The pituitary gland produces growth hormones that stimulate bone and tissue growth. Children who have a deficiency in these hormones may tend to be short and need growth hormones to help stimulate growth. Short stature may be a result of many causes, including genetics, hormone deficiencies, and chronic illness. Far less common, are conditions that lead to excessive growth.

As parents, we generally look to our own height to measure our children's growth progress – if we are short or tall. If your child’s growth seems to progress faster or slower than you think it should, it could be a signal of a gland problem or disease.

The USF Diabetes & Endocrinology Center takes a multidisciplinary and caring approach in diagnosing and treating gland disorders. After performing basic hormone tests to determine if your child has an issue with their growth, your options will be explained in plain language and a specific course of treatment, tailored to meet your child's needs, will be created in order to ensure the best possible outcome.