<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Thanks to all the listmates out there who responded to my post about celiac, short stature and growth hormone. There was a wide diversity of experiences and opinions expressed regarding growth hormone treatments for our 14 year old son who was diagnosed with CD in December 2000, has been GF since then, is 4'10" tall, and doesn't seem to be growing much. He was recently diagnosed as being growth hormone deficient as well. Seven responses came from parents of celiac children, eager to hear what information we received, for them to apply in their own situations. Six people stated that it could take anywhere from one year to three years on a GF diet for the small intestine to be completely repaired. One reminded us that it usually takes several months for a newly-diagnosed Celiac to get "good" with the diet, and another stressed how important it is for our son to be "strict" with the diet. (He is.) Six people indicated that boys continue to grow throughout their teens, sometimes right up to age 20. Five people contacted us whose children were diagnosed with CD due to short stature. In most cases, short stature was their only symptom. One person doubted that CD could possibly be the cause of the problem since she knows a Celiac who is 6' 3" We received five responses from celiacs who were short at the time of their diagnoses, did NOT take growth hormone, and are now satisfied with the growth they've achieved. Several people recommended against growth hormones, but only two of them had any personal experience with hormones. One of them had taken hormones, and didn't notice any difference. One recounted the story of a friend, now in his 50's, who took hormones, was satisfied with the resulting growth, but eventually became unable to raise his arms over his head and blamed that condition on the growth hormones. Several people related connections they had heard between growth hormone and cancer or other diseases. (I'd like to point out at this time that the growth hormone which was administered years ago was from cadavers, and did occasionally result in a number of negative side effects. The hormones now being used are recombinant forms, and although they have been used only for the last 5 or so years, have not produced the same number of negative complications) Five people said they would be in favor of using growth hormones, but did not have any personal experience with them. Three people responded saying they had used growth hormone, and were satisfied with the results. Three people advised us to have X-rays done, to determine our son's bone age. We've already done that, and according to his bone age, he's got an additional year in which to grow. One person recommended we have an MRI done to check the pituitary. We've done that and it came back "normal." One person recommended Vitamin E to stimulate natural growth hormone production and another the B Vitamins. Two individuals recommended we consult with Dr. Alesio Fasano, a pediatric gastroenterologist who is well-versed with Celiac Disease in kids. We will be doing that. In the meantime, we're all trying to be patient, stay cool, and hope for the best. Thanks for all the good wishes expressed. Cliff B. Tenafly, N.J.