Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. Low growth hormone, also called growth hormone deficiency (GHD), means your body does not make enough growth hormone.
Causes of Low GH
Some potential causes of low GH include:
- Genetic mutations - Mutations in genes can disrupt GH production and secretion
- Pituitary gland damage - Injury, tumors, radiation can damage the pituitary gland
- Other hormone problems - Low levels of hormones that control GH release
- Chronic illness - Certain chronic illnesses are associated with low GH
Signs and Symptoms
People with growth hormone deficiency may experience:
- Slowed growth in children - In kids, low height for age group
- Increased body fat, especially belly fat
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Lower energy levels and fatigue
- Thinning hair
- Poor concentration and memory
- Weakened bones - Higher fracture risk
- Impaired heart function - Higher heart disease risk
If growth hormone deficiency occurs in childhood, it can result in short stature as an adult. Adults with long-standing low GH may appear younger than their age.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose growth hormone deficiency based on
blood tests,
medical history,
signs/symptoms, and sometimes
GH stimulation tests. Initial tests typically include:
- IGF-1 blood test - Checks levels of insulin-like growth factor
- GH blood tests - Measures baseline and stimulated GH levels
- MRI scan - Checks pituitary gland for tumors or damage
- Additional hormone tests - Tests other pituitary hormones
Treatment
Treatment for low GH involves
growth hormone replacement therapy. Options may include:
- GH injections - Daily injections to replace the missing hormone
- GH releasing hormones - Medications that trigger the pituitary gland to release more GH
Treatment aims to restore growth in kids, improve body composition in adults, and reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Lifelong GH replacement is often required, with regular monitoring by an endocrinologist at Vitality Wellness Center.
In summary, low growth hormone means the pituitary gland fails to produce adequate amounts of this vital hormone. It can impair growth in children and lead to changes in body composition and metabolism. Diagnosing and properly treating growth hormone deficiency can help affected individuals reduce complications and improve wellbeing over the long term.