Growth Hormone (GH) Deficiency
What is Growth Hormone (GH) Deficiency?
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a medical condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough growth hormone (GH). Growth hormone is a hormone that is essential for normal growth and development in children and for metabolism in both children and adults.
What are its symptoms?
The symptoms of growth hormone deficiency depend upon the age at which it is diagnosed. Common signs and symptoms in children may include:
- Slow growth, causing the child to be much smaller than other children of the same age
- fatigue
- Poor muscle tone
- More body fat than normal
- Higher cholesterola levels
- Lower bone mineral density
- Decreased muscle strength
- Poor academic performance
What are the causes?
Most cases of growth hormone deficiency are caused by a problem in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland produces the hormone that stimulates GH production in the body. Other causes of GH deficiency include genetic disorders, certain medical conditions, and radiation treatments to the brain.
How is it treated?
Treatment for growth hormone deficiency involves taking growth hormone injections. The treatment is usually prescribed for children who have not grown properly due to growth hormone deficiency, and for adults who have a growth hormone deficiency. It is also used to treat other conditions, such as dwarfism, Turner syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. Growth hormone injections can help to increase height, improve muscle tone, and improve overall health in both children and adults with GH deficiency.