Growth disorders are conditions that cause a child to fall either below or above the average range of growth for their age, sex, family history or racial background. The board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric endocrinologists with Norton Children’s Endocrinology, affiliated with UofL School of Medicine, can diagnose and treat specific growth disorders.

Growth Disorders We Treat

Growth disorders can be caused by a variety of conditions, including diabetes, malnutrition, digestive tract issues, heart disease, lung disease and kidney disease. They also can be caused by hormone disorders and poor food absorption. Some of the most common growth disorders we treat include:

• Failure to thrive
• Genetic short stature caused by conditions such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Russell-Silver syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Height significantly above or below average for child’s age and sex
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Pituitary gland tumor
• Small for gestational age

Growth Disorder Symptoms

Some growth disorders may be present at birth, as a child may be abnormally large or small for their age. However, growth disorders can develop at any age and may include:

• Developmental delays
• Delayed puberty
• Growth of less than 2 inches per year after age 3
• Height significantly below average for child’s age and sex

Growth Disorder Treatments

Your pediatric endocrinologist will work with your child and family to create a care plan as unique as your child. Treatments are based on a child’s specific growth disorder, age and current health. Should your child have another medical condition that is causing the growth issue, treatment for that condition may help alleviate the growth issue.