Human growth hormone (HGH) is responsible for regulating body growth. It is especially important during childhood and adolescence, with levels of HGH peaking during puberty before gradually decreasing with increased age. Abnormal levels of HGH - too much or too little - can lead to growth disorders.1
What causes poor growth?
There are many possible reasons why a child may be shorter than their peers. Some are entirely harmless, such as having Parent of short stature.2
However, in some children, slower growth may be due to more serious causes, such as poor nutrition, genetic diseases or the body not making enough HGH. This is known as growth hormone deficiency.2 In most cases, the cause of growth hormone deficiency is unknown. The condition can be present at birth or develop later in childhood.3
Growth is an indicator of overall health and wellbeing, so addressing a growth delay early and with the right approach can make a world of difference.5
Through our research and therapeutic innovations within growth hormone deficiency, we strive to drive change to ensure all children can reach their full potential in life.
Brinkman JE et al. Physiology, Growth Hormones; 1 May 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482141/ [Accessed March 2026]
NHS UK. Restricted growth (dwarfism); 12 March 2025. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/restricted-growth/ [Accessed March 2026]
Child Growth Foundation. Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD). Available from: https://childgrowthfoundation.org/conditions/growth-hormone-deficiency/ [Accessed March 2026]
Loftus J et al. Persistence with daily growth hormone among children and adolescents with growth hormone deficiency in the UK. Front Endocrinol. 2022;13:1014743; doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1014743
Child Growth Foundation. Childhood growth. Available from: https://childgrowthfoundation.org/childhood-growth/ [Accessed March 2026]