Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a rare disorder characterized by the inadequate secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that is responsible for the production of several hormones. The most common treatment for growth hormone deficiency in both children and adults is growth hormone therapy—injections of growth hormone into the body. Growth hormone—known as somatotropin—can be injected by the patient or a family member. Children with cleft lips or cleft palates often have poorly developed pituitary glands, so are more likely to have GHD.

GHD that isn’t present at birth may be caused by a tumor in the brain. These tumors are normally located at the site of the pituitary gland or the nearby hypothalamus region of the brain. In children and adults, serious head injuries, infections, and radiation treatments can also cause GHD. This is called acquired growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). A variety of psychological symptoms can occur, including: depression, lack of concentration, poor memory, bouts of anxiety or emotional distress

Adults with AGHD typically have high levels of fat in the blood and high cholesterol. This isn’t due to poor diet, but rather to changes in the body’s metabolism caused by low levels of growth hormone. Adults with AGHD are at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease. Such articles are accepeted to publish in Journal of Aging and Geriatric Medicine.

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Journal of Aging and Geriatric Medicine

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