What it is
Growth hormone treatment in childhood can increase adult height. Oestrogen treatment is used to start puberty and protect the bones.
Regular checks of the heart, kidneys, hearing, thyroid and blood pressure are recommended throughout life.
Common signs
- Short height
- Puberty not starting or periods stopping early
- Swollen hands and feet at birth
- A wide or webbed neck
- Heart or kidney problems
- Hearing loss
How it is usually diagnosed
- A chromosome blood test (karyotype)
- Sometimes found during pregnancy tests
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Karyotype results
- Growth charts
- Endocrinology and cardiology letters
- Heart and kidney scan reports
Questions to ask your doctor
- Would growth hormone help my child?
- What checks are needed and how often?
- What are the options for having children in future?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden chest, back or tummy pain, especially in pregnancy: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.