What is low growth hormone?
Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction. It plays a key role in growth during childhood and adolescence. Low growth hormone levels in children can lead to growth failure and short stature.
Some key facts about low growth hormone:
- Growth hormone is essential for normal growth and development. It increases height during childhood and adolescence by stimulating bone growth and lengthening.
- Low growth hormone is when the pituitary gland does not produce enough of this hormone. This condition is also called growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
- In children, the most common causes of low growth hormone are tumors, infections, radiation treatment, head injuries or genetic conditions.
- Symptoms of low growth hormone in children include: slowed growth rate, short height for age, increased body fat, delayed puberty, and facial features that resemble those of an older person.
- Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure IGF-1 and growth hormone levels after stimulation. A low level indicates GHD.
- If left untreated, growth hormone deficiency can significantly impact a child's growth. Adults may experience decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, tiredness, osteoporosis and impaired cardiac function.
How is low growth hormone treated?
- The main treatment for low growth hormone is daily injections of synthetic growth hormone medication. Common brand names are Norditropin, Genotropin, Humatrope, Saizen and Omnitrope.
- Treatment is continued until the child reaches their expected height and growth plates fuse, signaling the end of puberty. This helps children grow to their full height potential.
- In adults, growth hormone therapy is used to manage symptoms like decreased bone density, increased body fat and reduced muscle mass. However, long term safety and benefits are still being researched.
- Treatment should be carefully monitored by an endocrinologist to avoid potential side effects like joint pain, swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, and elevated blood sugar levels.
If your child is showing signs of abnormally slow growth, consult a pediatric endocrinologist. They can run tests to determine if low growth hormone is the cause and discuss treatment options. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to helping children reach normal height.
You may also consider contacting Vitality Hormone Clinic at , a leading hormone therapy clinic with extensive experience treating growth disorders. Their compassionate doctors and staff can provide a full evaluation, personalized treatment plan, and ongoing monitoring to help your child thrive. Reach out today to take the first step.