growth day of procedure tips

Overview

A growth hormone test is a medical check to see if your child’s body makes enough growth hormone. Growth hormone is a natural substance that helps children grow and develop. During the test, your child gets a small needle in a vein and then takes a special medicine that makes the body release growth hormone. Several blood samples are taken over a few hours.

It is a fairly common test in children who are much shorter than expected for their age or whose growth has slowed down.

It is usually done in children and teenagers, most often between the ages of 5 and 16, but it can be done at any age if a doctor is concerned.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A child who needs this test may have no symptoms other than growing slower than expected.

Symptoms in children

• Your child may feel hungry during fasting, discomfort when the needle goes in, and tired or dizzy during the test.

Symptoms in older adults

• This test is not used in older adults. Other tests are used to check hormone issues in adults.

Causes

Main causes

• The test is often done when a child’s growth hormone levels are suspected to be low. This can be caused by conditions of the pituitary gland, head injury, or sometimes it has no clear cause.

Risk factors

• Being born very small for gestational age.
• Having a family history of short stature.
• Having certain medical conditions like chronic kidney disease or Turner syndrome.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has a serious reaction during or after the test, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If your child can’t drink or eat for more than 24 hours after the test.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have questions about the results of the test, make an appointment with your child’s endocrinologist.
• If your child still seems to be growing very slowly, return for a follow-up as advised.

Diagnosis

The test itself is part of the diagnosis. Your doctor will also look at your child’s height, weight, hand X-ray (bone age), and growth over time.

Tests that may be done

• A fasting blood test for growth hormone.
• A bone age X-ray to check the maturity of the bones.
• Other hormone tests that might affect growth.

What to expect at your appointment

The test is done in a clinic or day unit. A nurse places a small intravenous (IV) catheter in your child’s arm. Your child then takes a medication that helps release growth hormone. Blood is drawn at set times for about 2–3 hours. Your child can watch TV or play quietly during the test.

Treatment

There is no treatment for the test itself. If the test shows that your child does not make enough growth hormone, the doctor may talk with you about treatment options, including growth hormone therapy. Always discuss benefits and risks with your doctor.

Self-care at home

• Give your child plenty of water the day before.
• Let your child bring a favorite toy or book to the test.
• After the test, encourage rest and offer a normal meal.

Medical treatments

If a growth hormone deficiency is found, treatment generally involves daily injections of a synthetic growth hormone. The exact medicine is chosen by your child’s specialist. Your doctor will explain how to give it and what to watch for. No specific drug names are included here; ask your specialist for more information.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered if a brain tumor is causing the low growth hormone, but this is uncommon and would be discussed in detail by the medical team.

Living with this condition

For most children, the test is a one-time event. Living with a growth condition involves regular check-ups with a growth specialist and measuring height at home.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a record of your child’s height every 3–6 months.
• Make sure your child eats a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium.
• Encourage regular exercise and enough sleep.

Diet and exercise

Your child needs a healthy diet with enough calories. Regular physical activity supports healthy bones and overall growth. If your child is on growth hormone treatment, follow the plan from your doctor.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being shorter than peers can sometimes affect confidence. Talk openly with your child and encourage strengths outside of height. If you notice persistent sadness or anxiety, speak with your care team.

Prevention

Most growth hormone deficiencies cannot be prevented. The test helps diagnose, not prevent, the condition. Early detection and treatment can help improve growth results.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a growth hormone deficiency is not diagnosed, the child may remain very short and may also have low bone density and an increased risk of heart problems in adulthood.
• Delayed diagnosis may also lead to social and emotional difficulties linked to feeling different from peers.

Long-term outlook

With early detection and modern treatment, most children with growth hormone deficiency can reach a normal adult height and lead healthy, active lives. The future is positive and hopeful.

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