Low growth hormone - Vista Clinic

What is low growth hormone?

Low growth hormone, also known as growth hormone deficiency (GHD), is a medical condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone (GH). This can happen both in children and adults.

Some key things to know about low GH:

• Causes: Damage to the pituitary gland from a tumor, radiation, or injury can lead to low GH. There are also rare genetic causes. In adults, the most common cause is a pituitary tumor.
• Symptoms in children: Low height for age, increased body fat, delayed puberty. Other symptoms may include feeling tired, anxious, or sad.
• Symptoms in adults: Decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, poor concentration and memory, reduced exercise capacity, changes in cholesterol levels.

How is low GH diagnosed?

Doctors will order blood tests to measure IGF-1 and GH levels. These lab tests are typically done after giving the patient a stimulation test with insulin, arginine, clonidine, or glucagon. This helps evaluate if the pituitary gland is functioning properly. Imaging scans of the pituitary may also be done.

What is the treatment for growth hormone deficiency?

The treatment for both children and adults with low GH is daily injections of synthetic human growth hormone. This is not a permanent cure but rather manages the condition by replacing the missing hormone.

• For children, GH shots are critical to gain height and grow properly. The earlier treatment starts, the more growth potential they have.
• Adults take GH to improve symptoms like poor muscle mass, excess fat, and low energy. However, it does not help patients grow taller.

In conclusion, growth hormone deficiency is a condition where the pituitary gland fails to produce adequate amounts of this vital hormone. Diagnosing it requires blood tests and medical imaging. Managing low GH relies on daily supplementation with synthetic growth hormone shots, both for children needing to grow and adults looking to improve their symptoms. Consistent treatment can help patients regain normal energy levels and body composition.