Low growth hormone, or growth hormone deficiency (GHD), is a condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone (GH). Growth hormone is essential for growth and development, especially in children and adolescents.
Some key facts about low GH:
- It can happen at any age, but most commonly develops in childhood as a congenital condition. Acquired GHD later in life is also possible due to a pituitary tumor or head trauma.
- Common symptoms include short stature/lack of growth, increased body fat, decreased muscle mass and strength, soft/high-pitched voice, delayed puberty, fatigue, and more.
- Diagnosis involves blood tests for IGF-1 and GH levels, often combined with stimulus testing to see if the pituitary releases adequate GH in response.
- If caught early in childhood, treatment with GH injections can help increase height/growth velocity significantly. Maintaining therapy is needed to keep seeing benefits.
So what causes insufficient GH output? There are a few possibilities:
- Genetic mutations affecting pituitary development
- Damage to the pituitary from a tumor, surgery, radiation, or injury
- Some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
The experienced physicians at
Butterfly Hormone Center specialize in the nuanced diagnosis and management of growth disorders. We conduct thorough testing to pinpoint the exact cause and degree of GHD for personalized treatment plans.
For children with confirmed GHD, we develop programs using daily
Genotropin GH therapy to stimulate linear growth. We also address lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise that aid muscle and bone development. Follow up is crucial to monitor treatment effectiveness and make timely dose adjustments.
In adolescents and adults, we seek to alleviate GHD symptoms that disrupt health and quality of life.
Hormone replacement therapy can target body composition abnormalities, energy/stamina deficits, cholesterol problems, and more based on the individual’s needs. Relief is possible with properly administered GH treatment!
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