Does starting growth hormone before age 6 help height in Turner syndrome?
Growth hormone (GH) therapy is a standard treatment for girls with Turner syndrome to address the short stature commonly associated with the condition. Because the timing of treatment can impact final height, doctors evaluate when to begin therapy to optimize growth outcomes.
What the research says
A 25-year retrospective study of patients with Turner syndrome found that the age at which growth hormone treatment began was linked to final height. Specifically, patients who started treatment at age 6 or younger achieved a higher final height compared to those who started later 4.
While the effectiveness of growth hormone is well-established for improving height in girls with Turner syndrome, there is significant variation in how individuals respond to the treatment 7. Some clinical reviews suggest that starting treatment during childhood at a high dose can result in a large portion of treated girls reaching a final height of more than 150 cm 5.
What to ask your doctor
- Based on my daughter's specific growth curve, what is the recommended age to begin growth hormone therapy?
- How does the timing of starting growth hormone treatment affect the predicted final adult height?
- What are the specific dosage goals for growth hormone to ensure the best possible growth outcome?
- Are there other treatments, such as anabolic steroids, that are typically used in combination with growth hormone?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about OB/GYN & Women's Health and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.