Diagnosing
Pediatric GHD

Talking to a Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) Specialist

If you are concerned about your child’s growth and suspect GHD, the initial step is to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. Share your observations about your child’s growth patterns, any delays in developmental milestones, and all other relevant information.

Before your visit, get your Growth Assessment Profile (G.A.P.) to help guide your discussion.

Points to consider During your appointment

When to see a pediatric endocrinologist

Communication between a pediatrician and a pediatric endocrinologist in treating GHD involves a collaborative and coordinated approach to ensure comprehensive care for your child.

If a pediatrician identifies signs or symptoms suggestive of GHD, or if preliminary test results indicate the possibility of a hormonal disorder, they may suggest your child see a pediatric endocrinologist, a specialist in the diagnosis and management of hormonal disorders in children, including growth-related issues.

The initial appointment with a pediatric endocrinologist regarding your child’s GHD will involve a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Here’s what you can generally expect during this appointment:

The pediatric endocrinologist may order additional diagnostic tests to further assess growth hormone levels and related factors. See Testing & Evaluation for more details.

Based on the assessment and diagnosis, your child’s pediatric endocrinologist will consider their age, overall health, and other factors when advising on whether to move forward with treatment. They will then work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs. This plan may include details about the dosage and schedule of GH injections. See Treatment Options for more details.

Finding a pediatric endocrinologist

Here are some suggestions for identifying a healthcare professional who specializes in treating GHD:

Ask for Referrals

Start by asking your child’s pediatrician for recommendations. They may have colleagues or know of specialists in your area who have expertise in pediatric endocrinology and GHD.

Consult Your Insurance Provider

Contact your health insurance provider to obtain a list of pediatric endocrinologists in your network. They can help you identify specialists who participate in your insurance plan.

Peer Recommendations

Reach out to parents of children who have experienced similar health concerns. Online parenting forums, support groups, or local community groups can be valuable resources for recommendations based on personal experiences.

Online Physician Directories

There are a number of online resources that provide directories which will allow you to search for pediatric endocrinologists by location and subspecialty.

Options include:

Remember to factor in location, availability, and overall approach when choosing a pediatric endocrinologist. Be sure to find someone you’re comfortable and confident with to manage your child’s care.

For our complete list of resources, visit Advocacy & Support.