Do Steroids Cause Stunted Growth?

Steroids taken for a long period of time also can cause: stunted growth in teens (by causing bones to mature too fast and stop growing at an early age)

Do steroids stunt children's growth?

Inhaled steroids are known to slow growth in children during the first years of use, but the long-term impact of inhaled steroids on height was unknown until now. One researcher says the risk for lower growth may be lowered by adjusting the medication's dose.

How much do steroids stunt growth?

Most of the studies they analysed looked at children's growth rates. On average, the steroids reduced the growth rate by about 0.5 centimetres in the first year of treatment, but this effect tailed off in subsequent years, and there was some catch-up in growth if the treatment ended or was wound down.