Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell 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: Genetic mutations, tumors, radiation damage, infections, inflammation, head trauma, etc. Low GH is especially common after traumatic brain injury.
- Symptoms: Lack of growth in childhood, central obesity, decreased muscle mass and strength, fatigue, poor bone density, high cholesterol, emotional issues, and more.
- Diagnosis: Medical history, physical exam, blood tests of GH levels, MRI scans of pituitary gland. Several stimulation tests can help confirm low GH.
- Treatments: Daily injections of synthetic growth hormone (somatropin), improved diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits. Untreated, low GH can seriously impact quality of life.
What causes low growth hormone?
There are several potential causes:
- Genetic mutations interfering with GH production
- Tumors, radiation damage, infections, or inflammation of the pituitary gland
- Severe head trauma from accidents or injuries
- Compression of the pituitary stalk from tumors or blood vessels
In many cases, no cause is found, especially for milder deficiencies presenting in adulthood. Childhood onset is more frequently linked to genetic or developmental issues.
What are the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency?
Symptoms vary by age of onset but can include:
- Slowed or halted growth in children and adolescents
- Increased body fat, especially abdominal obesity
- Decreased muscle mass and reduced strength
- Lower bone mineral density, increasing fracture risk
- Higher LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides
- Fatigue, low energy levels, and emotional issues like social withdrawal
- Impaired cardiac function and physical endurance
- Poor quality of life
The symptoms are usually more subtle in adults compared to children with untreated low GH.
How is low growth hormone diagnosed?
Diagnosing low GH involves:
- Medical history and physical exam focusing on symptoms
- Blood tests measuring GH and IGF-1 levels
- Stimulation tests that check pituitary response to medications
- MRI scan of the pituitary to check structure and size
If blood tests and stimulation tests show low GH output, an MRI can help identify potential causes like tumors.
How is low growth hormone treated?
The main treatment is daily injections of biosynthetic human growth hormone (somatropin). This replaces the GH the pituitary fails to make. Lifestyle improvements like diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene also help.
Without treatment, low GH can seriously impact quality of life through symptoms like fatigue, obesity, osteoporosis, and muscle wasting. Childhood cases require urgent treatment to allow proper development.
Visit Harmonize Hormones for more information on low growth hormone treatment.