Low growth hormone - Renew Health Clinic

What is low growth hormone?

Growth hormone (GH) is a protein hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration. Low growth hormone, also called growth hormone deficiency, occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough GH.

Some key facts about low GH:

• Causes: Damage or tumors in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, genetic mutations, injuries or radiation treatment affecting these areas of the brain. Often the exact cause is unknown.
• Symptoms: Children may experience slower than normal growth and short stature. Adults can have decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, fatigue, poor concentration, high cholesterol, and reduced quality of life.
• Diagnosis: Comprehensive medical history, physical exam focusing on height and growth patterns, often combined with stimulation tests that measure GH levels after ingesting substances that normally trigger GH release.
• Treatment: Daily injections of synthetic growth hormone to replace the deficient hormones. Improves height in children and reverses some symptoms in both children and adults.

How does low GH affect children?

• Slows length/height gain - child is significantly shorter than peers
• Delays puberty and reaching final adult height
• Causes facial features to develop differently
• Can lead to social challenges with appearing younger

What problems can low GH cause in adults?

• Decreased muscle mass and increased body fat - especially abdominal fat
• Osteoporosis - weak, brittle bones
• Skin thinning and dryness
• Decreased energy and stamina
• Impaired cardiac function
• Adverse changes in cholesterol levels
• General impairment in quality of life

In summary, low growth hormone occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce adequate amounts of this vital protein to stimulate cell growth and regeneration. Diagnosis is made by stimulation testing, and treatment consists of synthetic GH injections to replace the missing hormones. If left untreated, low GH can negatively impact normal development in children and lead to changes in body composition and health problems in adults. Consult a doctor from Renew Health Clinic if GH deficiency is suspected.