Short stature refers to a condition where a person’s height is below the standard range when compared to others of the same gender and age group. Typically, this is determined using growth charts or average height criteria in a specific country. If a person’s height is below the 3rd percentile or their growth in height is below their genetic potential, they are considered to have “short stature.”

Newborn – 1 year: Height growth rate per year is 25 cm
1 year – 2 years: Height growth rate per year is 12 cm
2 years  –  5 years: Height growth rate per year is 6-8 cm
5 years – Adolescence: Height growth rate per year is 4-6 cm
Adolescent girls: Height growth rate per year is 8-12 cm
Adolescent boys: Height growth rate per year is 10-14 cm

Causes of short stature
Short stature can result from a decrease in the formation of cartilage in the growth plates, which play a crucial role in height increase. The factors involved are as follows

Internal factors related to the growth plate These occur when the growth plate is defective.
External factors related to the growth plate These include a lack of essential nutrients such as proteins, minerals, and vitamins, which may prevent the body from growing fully. Other causes may include endocrine disorders and inflammation.

Genetics If the parents or family members have a history of short stature, it may result in their child having a shorter height as well. Short stature could also be associated with conditions like Marfan syndrome, syndromes, or other genetic factors.
Unknown causes In some cases, short stature may occur without a known cause, such as when a child was a small baby for their gestational age.
 

Endocrine disorders that can lead to short stature include 
- Growth hormone deficiency or resistance – When the body doesn’t produce enough growth hormone or when the body is resistant to it, it can hinder proper growth.
- Hypothyroidism or resistance to thyroid hormone – Insufficient thyroid hormone or the body’s inability to use thyroid hormone properly can slow down growth.
- High cortisol levels (Cushing’s syndrome) – Excess cortisol in the bloodstream can negatively affect growth and result in short stature.
- Resistance to parathyroid hormone – This can lead to issues with calcium and bone growth, contributing to stunted height development.
- These disorders can disrupt the body’s ability to grow normally and lead to short stature.

How to determine if a child may have short stature
- Check the growth chart (Growth Chart) Parents, guardians, or doctors typically track the child’s height and weight against standard growth benchmarks for their age. A height below the 3rd percentile is a potential sign of short stature.
- Observe the growth velocity If the child’s height increase (e.g., per year) is lower than average or consistently slower than expected, this may indicate a hormonal issue or nutritional deficiency.
- Physical examination and consult a doctor If there are concerns about the child’s height, it is important to consult a doctor. The doctor will review family history, conduct diagnostic tests, and may order blood tests to check hormone levels to determine the underlying cause.
 

Diagnosis
History taking and physical examination by a specialist A doctor will begin by taking a detailed history and performing a physical examination.
- Consider blood tests, bone age X-ray, or bone X-ray Based on the doctor’s suspicions, tests may include a blood test, X-rays to check bone age, or other types of bone X-rays.
- Consider hormone tests This may include testing for growth hormone levels to assess any deficiencies or imbalances.
- Consider magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the anterior pituitary gland An MRI scan can be used to evaluate the health and function of the pituitary gland.
- Consider pituitary function tests To assess how well the pituitary gland is functioning and if it’s contributing to any growth issues.
 

Treatment
- Doctors will consider treatment based on the underlying cause of short stature.

- Growth hormone therapy According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), growth hormone therapy is indicated in the following conditions:
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Idiopathic short stature (short stature with unknown cause)
- Syndromes such as Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease
- History of being a small infant for gestational age
- Other treatments Additional treatments may include:
- Medications used for treating precocious puberty (GnRH agonists)
- Medications that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen (Aromatase inhibitors)
- Surgery, if necessary, depending on the cause of the growth issue.
 

Ways to promote height growth according to genetic potential:
Consume milk Milk is rich in calcium and protein, both of which are essential for bone growth and development. The recommended daily intake of calcium varies by age
Recommended daily calcium intake by age

- 0 – 6 months : 200 mg
- 6 – 12 months : 260 mg
- 1 – 3 years : 700 mg
- 4 – 8 years : 1,000 mg
- 9 – 18 years : 1,300 mg
 

Exercise to promote height Exercise, especially for preschool-aged children, plays a significant role in stimulating growth. For school-aged children, regular physical activity can help increase bone mass and muscle development, which contributes to height growth.
Adequate vitamin intake Ensuring sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals, such as multivitamins and zinc, is essential. This is particularly important for children who are underweight or have nutritional deficiencies, as these nutrients support overall growth and development, including height.
 

“Short stature” is not just about physical appearance; it can also be related to health issues, hormonal imbalances, or genetic factors. If there are concerns or if you notice that your or your child’s growth rate is slower than normal, it is important to consult with a specialist. This will help to receive proper advice, solutions, and monitoring. Overall health care, including good nutrition, appropriate exercise, and sufficient rest, will contribute to promoting growth and maximizing growth potential.