Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)

We hear a lot about the importance of growth hormone and the effects that would occur when there is a growth hormone deficiency. However, it’s a rare and treatable condition.

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD)

When there’s a problem in the pituitary gland that makes it unable to release the growth hormone properly, this causes growth hormone deficiency.

The growth hormone is an essential hormone for appropriate growth, how the body fat is distributed, and the intensity of bone and muscle. Adding to that, growth hormone aids in maintaining a healthy body metabolism and structure in addition to balancing the blood sugar levels.

Growth hormone deficiency could affect anyone at any age, but it’s a rare condition.

There are three types of growth hormone deficiency:

• Congenital GHD, which is present since birth.
• Acquired GHD, which occurs later in life.
• Idiopathic GHD, which occurs with no known reason.

Causes of growth hormone deficiency

• Congenital growth hormone deficiency occurs due to a genetic mutation, problems in the brain structure, or issues with the facial midline (like cleft palate).
• Acquired growth hormone deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland is damaged due to several reasons, such as tumors, severe head injury, not having enough blood flow into the pituitary gland, radiation therapy, infection in the central nervous system, and certain diseases.

Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency

Symptoms of GHD in infants and children:

• Not growing properly.
• Slow height growth after the age of 3 (less than 3.5 cm or 1.4 inches each year).
• Delayed tooth development and impaired hair and nail growth.
• A younger-looking face.
• Delayed puberty.
• Hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of GHD in adults:

• Decreased energy levels.
• Decreased muscle tone and bone density.
• Increased body fat, especially around the abdomen.
• Insulin resistance.
• Increased LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Depression and anxiety.

Diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency

• Physical exam.
• Medical history.
• Imaging tests.
• Blood tests.

Treatment of growth hormone deficiency

• The only treatment for growth hormone deficiency is the synthetic growth hormone shots, and the patients often need a daily shot.