WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Dwarfism

Dwarfism is a condition causing the body to underdevelop during childhood.

Dwarfism may be caused by low blood levels of the growth hormone (GH) during childhood. This leads to a very short height with arms and legs that are in proportion to the rest of the body.

Other causes of dwarfism can lead to very short height with arms and legs that are not in proportion to the rest of the body.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.