Low growth hormone - Vitality Clinic

What is Low Growth Hormone?

Growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, is essential for growth and cell reproduction in humans. Low growth hormone, also called growth hormone deficiency (GHD), means your body does not make enough of this important hormone.

Causes

Low levels of growth hormone can happen for a few reasons:

• Genetic conditions - Certain genetic disorders can affect pituitary gland development and hormone production. For example, children can be born with isolated GHD.
• Tumors - Both cancerous and benign tumors in the brain/pituitary region may damage cells that make growth hormone.
• Injury - Head trauma or radiation therapy can sometimes impair the pituitary gland.
• Other medical disorders - Diseases like sleep apnea, Cushing's disease, and hypothyroidism are linked to growth hormone deficiency.

Symptoms

People with GHD may exhibit:

• Unusually short height/growth failure
• Increased body fat, especially around the waist
• Delayed puberty in adolescents
• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Higher LDL or "bad" cholesterol
• Lower energy levels and endurance

Diagnosis

If GHD is suspected, an endocrinologist will run blood tests to measure IGF-1 and growth hormone levels directly. They may also order MRI scans to visualize the pituitary gland structure.

Stimulation tests can also help diagnose GHD - these stimulate the pituitary to release hormones, allowing the doctor to see if normal amounts are produced.

Treatment

• Most children and adolescents with growth hormone deficiency are treated with synthetic growth hormone injections to restore their IGF-1 and growth hormone blood concentrations. This is usually safe and effective at helping them reach a normal adult height.
• Adults may also benefit from growth hormone therapy to improve body composition, bone strength, cardiovascular health, and quality of life.
• Monitoring hormone levels and health risks/benefits is important during treatment.

For more information, please visit Vitality Clinic.