Growth Hormone Deficiency

Hormones are chemicals released by the endocrine gland in the blood. These makethe cells of specific organs to carry out their activity. Hormones are very essential for the normal functioning of the body and imbalance in their composition can lead to abnormalities and disorders. The deficiency of growth hormone is one such condition, that arises when the body lacks production of human growth hormone. This is one of the most important hormone produced by the pituitary gland. A disorder in this gland can lead to lack of growth hormone production leading to GHD. One of the most important thing to note is that this disorder can strike people of any age group. Let us take a look at the causes and symptoms of it.

Growth Hormone Deficiency Causes

GHD is caused due to partial or complete lack of production of growth hormone in human beings. It can be a congenital or an acquired condition. Heredity or genetics can also cause this condition in infants and children. On the other hand, other causes like injury or infection to the pituitary gland, brain tumor, surgery, radiation to the brain, lack of oxygen at birth, abnormalities in the hormone receptors, autoimmune attack, etc. are believed to be the other causes of GHD.

Symptoms

As there is a deficiency in the hormone that is responsible for growth, a stunted growth is one of the most obvious and prominent symptoms of this disorder. No noticeable growth may be observed in case of babies and infants up to 2-3 years. Teeth development is also delayed in babies. Later, the average growth per year is around 2-3 cms. Children also fail to gain weight. These children appear smaller and shorter than other children of their age group. However, they do have normal intelligence and normal body proportions. Growth hormone (GH) deficiency in children may also lead to delayed or complete absence of puberty in the later life. The following are the symptoms of GHD in adults:

• Lack of energy
• Weight gain
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Decreased muscle mass

Treatment

There are tests available that help in determining the deficiency of growth hormone. The doctor may even inquire about the child/person's diet, exercise habits, other family member's height and weight for the diagnosis of the condition. X rays may even be advised to check the bone development. MRI is also very helpful to determine abnormalities in the brain and pituitary gland. The treatment of this hormone deficiency is essential, in case of infants and children, for normal development and growth. It is possible to enhance the growth of children using medications like synthetic human growth hormone for children (somatropin). The effects of this medication may vary from person to person. However, one should note that this medication is not effective for increasing the height in adults. Similar to other hormone replacement therapies and medications, even this treatment method comes with its share of side effects. Depression, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, pain in joints, abdominal pain, etc. are the potential side effects of these medications. Taking complete rest, adequate sleep, etc., can help in treating lack of energy or weakness.

As a concluding note, one should remember to identify the signs of this condition in children to treat it immediately. Take care!