Common Questions & Answers

1. Why am I shorter than other kids in my class?

You may be shorter than other kids in your class for a number of reasons. You may be growing at a slower pace; you could have genes that make you shorter; or you could have growth hormone deficiency.

2. What is growth hormone?

Growth hormone is a natural hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is a protein made of amino acids. Over time, growth hormone helps the body, bones, and tissues grow.

3. What is growth hormone deficiency (GHD)?

GHD is a disorder where your body does not make enough growth hormone for you to grow.

4. Why do I need growth hormones?

You need growth hormone to help you grow. Growth hormone helps grow strong bones, and it also helps grow organs, cells, and muscles.

5. Why do I need growth hormone, but my brother or sister doesn't?

You may need growth hormone because you have growth hormone deficiency, which is a disorder of your pituitary gland. Your brother or sister may be growing at a regular pace because his or her pituitary gland is working normally. 

6. Why do I have to get shots?

Growth hormones only work if they are injected. If you took it by mouth, the hormones would be broken down in the stomach and digested, and would not work properly.

7. Who will give me my growth hormone injection?

At first, your parents should give you injections. When you are old enough and comfortable enough doing it, you can give yourself injections.

8. How will I know how to give the injection?

Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the injection.

9. How long will I have to be on growth hormone therapy?

Every kid is different. Some remain on growth hormone longer than others. Younger children may be on growth hormone for years. Your doctor will watch your growth and decide how long you'll be treated.

10. How do I know if it's working?

Growing doesn't happen overnight; you may have to wait a few months or longer before you see results. 

11. How long will it take before I can see a difference in my height?

Growth varies in children. The same goes for kids taking growth hormone. Some kids may see results in a couple of months; for others it may take a year or more to grow.

12. I'm afraid of needles. What can I do?

There are several growth hormone pen devices that hide the needle or don't have a needle at all! 

13. What if I forget to take my injection?

If you forget a dose, do not double up the next day. Just make sure you take your next dose at the scheduled time. Missing a dose won't make you sick, but growth hormone works best when it is taken as your doctor tells you.

14. What if I inject too much growth hormone?

Try to inject the amount your doctor has recommended. If you inject too much, tell your doctor.