It’s important to track your child’s growth as they get older. While minor fluctuations in growth are normal, they can also serve as early indicators of underlying health issues, including hormonal imbalances.
Growth charts are tools that pediatricians use to track a child’s growth over time. These charts provide a visual representation of a child’s growth in comparison to established standards for their age and sex. Growth charts allow doctors and parents to track and monitor a child’s development.
In this article, we’re going to explain what a growth chart is and how to use a growth chart to detect the early symptoms of hormonal imbalances and other developmental problems. We’ll also discuss situations where you may want to consult with a pediatric endocrinologist based on results from a growth chart.
Click here to learn more about the hormonal problems that can lead to growth issues for children and how Dr. Penny and the Orlando, FL, Pediatric Endocrinologists at The Endocrine Co. can address these issues.
Growth Chart Basics
Growth charts come in various formats, but the charts most commonly used are those developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These charts are designed to track several key parameters of a child’s growth, including:
Weight
Weight is an essential parameter that reflects overall growth and nutrition. It is typically plotted on the y-axis (vertical axis) of the growth chart.
- Height or Length
The child’s height (for older children) or length (for infants and young children) is a crucial indicator of skeletal growth. It is also plotted on the y-axis, alongside weight.
- Head Circumference
Head circumference is particularly important in infancy, as it can indicate brain growth and development. This measurement is typically found on separate charts and has its own set of standards.
- Age
The child’s age is plotted on the x-axis (horizontal axis). This allows for growth comparisons based on chronological age.
These charts are divided into percentiles, which represent the proportion of children in a given population with similar measurements. The most commonly used percentiles are the 5th, 25th, 50th (also known as the median), 75th, and 95th percentiles. The 50th percentile represents the median or average growth for a child of that age and sex.
Identifying Normal Growth
To read a growth chart accurately, it’s essential to know what doctors consider normal growth. Here are some key points to consider:
- Steady Growth
In the absence of any underlying health issues, children typically follow a consistent growth pattern over time. Deviations from this pattern might warrant further investigation.
- Tracking Percentiles
A child’s growth should generally follow a consistent percentile curve. For example, if a child is consistently on the 75th percentile curve for height, they are growing at a healthy rate compared to their peers.
- Crossover Growth
Crossover growth occurs when a child’s measurements cross from one percentile curve to another. This could be an indicator of a growth issue. For instance, if a child was previously tracking on the 50th percentile for height and suddenly drops to the 10th percentile, this may raise concerns.
- Velocity of Growth
- Beyond percentile tracking, it’s essential to consider the rate of growth. Rapid or excessive growth, as well as slow or insufficient growth, can be signs of underlying problems.
Using a Growth Chart to Recognize Hormonal Issues
It’s important to remember that children grow at different rates. Genetics, environment, nutrition, and many other factors affect their growth. A child in the 70th percentile of growth may not be experiencing a hormone issue just because 70% is “higher than average.” Parents should never use growth charts to diagnose children without the opinion of a trained medical professional.
That said, hormonal issues in children can affect their growth and development. Oftentimes, these issues will lead to secondary symptoms beyond accelerated or stunted growth. Growth charts can serve as valuable tools for identifying potential hormone-related concerns in children. Here are some scenarios where knowing how to read a growth chart can alert parents to the possibility of a hormonal issue.
- Stunted Growth
A child consistently tracking below the 3rd percentile for height might be experiencing stunted growth. Hormonal disorders, such as growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or hypothyroidism, could be contributing factors.
- Excessive Growth
On the flip side, if a child consistently tracks above the 97th percentile for height, it may signal overgrowth conditions like gigantism or precocious puberty, where hormones like growth hormones or sex hormones are overactive.
- Delayed Puberty
A child who is lagging significantly behind their peers in terms of pubertal development might be experiencing a delay in the release of sex hormones. This can be associated with conditions like hypogonadism.
- Accelerated Puberty
On the contrary, early or precocious puberty, where a child begins puberty earlier than usual, can also be hormone-related. This can be associated with hormone imbalances or conditions like central precocious puberty.
- Head Circumference Deviation
Abnormalities in head circumference growth, such as accelerated or decelerated head growth, might suggest issues with brain development and hormone regulation.
Always Consult with a Healthcare Professional
The Endocrine Co. wants to reemphasize that interpreting growth charts should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or pediatric endocrinologist. While growth charts can provide valuable insights, they are not diagnostic tools in themselves.
We want parents to know how to read a growth chart because we want to start a conversation. Does something look off? Speak to our Orlando team before a slight imbalance turns into a full-blown hormone condition.
When growth chart patterns raise concerns about possible hormonal issues, a healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:
- Medical History
Gathering information about the child’s family history, birth history, and any existing medical conditions.
- Physical Examination
A comprehensive physical examination that includes measuring height, weight, and head circumference can provide valuable clues.
- Hormonal Tests
Blood tests to assess hormone levels, including growth, thyroid, and sex hormones, may be conducted to confirm or rule out specific hormonal issues.
- Imaging
In some cases, imaging studies like bone age X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to assess bone development and identify any structural abnormalities.
- Treatment
If a hormonal issue is confirmed, treatment options may include hormone replacement therapy, medication, or other targeted interventions, depending on the specific diagnosis.
Get Answers from Orlando, FL Pediatric Endocrinologists at The Endocrine Co.
Growth charts are indispensable tools for tracking a child’s development and identifying potential issues early on. Many parents want to know how to read a growth chart because it’s a convenient way of tracking their child’s overall well-being.
But while these charts provide valuable insights into a child’s growth, it’s essential to remember that they are just one part of the diagnostic process. When growth chart patterns suggest potential hormone-related concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial. With early detection and appropriate intervention, many hormonal issues in children can be managed effectively, ensuring optimal growth and development.
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in monitoring their children’s growth and advocating for their health, and growth charts are a valuable ally in this journey. Let’s partner together. If you suspect your child is dealing with a hormone issue, get in touch with The Endocrine Co. to set up a free meet and greet today.