Does stopping growth hormone treatment affect natural growth?
Apr 29, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
In general, whether discontinuing growth hormone injections affects natural growth depends on the child's own growth hormone secretion status—it may or may not have an impact. It is important to note that if a child's height is significantly below that of peers, parents should promptly seek medical evaluation. If a child is receiving growth hormone treatment, do not discontinue the medication without medical advice, as this could affect the child's final adult height.
Generally, whether stopping growth hormone treatment affects natural growth depends on the child's own growth hormone secretion status—it may or may not have an impact. Specific details are as follows:
1. Yes, it may affect natural growth
Growth hormone is a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the human brain. It promotes the growth of bones, internal organs, and the entire body, playing a crucial role in human growth and development. Growth hormone injections are typically administered when children have growth hormone deficiency, precocious puberty, advanced bone age, or obvious signs of growth cessation. Doctors regularly inject a certain dose of recombinant human growth hormone to promote normal development and ensure the child reaches their expected final height. If treatment is stopped prematurely, the level of growth hormone in the child’s body may gradually decrease, returning to the pre-treatment secretion levels, which usually results in a slower growth rate.
2. No, it may not affect natural growth
Discontinuation of growth hormone therapy is necessary under certain circumstances. Typically, treatment is stopped once the epiphyseal plates (growth plates) have fully closed, because no significant height increase occurs after closure, rendering further growth hormone administration ineffective. Additionally, if a child's natural growth hormone secretion has returned to normal levels, continued injections could cause the child to reach their target height earlier than expected. In such cases, stopping treatment generally does not affect the child’s natural growth process.
It is important to note that if a child's height is significantly below that of peers, parents should promptly seek medical evaluation, follow the doctor’s recommendations, and choose an appropriate treatment plan. If growth hormone therapy is prescribed, do not discontinue treatment without medical advice, as this could negatively impact the child’s final adult height.
