May also be called: Growth Hormone Deficiency Pituitary dwarfism, or growth hormone deficiency, is a condition in which the pituitary gland does not make enough growth hormone. This results in a child's slow growth pattern and an unusually small stature (below average height). More to Know Pituitary gland dysfunction can be congenital, meaning the child was born with the abnormality, or can be acquired during or after birth. It tends to run in families. Some causes of acquired pituitary dwarfism include brain tumors or diseases that affect the pituitary or hypothalamus, head trauma, radiation therapy for certain cancers, and an autoimmune condition called lymphocytic hypophysitis. The main symptom of pituitary dwarfism is below-average growth, although body proportions will be normal. Other characteristics might include an immature appearance, a chubby body build, a prominent forehead, and an underdeveloped bridge of the nose. If a tumor is present, symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, double vision, sleep disturbances, and excessive thirst. Pituitary dwarfism is treated with regular injections of synthetic human growth hormone before a child's growth plates have joined together. It can be difficult to manage, however, and success rates vary. Keep in Mind Children with pituitary dwarfism have normal intelligence and with early detection and treatment, many of them can also reach a normal height. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles What Is a Growth Disorder? The other kids in the class have been getting taller and developing into young adults, but your child's growth seems to be lagging behind. Could a growth disorder be the cause? Read More Growth Problems In most cases, teens who are small are just physically maturing a bit more slowly than their friends. Occasionally, though, there's a medical reason why some kids and teens stop growing. Find out about growth problems and how doctors can help. Read More Dwarfism Dwarfism is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, and people of short stature lead healthy, active lives. Read More Dwarfism A dwarf is a short-statured person whose adult height is 4 feet 10 inches or under. Find out what happens when a person has dwarfism and why some people are born with it. Read More Your Endocrine System The endocrine system produces hormones, which are needed for proper body function and growth. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Endocrine System The glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release affect almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. Read More What Are Glands? You've heard of glands, but what are they? Find out in this article for kids. Read More Endocrine System The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. It is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, metabolism, and sexual function, among other things. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.