood test for hormone levels or genetic disorders
• A hand X-ray to assess your child’s growth potential and predicted adult height
• Other tests to check how well the pituitary gland (a small gland in the brain that controls many other glands) is working

What is the treatment for short stature?

Treatment depends on the cause of your child’s short stature. Most of the time, short stature does not need treatment. If there is a known cause of short stature such as a hormone disorder, poor nutrition, poor absorption of food from the gut, or inflammation, a heart or kidney condition or a medication that your child is taking, treatment is directed at the cause.

If the doctor thinks your child needs treatment, they will talk with you about options and next steps.

Rev. 7/2019. Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treat any medical conditions.