What Is Growth Hormone Deficiency

Are you worried that your child is not growing at a normal pace? Does your child look much younger than other kids of his age group? If this is the case, then your child might be suffering from ‘growth hormone deficiency’. It is basically the absence or deficiency of growth hormones in a person. These growth hormones are produced by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the body to grow. Growth hormone deficiency has different effects at different ages. In newborn infants, the primary manifestations may be hypoglycemia, while in later infancy, growth failure is more likely. Deficiency of the growth hormone in adults is rare, but may feature lean body mass or poor bone density and other physical and psychological problems. Quick diagnosis of the deficiency and treatment is very important, to cut down the long time effects of GH deficiency. Read on to explore the causes, symptoms and treatment of growth hormone deficiency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specific treatment for GH deficiency will be determined by the physician, based on the patient’s age, overall health and medical history. The physician will also test his/her tolerance for specific medication and the extent of the problem. Once the deficiency has been diagnosed, the treatment will begin with regular injection of human growth hormone. The treatment is a long process and may last for almost a year. It is better if the deficiency is diagnosed at the earliest and the treatment starts as soon as possible. If the treatment starts early, the patient will be able to get back to the normal growth routine.