Growth Hormone Q & A
What is growth hormone deficiency?
Growth hormone is one of the substances secreted by your anterior pituitary gland. It triggers the production of another hormone in the liver. Together, these two hormones stimulate growth during childhood as well as metabolic processes and psychological well-being in adults.
Growth hormone deficiency can emerge during childhood or later in life. Adult-onset growth hormone deficiency is often due to pituitary gland damage from a tumor or surgery. Other factors that can lead to pituitary gland damage include:
- Radiotherapy for the pituitary gland or brain
- Severe head injuries
- Autoimmune diseases
- Interrupted blood flow
Childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency is typically due to genetic abnormalities or developmental issues that affect the pituitary gland.
What are the common growth hormone deficiency symptoms?
Adults with growth hormone deficiency can experience various symptoms, including:
- Decreased muscle bulk and strength
- Increased fat retention
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Osteoporosis
- Low energy and stamina
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Blood and circulation issues
Growth hormone deficiency symptoms can range in severity and become disruptive. The physiological and psychological symptoms may take a toll on your quality of life.
How is a growth hormone problem diagnosed?
The team at Ally Endocrinology uses comprehensive lab tests to identify growth hormone deficiency. They often use the insulin tolerance test.
During the insulin tolerance test, you receive an insulin injection to lower your blood sugar. Your body should respond by releasing growth hormone. The team monitors your physiological response to determine if your body produces adequate amounts of growth hormone.
What are the available treatments for growth hormone deficiency?
In most cases, Ally Endocrinology team provides growth hormone replacement therapy to treat this condition and relieve your symptoms. When you start treatment, you have appointments with a nurse who teaches you how to give yourself a daily injection.
The injections aren’t painful. You use a device to inject the medicine into your abdomen every day, similar to how a person with diabetes gives themselves a daily insulin shot.
You have routine blood tests, and Ally Endocrinology team carefully monitors your health as the treatment rebalances your hormones. Your physician can adjust your dose as needed to optimize your health.
Call your nearest office of Ally Endocrinology today or make an appointment online if you have any concerns about growth hormone deficiency or other hormonal health issues.
