• Growth hormone injection treatment is prescribed for children who have been diagnosed with growth hormone (GH) deficiency and other conditions causing short stature.
• A number of other tests must be conducted first to confirm GH deficiency, Turner Syndrome, or other conditions for which GH therapy is indicated. These tests may include stimulation tests, MRIs, and x-rays. 
• GH treatment has few side effects.
• GH treatment is a safe, effective way to treat growth hormone deficiency, Turner Syndrome, and a few other conditions associated with short stature.

Once a child has been diagnosed with GH deficiency, Turner Syndrome, or other conditions treatable with GH therapy, the pediatric endocrinologist will discuss the pros and cons of, and usually recommend, GH therapy. The GH used in treatment is manufactured in the laboratory to be identical to that produced by the pituitary gland, so it is safe and effective. GH is given through a subcutaneous (sub-Q-TAIN-ee-us) injection, which means that it goes into the fatty tissue just beneath the surface of the skin. GH can be given by a special injection device that looks like a pen. Because it is such a shallow injection, the needle is very small and does not hurt much at all.