7 yr old Male Growth Hormone Stimulation Test
My son completed his GHS testing a few days ago. We are waiting for a follow up appointment with his Endo. Are there any other parents that have children that have completed the testing and then been approved/denied for further treatment? Any interpretation or opinions on his ongoing growth concerns from this community is appreciated.
We have had growth concerns for many years. It first started at the age of 12 months when he still had not gotten any baby teeth. Told this was normal and he got his first baby tooth at 15 months of age. This was odd to me though as our other 2 children got their first tooth at 5-6 months of age. We finally met with an Endo in February 2025 after having a serious conversation with his pediatrician. Prior to February 2025, we had been told to be patient and that growth can occur at its own pace. His pediatrician would reference his teeth and say well he is a late bloomer. My concerns have gotten even heavier recently with the fact that at the age of 7 he has not lost a baby tooth. The late bloomer advice is not new to me however we have two other older children. I can understand late bloomer and would be happy with that diagnosis. However, both are of 2 other older children are of typical developmental. Our oldest is a 16 yr old male; 5’10”, muscular build weighing 176 lbs. Middle is 13 yr old female; 5’4”, 120lbs. Never had growth concerns. No family history of growth delays on both maternal and paternal sides. No late bloomers on either side. My husband is 5’10” and I am 5’4”. So with family history, blood work was ordered as well as a bone age radiograph.
He turned 7 years old in January for reference. Below is an overview of his growth. As a parent that has concerns I do find it helpful when I come across data from other children that have similar concerns. I do understand that comparing results is not an anyway a diagnosis. If another parent does read this I do intend you read these results with the same discretion.
Bone age: Delayed bone age, greater than two standard deviations less than chronicle age. Endocrinologist interpretation was 4 to 4 1/2 years. Bone age x-ray was completed in March 2026. Prior bone age was taken in 02/2025 and the Endo had the same interpretation. Which is interpreted that his bone age has not significantly changed. At the age of 7 scaphoid is barely visible. I actually was having concerns that he was missing bones at first. Even though he has typical hand function.
Height Summary:
Jan 22, 2021 - 2 years - 33 in - 19.1%
Dec 30, 2022 - 4 years - 37.8 in - 7.4%
Jan 24, 2024 - 5 years - 37.8 in - 0.3%
Jan 31, 2025 - 6.1 years - 41.3 in - 1.5%
Feb 7, 2025 - 6.1 years - 41.4 in - 1.7%
Aug 15, 2025 - 6.6 years - 42.7 in - 2.0%
Feb 3, 2026 - 7.1 years - 43.7 in - 1.9%
Mar 13, 2026 - 7.2 years - 44 in - 1.9%
Weight Summary
Jan 22, 2021 - 2 years - 24.7 lb - 12%
Dec 30, 2022 - 4 years - 31.1 lb - 10.4%
Nov 14, 2023 - 4.9 years - 32 lb - 3%
Jan 24, 2024 - 5 years - 34 lb - 6.2%
Jan 31, 2025 - 6.1 years - 39 lb - 9.9%
Feb 7, 2025 - 6.1 years - 38.6 lb - 8.2%
Jul 7, 2025 - 6.5 years - 39 lb - 4.7%
Aug 15, 2025 - 6.6 years - 40.8 lb - 8.5%
Feb 3, 2026 - 7.1 years - 41.9 lb - 6%
Mar 13, 2026 - 7.2 years - 41.2 lb - 3.6%
BMI FOR AGE
Jan 31, 2025 - 6.1 years - 16.1 - 69.2%
Feb 7, 2025 - 6.1 years - 15.8 - 62%
Aug 15, 2025 - 6.6 years - 15.7 - 57.2%
Feb 3, 2026 - 7.1 years - 15.4 - 46%
Mar 13, 2026 - 7.2 years - 15.0 - 32.5%
IGF-1
Feb 5, 2025 - 33 ng/mL
Aug 1, 2025 - 62 ng/mL - 38–253
Mar 6, 2026 - 57 ng/mL
Initially was below normal and then the very bottom of normal range.
All of these results combined with 3 years of bone age delay led to the GHS testing.
Results from GHS testing:
Time/GH Level
8:45 AM - 0.2
9:45 AM - 1.5
10:23 AM - 0.7
10:52 AM - 2.8
11:18 AM - 6.0
His peak was 6.0. Which in my opinion is not a strong response. Cortisol response was great btw so adrenal function is working properly.
So in my opinion he has borderline/partial deficiency in a child who already clinically looks suspicious for GH-related growth issues.
If you have stuck around to read all of this, I appreciate you! I am a very concerned mother. He is a 7 yr old boy who is perceived as being much younger. He is intelligent, incredibly kind hearted and active. He is confident however I can see a shift on how he is beginning to perceive himself. He knows he is smaller than almost all other boys in his class and our social circles.
I will put my initial questions again since this a lengthy post. Are there any other parents that have children that have completed the testing and then been approved/denied for further treatment? Any interpretation or opinions on his ongoing growth concerns from this community is appreciated.