Low growth hormone - Vitality Medical Clinic

What is Low Growth Hormone?

Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. It plays an important role in growth during childhood and adolescence, but continues to have essential metabolic functions in adults as well.

Low growth hormone, or growth hormone deficiency (GHD), refers to below-normal production and secretion of growth hormone. This can happen at any age due to injury or diseases affecting the pituitary gland. Children with GHD tend to be shorter than their peers, while adults may experience decreased muscle strength, increased body fat, higher cholesterol, and reduced bone density.

What Causes Low Growth Hormone?

Some potential causes of low growth hormone include:

Pituitary disorders, such as inflammation, tumors, trauma, or radiation treatment
Genetic mutations affecting growth hormone production
Damage to the pituitary from head injury or brain surgery

Signs and Symptoms

People with growth hormone deficiency may exhibit:

In children - short stature/low height for age
In adults - decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, tiredness, musculoskeletal problems, changes in cholesterol and cardiac function

Diagnosis

Doctors use blood tests of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels, which are stimulated by GH, to screen for low levels. They may also order stimulation tests that assess the pituitary gland's ability to produce peak GH.

Some examples are the:

Insulin tolerance test
Arginine stimulation test
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) - arginine test

Treatment

Treatment for low growth hormone involves daily injections of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) medication, which replaces the hormone the body cannot produce in adequate amounts on its own. Monitoring and dosage adjustment are important for benefits and safety.

The goal is to return IGF-1 levels to normal ranges and relieve associated health issues from hormone deficiency. Catching and treating low GH early, especially in childhood, can help increase final adult height.

If you have concerns about low growth hormone, consider consulting with Vitality Medical Clinic for professional medical advice and treatment options.