Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency
The role of human growth hormone
Growth hormone (GH) is made by the pituitary gland, which sits at the base of the brain.
Growth hormone is very important for development. It doesn’t just regulate normal human growth (height), but also has other important metabolic functions, such as regulating blood sugar levels, fat distribution, muscle mass and muscle and bone strength. If for any reason the body can’t produce enough growth hormone, these normal processes are may be disrupted.
Growth hormone is made in different amounts at different stages of life.
The body produces the most growth hormone during the teenage growth spurt, and then falls to around 25% of this level later in life.
Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) can be grouped into 3 types:
- Congenital: caused by a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus during foetal development
- Acquired: caused by damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus from tumours, severe head injury or infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
- Idiopathic: unknown cause
In adults, growth hormone helps regulate the amount of fat and sugar circulating in the body and controls the production of proteins for the replacement and renewal of body tissues.
GHD in adults can result from a pituitary or peri-pituitary tumour or as a direct result of surgery or radiation used to manage these conditions. Less commonly, GHD in adults arises from a deficiency acquired in childhood.
In adults, the signs of GHD are more subtle than in children. These may include both psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, poor memory and social isolation; along with physiological problems including weakness, poor vitality, easy fatigue and weight gain.
Useful contacts
The following support groups and organisations may be able to offer you further information and advice. Ask your doctor or nurse about local services too.
Child Growth Foundation
2 Mayfield Avenue
Chiswick
London W4 1PW
2 Mayfield Avenue
Chiswick
London W4 1PW
Telephone: 020 8995 0257
| Disclaimer |
The information contained in these pages is intended for general reference only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition without the advice of a qualified medical professional, and does not replace medical advice or a medical examination. Growth Hormone disorders should be diagnosed by a specialist in that field. Before starting any treatment a physician needs to be consulted. |
