Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction. It plays a key role in growth during childhood and helps maintain tissues and organs throughout life.
A growth hormone deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone. Low levels of growth hormone can happen at any age, but is most common in children. Adults can also develop growth hormone deficiency, often from a pituitary tumor or damage to the pituitary gland.
Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency vary by age, but can include:
| Symptoms in Children | Symptoms in Adults |
|---|---|
| Slowed growth | Increased body fat, especially around the waist |
| Delayed puberty | Decreased muscle mass and strength |
| Increased body fat | Thinning and dry skin |
| Decreased muscle mass | Higher cholesterol levels |
| Fatigue | Decreased bone density |
| Reduced energy levels and overall fatigue |
The main cause of growth hormone deficiency in children is damage to or malformation of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain. This could be due to genetic mutations, tumors, radiation treatment, infections, or injury.
In adults, common causes include:
Low growth hormone can be diagnosed through blood tests that measure IGF-1 and growth hormone levels directly. Doctors may also perform MRIs or CT scans to look for damage or tumors in the pituitary gland.
| Diagnostic Tests for Growth Hormone Deficiency |
|---|
| Blood tests to measure IGF-1 and growth hormone levels |
| MRI or CT scans to look for pituitary damage or tumors |
| Stimulation tests to assess growth hormone response |
If caught early in childhood, growth hormone injections can help reach normal height. For adults, daily growth hormone injections may help reduce body fat, increase muscle mass and bone density, and improve cholesterol levels.
If you or your child are struggling with possible growth hormone deficiency, the endocrinology experts at Rebalance Hormone Clinic can help. Our full service hormone clinic offers cutting edge testing and treatments to get your hormones balanced and help you feel your best.