Genetic structure, hormones and environmental factors affect growth from the womb to adulthood. In addition, chronic diseases that affect the underlying respiratory, cardiac, or intestinal system also constitute the causes that negatively affect growth. There is a group of glands in the human body that enable growth. The main gland affecting growth is the pituitary gland. The growth hormone and puberty stimulating hormones it secretes ensure that the height level in adulthood is reached. In addition, the thyroid gland, the adrenal gland and the ovaries in girls, and the hormones secreted from the testicles in boys are other hormones responsible for growth.

It plays an important role in the genetic structure of the child's growth. Although it is not one hundred percent, usually short mothers and fathers have short children and tall parents have tall children. In addition, balanced nutrition along with genetic predisposition is an important factor for normal growth. However, poor nutrition, severe illness, smoking or alcohol consumption of the mother during pregnancy negatively affect growth and development.

Short Stature in Children

Short stature is when the neck, which is fully and accurately measured, is below the lower limit of normal growth curves (3rd percentile) according to that age and gender. If the annual elongation rate is less than normal for that age, the growth rate is considered insufficient.

Causes of short Stature in Children

Short stature may be due to causes that are not considered as diseases such as genetic short stature and structural short stature (due to puberty delay), as well as hormonal diseases such as thyroid hormone deficiency, growth hormone deficiency or rapid progression of bone age due to early puberty.

However, some babies born with low birth weight may be shorter than their peers. Therefore, when evaluating a short child, it is extremely important to evaluate both the child's and their parents' medical history in detail. In addition, the heights of the parents and siblings provide important clues. The cause of short stature is investigated by detailed measurements in the examination, puberty examination and laboratory tests after bone age determination. According to the results of these, special hormone tests with medication can be performed if necessary.

Growth in Children

For normal growth; It is necessary to eat healthy and have a normal hormone balance. The fastest period in growth covers the period from birth to the first birthday. In this period, the height increase is approximately 25 cm. After the first year, growth slows down, and after the age of 2, children continue to grow at a normal rate and follow each child's own growth curve.

With the onset of puberty, rapid growth is observed at the ages of 11-12 in girls and 13-14 in boys. Depending on the early or late onset of puberty, differences can be observed in these periods. The characteristics of the children are usually similar to those of the mother or father.