What hormone is primarily deficient in individuals with dwarfism?

Individuals with dwarfism often experience a deficiency in growth hormone, which is critical for normal growth and development during childhood. Growth hormone plays a vital role in promoting the growth of bones and tissues, and its deficiency can result in shorter stature and other physical developmental issues. This condition, known as growth hormone deficiency, can lead to various forms of dwarfism, including the most recognized form, proportional dwarfism.

When growth hormone levels are insufficient, the body lacks the necessary signals that stimulate growth in the long bones, which is why this hormone is central to conditions resulting in dwarfism. Other hormones, while important for different bodily functions, do not directly influence growth in the same way that growth hormone does. Thus, the deficiency in growth hormone is the primary factor associated with dwarfism.