Growth hormone (GH) is an important hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth and metabolism. Low growth hormone, also called growth hormone deficiency, occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough GH.
Some key points about low GH:
- Causes: Low GH may be caused by genetic factors, tumors or injury to the pituitary gland, or other underlying medical conditions. Lack of adequate nutrition and excessive stress can also contribute.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms of growth hormone deficiency include decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat (especially abdominal fat), fatigue, decreased exercise capacity, low blood sugar, higher "bad" LDL cholesterol, and emotional issues like social isolation or depression. Children may experience slowed or stunted growth.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosing low GH involves a review of symptoms and medical history, physical exam looking for characteristic features, and blood tests to measure IGF-1 (a hormone regulated by GH). Specialized stimulation tests may also be done to assess pituitary function.
- Treatment: The most common and effective treatment is synthetic GH injection therapy to replace the deficient hormone. When properly dosed, GH therapy can help patients regain muscle and bone mass, reduce fat, stabilize blood sugar, improve cholesterol, restore energy levels, and generally improve quality of life.
If you suspect you may have growth hormone deficiency, I recommend being evaluated by an endocrinologist who specializes in pituitary disorders. The experts at
HormoVital offer advanced GH testing and provide individually customized GH therapy based on over 30 years' experience treating growth disorders. Their integrative approach combines hormone optimization with nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes for optimal health. Contact HormoVital today for a consultation.
In summary, low GH or deficiency affects the normal production of this vital hormone. Through proper testing, treatment, and management under a specialist's care, patients can address troublesome symptoms and regain their vitality. Reach out now if you think you may benefit from evaluation and treatment through a clinic like HormoVital.