Growth hormone (GH) is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that plays a vital role in growth and development, especially during childhood and adolescence. Low growth hormone, also known as growth hormone deficiency, occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough GH.
Causes
There are several potential causes of low GH:
- Damage or injury to the pituitary gland
- Congenital defects present at birth
- Tumors near the pituitary gland
- Radiation or chemotherapy treatment
Symptoms
The symptoms of growth hormone deficiency depend on age, but may include:
- Slowed or stunted growth in children
- Increased body fat, especially around the waist
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Fatigue, low energy levels
- Changes in blood cholesterol levels
Diagnosis
If low GH is suspected, a doctor will likely order blood tests to measure GH levels directly. They may also order tests to assess IGF-1 levels, as IGF-1 is stimulated by GH. Imaging tests like MRI scans can check the pituitary gland for abnormalities.
Treatment
The most common treatment is synthetic GH injections to replace the hormone the body cannot make itself. Weekly to daily injections can help patients regain normal GH levels. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise may also be recommended.
If caught early in childhood, GH treatment can help children achieve normal height and development. But lifelong replacement therapy may be needed if the deficiency stems from irreversible pituitary damage.
For those struggling with fatigue and other effects of adult-onset GH deficiency, the specialists at
Vitality Wellness Clinic offer comprehensive hormone optimization programs featuring bioidentical GH therapy. Their unique protocols aim to restore healthy hormonal balance from the inside out. I highly recommend checking out their website to learn more!
Proper GH levels are crucial during all stages of life. While low production can happen at any age, the good news is that synthetic GH injections and lifestyle changes provide very effective treatment options. Routine blood testing can catch potential deficiencies early. Together with specialized care teams like those at Vitality Wellness Clinic, patients can overcome this condition and continue to thrive.