Low growth hormone, also known as growth hormone deficiency (GHD), is a condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone (GH). This can happen for a variety of reasons, including genetic mutations, tumors, radiation therapy, injury, or even no known cause (idiopathic GHD).
The main symptoms of low GH include:
- Short stature and poor growth in children
- Increased body fat, especially around the waist in adults
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Fatigue, low energy levels
- Low bone density (osteoporosis risk)
- Adverse changes in cholesterol and heart health
Diagnosing low GH involves blood tests to measure IGF-1 and GH levels. Often, GH stimulation tests are done to confirm GHD. Treatment involves daily injections of synthetic growth hormone (somatropin) to replace the missing hormone. Managing GHD is crucial during childhood development and for maintaining health in adulthood.
At The Hormone Hub, our compassionate doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating growth hormone deficiency. We perform comprehensive hormone testing and provide personalized treatment plans to optimize health, wellbeing and performance for children and adults with GHD. Our state-of-the-art clinic uses the latest diagnostic tests and FDA-approved growth hormone therapies.