Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth and development, especially during childhood and adolescence. It stimulates the production of new cells, promotes protein synthesis, and increases the breakdown of fats.
Low growth hormone, or growth hormone deficiency, is a condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as injury to the pituitary gland, genetic mutations, or damage from radiation therapy or surgery.
The main symptoms of low growth hormone include:
How is low growth hormone diagnosed?
If low growth hormone is suspected, a doctor will order blood tests to measure the levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) over several hours. These two hormones work together to stimulate growth, so IGF-1 levels will be low if growth hormone is deficient.
Doctors may also use imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to look for abnormalities in the pituitary gland. A stimulation test can also help diagnose growth hormone deficiency - medications are used to stimulate growth hormone release and levels are measured over time.
What are the treatment options for low growth hormone?
The most common treatment is growth hormone replacement therapy, where synthetic growth hormone is injected subcutaneously. This can help restore normal growth in children and improve symptoms in adults. It’s important that treatment start early for best results.
Lifestyle changes like proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep are also recommended. Some patients may need additional hormone replacement if there are deficiencies in other pituitary hormones like thyroid or cortisol.
If a benign tumor on the pituitary gland is causing low hormone levels, surgery or medication may help normalize growth hormone production.
Is there hope for those with low growth hormone?
The good news is that great strides have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency. Early detection and hormone replacement therapy can help affected children achieve normal height and development. Adults being treated report improved body composition, bone health, energy levels, and quality of life.
So there is absolutely hope, thanks to better understanding of this condition, advanced diagnostic tests, synthetic growth hormone injections, and comprehensive treatment plans. Specialists like those at Renew Medical Clinic use cutting-edge therapies and a personalized approach to help patients reach their full potential. Their experienced endocrinologists and nurses provide compassionate care every step of the way. Don't lose hope - help is available with the right treatment team!