نقص هرمون النمو (Growth hormone deficiency)

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Growth hormone deficiency

 

On this page, you will find everything you need to know about growth hormone deficiency.

What is Growth Hormone Deficiency?

Growth hormone deficiency is a rare condition in which the pituitary gland does not secrete enough growth hormone. It can affect infants, children, and adults. Children with growth hormone deficiency are shorter than expected with normal body proportions.

What are theGHDsymptoms of growthGHDhormone deficiency?

  • Signs and symptoms of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) vary based on your age at the onset of the condition. Congenital growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in infants and children leads to impaired growth. Other symptoms in children and infants include:
  • A younger-looking face than expected for their age.
  • Poor growth of hair and nails.
  • Delayed tooth development.
  • Delay in puberty.
  • Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) in infants and young children.

Underdeveloped genitalia in newborn male infants.

Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in adults (acquired):

  • Detecting symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in adults can be more challenging, and symptoms may include:
  • Anxiety and/or depression.
  • Decreased energy levels.
  • Increased body fat, especially around the abdomen.
  • Reduced muscle strength.
  • Decreased bone density, leading to osteoporosis.
  • Insulin resistance which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Increased levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, raising the risk of heart disease.

What causes growth hormone deficiency?

The causes of growth hormone deficiency can vary based on your age at the onset of the condition. Some cases of growth hormone deficiency are idiopathic.

  • Causes of congenital growth hormone deficiency:

Congenital growth hormone deficiency results from a genetic mutation and may be associated with brain structure issues or facial abnormalities such as a cleft palate.

  • Causes of acquired growth hormone deficiency:
  • Acquired cases of growth hormone deficiency can affect both children and adults. It occurs due to damage to the pituitary gland affecting its ability to produce the hormone, such as:
  • Radiation treatment to the pituitary gland or nearby areas.
  • Severe head injury or brain injury.
  • Insufficient blood flow to the pituitary gland.
  • Incidental or unavoidable damage from brain surgery or surgery to remove a benign pituitary adenoma.
  • Infection of the central nervous system.

Tumors that compress the pituitary gland.

What are the diagnostic methods?

  • The doctor will take the medical history and perform a physical exam, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
  • X-rays.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Blood tests and other laboratory tests.

Growth hormone stimulation test.

What are the treatment methodsGHDfor growth hormone deficiency?

  • Treating growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in both children and adults involves synthetic growth hormone, administered as injections at home. People with this condition often require a daily injection.

Long-term treatment with synthetic growth hormone often continues for several years. It is essential to see your healthcare provider regularly to ensure the treatment is effective and to determine if you need an adjustment in medication dosage.

What are the prevention methods for growth hormone deficiency?

There is no known way to prevent growth hormone deficiency. However, early detection and treatment can help reduce complications.

  • What are the complications of growth hormone deficiency?
  • If left untreated in children, growth hormone deficiency may lead to short stature (height) and delayed puberty.
  • Adults with growth hormone deficiency are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

Adults also have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.

  • When should you see a doctor?
  • If you are an adult experiencing symptoms of growth hormone deficiency, you should see a doctor.

 

If you or your child has been diagnosed, you will need to see your healthcare provider regularly to ensure your treatment is working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is growth hormone used to increase height in healthy individuals wanting to grow taller?

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