A child’s growth is often taken for granted. However, for healthcare professionals, growth is one of the first factors they consider when assessing a child’s health and development. When growth slows unexpectedly or falls outside expected ranges, it may be an early sign of an underlying medical condition that warrants further investigation, such as Growth hormone deficiency (GHD).¹˒2
What is GHD?
GHD occurs when the body does not produce enough growth hormone to support normal growth. It is only one of several possible causes of poor growth. A thorough evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate management approach.³˒⁴
“Growth can provide valuable information about a child’s overall well-being,” says Sara Norcross, General Manager, Novo Nordisk South Africa.
“When a child is not growing as expected, it is important to understand why. Early assessment can help identify potential concerns and ensure that children receive the support and care they need at the right time.”
Growth is influenced by many factors, including genetics, nutrition, physical health and hormones. Children grow at different rates, but healthy growth generally follows a predictable pattern. When a child’s growth pattern changes significantly, healthcare professionals may investigate a range of possible causes.3
Why regular growth monitoring is important
Regular height and weight measurements are part of routine paediatric care. Healthcare professionals track these measurements over time to assess growth velocity; the rate at which a child is growing from one visit to the next.¹˒⁴
A child who remains on a consistent growth trajectory may simply be naturally shorter or taller than average. More concerning is a child whose growth begins to slow or who drops across growth percentiles over time.¹˒⁴
When should parents seek advice? 5,6
Parents should speak to a healthcare professional if they are concerned about their child’s growth, particularly if:
- Their child appears significantly shorter than peers of a similar age
- Growth appears to have slowed noticeably
- Height measurements are falling away from previous growth patterns
- Puberty appears delayed
- Poor growth occurs alongside other health concerns
What can I do if I suspect GHD in my child?
If parents suspect their child has signs of GHD, the first actionable step is to schedule an appointment with a paediatrician or primary care provider. They will evaluate the child’s growth velocity and medical history and may refer the child to a paediatric endocrinologist for specialised testing.
The Road to Health Booklet, an effective growth-monitoring tool, is available for free online or issued through public healthcare facilities. It includes growth charts that help parents and healthcare professionals track a child’s development throughout early childhood.
The value of early diagnosis
Research has shown that poor growth may sometimes be the first sign of an underlying health problem. Early identification allows healthcare professionals to investigate potential causes, initiate appropriate treatment where necessary and monitor associated health concerns.¹˒³
Evidence also suggests that children with certain growth disorders may achieve better long-term growth outcomes when treatment is started earlier rather than later. In one study of children referred for evaluation of short stature, almost one-quarter were found to have an underlying chronic medical condition contributing to poor growth.¹˒³
Treatment has evolved
Novo Nordisk is actively advancing treatment and delivery systems for GHD. For example, streamlined injectable options have improved the experience of long-term therapy for children. Research suggests that convenience, ease of use and reduced treatment burden can support better adherence, which remains an important factor in achieving successful outcomes.¹
Healthcare professionals can discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on each child’s individual diagnosis and needs.
References
¹ Haymond MW et al. Acta Paediatrica. 2013;102:787–796.
- Savage MO et al. Hormone Research in Paediatrics. 2016;85:325–332.
- Rosenfeld RG, Cohen P. In: Pediatric Endocrinology. 2nd ed.
⁴ Rogol AD, Hayden GF. Journal of Pediatrics. 2014;164(Suppl 5):S1–S14.
- Child Growth Foundation. A parent career guide to concerns about a child’s growth. chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://childgrowthfoundation.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/07/A-parent-carer-guide-to-concerns-about-a-childs-growth-July2024.pdf. Accessed: June 2026.
- When should I worry about my child’s growth and height. https://www.sgvpholistichospital.org/when–should–i–worry–about–my–childs–growth–and–height/. Accessed: June 2026.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 67,900 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Contact for further information
Novo Nordisk Media:
Shakera Kaloo
Communications Manager
+27 82 585 5962 [email protected]