Growth hormone is a peptide that is produced in the body that is secreted by the pituitary gland and is responsible for cell growth and reproduction. It is a primary substance that helps with muscle mass gain as well as for the growth of children during puberty. Unfortunately there are individuals who become growth hormone deficient at some point in their life.
Growth hormone can become deficient for a few different reasons. It can be due to specific gene mutations, congenial abnormalities involving the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland or injuries to either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland as well.
Some symptoms that are associated with a growth hormone deficiency in adults are:
-a reduction in muscle mass and strength
-reduced bone mass and strength
-reduced physical, mental, and social energy
-impaired concentration and loss of memory
-mild depression symptoms
-increased body fat, especially around the abdominal region
When it comes to younger adults who are still growing and are therefore reliant on growth hormone, symptoms of deficiency include:
-abnormally low height levels when compared to that of their peers
-slow or no growth rates show
-delayed onset of secondary sex characteristics
-feelings of fatigue and lethargy
If any of these are being seen then the individual may have some growth hormone issues. Upon seeing a doctor, tests will likely be done monitoring their growth hormone release along with tests to determine the levels of IGF1 and IGF2 as well. An important note will be made with regards to the frequency of growth hormone release in accordance with the daily sleep-wake cycle.
Severe growth hormone deficiency in children is not seen often though so most of the time poor growth can just be the result of improper nutrition, sleep or physical activity. If there is a medical basis for the cause though, the individual will usually be treated with injections of synthetically made growth hormone. Upon receiving this treatment, children will usually see a rapid increase in height and will catch up to their peers (often 1-4 inches per year).
The drawback to growth hormone treatments though is the financial burden it creates for some individuals. Costs of the injections can run from $10 000 to $30 000 per year for children and about a quarter of that amount for adults as they are given 25% the dosage.
If you happen to notice some of the symptoms mentioned above it is a good idea to consult your physician to be on the safe side. If you don’t the deficiency could lead to more serious health consequences such as osteoporosis or reproduction difficulties.
Growth hormone treatments can also be used for other conditions as well such as to reverse the effects of aging in adults, to enhance weight loss or combat obesity, to treat fibromyalgia and Crohn’s disease and finally to enhance with bodybuilding. Obviously those individuals to will have to consider the costs involved and weigh whether it will be worth it for them.
While growth hormone deficiency is a rare condition, it is not one that should be taken lightly.
