Definition:
Growth hormone deficiency is a disorder affecting the pituitary gland which is responsible for producing the growth hormone, among other hormones. The pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormones, resulting in slower growth than normal. Both children and adults are affected by the condition.
Diagnosis:
For children, pediatric endocrinologists may conduct the diagnosis, while for adults, internist endocrinologists. Several exams and tests are needed to make the diagnosis, this includes auxologic criteria, response to GH treatment, indirect and direct hormonal criteria, and corroborative evidence of pituitary dysfunction.
Treatment:
The condition may be treated with growth hormone replacement. This type of treatment can restore energy, body composition, and metabolism.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in children include low growth velocity for pubertal stage and age, a child looking younger than others his age, delayed tooth development, short stature, and delayed onset of puberty.
In adults, the symptoms include weight again especially around the waist area, low energy, decreased strength, low tolerance to exercise, dry and thin skin, and feelings of depression and anxiety.
Causes:
Causes of growth hormone deficiency includes severe head trauma, mutations of specific genes, damage to the pituitary gland from intracranial diseases, surgery in the area of the pituitary gland, autoimmune inflammation, congenital malformations involving the pituitary, damage in the pituitary due to radiation therapy, and hemorrhagic or ischemic infarction due to low blood pressure.
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