Short stature and poor growth in children: causes and which doctor to see

For short stature and poor growth in children you can first see: Pediatrics or Pediatric Endocrinology. In large hospitals, the Paediatric Endocrinology unit also deals with this. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: being clearly shorter than peers; dropping across centiles on the growth chart; growing less than expected each year; clothes and shoes not being outgrown for a long time. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: familial short stature (a normal variant); constitutional delay of growth and puberty; growth hormone deficiency; underactive thyroid; coeliac disease and chronic illnesses; genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Familial and constitutional short stature need no treatment. If there is a hormone deficiency or chronic illness, treating the cause can speed up growth.

An assessment of bone maturity using an X-ray of the left hand and wrist; it gives information about remaining growth potential.

First a paediatrician; if needed, Paediatric Endocrinology.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there headache, vomiting or a vision problem as well?” “Is there chronic diarrhoea, weight loss or weakness?” “Are there signs of very early or very late puberty?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: the child is dropping across centiles on the growth chart; the child is clearly shorter than peers.