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Educational article

Growth and Puberty Visit: What to Bring and How to Describe Changes

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 5 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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Hands organize a folder of dated height records beside a printed growth chart.
Gathering previous measurements and their dates makes it easier to discuss growth over time at a pediatric endocrinology visit in Bogotá.

Before the appointment: gather what you already have

You do not need to start a new record or measure your child every day. Gather any height and weight measurements you already have, along with their dates, and documents showing previous checkups. A series of measurements taken at different times is usually more informative than a single number.

Which records and documents to bring

If available, gather previous height and weight measurements with their dates, growth records made by the health care team, and reports related to the care history. If some information is missing, bring what you have and mention it; there is no need to fill in gaps with repeated measurements at home.

Note when you noticed the changes

Simply describe what change you observed and approximately when it began. If relevant, you can mention changes such as the voice or the appearance of body hair, without going into details that make the child or adolescent uncomfortable. There is no need to observe these changes every day or compare their development with that of siblings, classmates, or friends.

Prepare health and family history

Bring a brief list of relevant health history and current or previous treatments. If you know family information about growth or the approximate age when puberty began, you can write it down; there is no need to go to great lengths to find it. Do not stop or change treatments to prepare for the appointment.

Choose specific questions

Write down two or three questions to help guide the conversation. For example: “How should these measurements be interpreted over time?”, “What changes should we watch for?” or “When would follow-up be useful?” The child’s or adolescent’s concerns can also be included, in their own words if they want to share them.

Include the child’s or adolescent’s perspective

Explain ahead of time, in language appropriate for their age, what the appointment is for and what information you will bring. Invite them to participate and ask questions, without pressuring them to talk about anything that makes them uncomfortable. During the appointment, agree on how to respect their privacy based on their age and comfort level.

Measurements taken at home do not replace an evaluation

A measurement taken at home can vary depending on the technique, timing, or instrument. A single height measurement, by itself, cannot show whether growth or puberty is within the expected range. If you bring a home measurement, explain how and when it was taken; the clinical team will interpret it along with the history, examination, and available records.

Agree on the next steps

Before the appointment ends, confirm what has been clarified, whether any additional information is needed, and when it would be appropriate to return, as advised by the health care team. Between appointments, there is no need to monitor the body or continuously record changes. Keep the instructions and relevant clinical information for the next discussion. This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace a professional consultation.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I do not have previous height and weight records?

Bring any health documents you do have and mention that you could not find previous measurements. There is no need to take repeated measurements at home to fill in the information.

Should I note every pubertal change or measure my child often?

No. It is enough to describe generally what change you noticed and approximately when. Avoid turning observation or measurements into a routine of surveillance.

Can measurements taken at home tell me whether there is a growth problem?

They cannot establish this on their own. Evaluation considers how measurements change over time, the health history, and the clinical assessment; consult the health care team if you have concerns.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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