How to help your child grow taller?

     Seeing your child grow strong and reach standard height is a primary wish for every parent. However, concerns often arise when a child appears smaller than their peers or seems to have suddenly stopped growing.

"Short Stature" can be caused by various factors, including genetics, improper nutrition, hormonal imbalances, growth delays, or precocious puberty. Identifying the cause early is crucial, as early detection leads to better chances for timely intervention.

Why choose Ramkhamhaeng 2 Hospital?

• Expert Medical Team: Highly experienced Pediatric Endocrinologists.
• Modern Technology: Advanced measurement equipment and laboratory tests that meet international standards.
• Holistic Care: Collaborative coordination between doctors, nutritionists, and professional nurses.

"Because the window for growth is limited... Don't let your child's opportunity slip away."

Treatment & Care Planning

Standard of Care: We discover, monitor, and provide continuous care for age-appropriate growth results.

     Ramkhamhaeng 2 Hospital believes that child development has a "Golden Period". We have designed a precise and continuous care process to ensure your child grows to their full potential.

1. Comprehensive Diagnosis

When parents bring their child for a consultation, our Pediatric Endocrinologist team will perform the following assessments:

• Risk assessment and development strategies tailored to individual lifestyles.
• Detailed body proportion measurements.
• Physical examination to check for age-related changes (Secondary sex characteristics). 

Additional Screenings

• Bone Age Assessment: Hand and left wrist X-ray to determine if bone development matches chronological age and to assess remaining growth potential. 
• Blood Tests & Hormone Screening: To check levels of Growth Hormone, Thyroid Hormone, Sex Hormones, and Pituitary Hormones, including screening for underlying diseases that may affect height.

2. Personalized Treatment Planning

• Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD): Requires definitive diagnosis and treatment with Growth Hormone Therapy. This uses synthetic hormones with the same structure as human hormones to increase growth rate and muscle mass.
• Other Underlying Conditions: Medical care according to the specific guidelines for those conditions.
• Lifestyle Modification: Planning for balanced nutrition across all 5 food groups, exercise to strengthen muscles and bones, and a sleep schedule conducive to hormone secretion.

3. Close Follow-up

• Follow-up every 2-4 months: For accurate height measurement, assessment of growth velocity, and appropriate medication dosage adjustment.
• Psychological Support: Providing consultation to children and guardians to ensure understanding, shared decision-making, and reduced anxiety during the treatment process.

Is your child's height on track?

The diagnostic criteria for Short Stature include:

• Height less than the 3rd Percentile: Based on gender, age, and ethnicity.
• Height less than Mid Parental Height (MPH) by more than 2 SDS:
  • Example: Father's height 180 cm, Mother's height 160 cm → MPH (for a daughter) = 163.5 cm. If the child's height is only 153 cm.

• Height Velocity below normal range:
  • Birth - 1 year:  18 - 25 cm/year
  • 1 - 2 years:  10 - 12 cm/year
  • 2 - 4 years:  6 - 7 cm/year
  • 4 years - Puberty:  4 - 6 cm/year
• Puberty:
  • Girls:  6 - 11 cm/year
  • Boys:  7 - 13 cm/year

Factors Affecting Height

• Genetics: Baseline height inherited from father and mother.
• Hormones: Specifically Growth Hormone and Thyroid Hormone. 
• Sleep: "Deep sleep" is the time when Growth Hormone is secreted most effectively.
• Nutrition: Sufficient intake of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D for bone and muscle development.
• Exercise: Proper physical activity (such as jumping or basketball) helps increase bone mass and stimulates hormone secretion.

When should you consult a doctor?

• Height falls below the standard line on the growth chart.
• Annual growth rate is below the criteria mentioned above.
• Child's height differs significantly from parents' height.
• Abnormal body proportions, such as unusually short limbs or short torso.
• Suspected precocious puberty: 
  • In girls: Breast development before age 8 or menstruation before age 9.5.
  • In boys: Testicular enlargement and pubic hair before age 9.

Clarify doubts about your child's height development with a diagnosis from the Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism team at Ramkhamhaeng 2 Hospital. We offer close care, screening, monitoring, and continuous support for healthy, age-appropriate growth.

For more information, please contact:
 Child Height Growth Center, Ramkhamhaeng 2 Hospital
Email: information@ram2-hosp.com
Line Official: @ram2
Tel: 02-032-3888 ext. 10118