Growth Hormone Deficiency
Also known as: GHD, Pituitary dwarfism (childhood), Adult growth hormone deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, does not make enough growth hormone. In children, the most obvious sign is slow growth and short stature compared with peers. In adults, the condition is subtler and tends to show up as low energy, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, and changes in mood or cholesterol. It can be present from birth or develop later because of a pituitary tumor, surgery, radiation, or head injury. Diagnosis takes careful testing, and treatment with synthetic growth hormone injections can be very effective when the deficiency is genuine.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms
- Slow growth or noticeably short stature in children (growing less than expected each year), A younger-looking face and delayed puberty in children, Fatigue, low stamina, and reduced motivation in adults
- Main treatments
- Daily or weekly injections of synthetic (recombinant) growth hormone, with doses adjusted by an endocrinologist, Regular monitoring of IGF-1 levels, growth, blood sugar, and side effects, Treatment of the underlying cause, such as surgery for a pituitary tumor
- Category
- Endocrine · Uncommon; a rare cause of short stature in children and of fatigue in adults with pituitary disease
- See a doctor if
- A child is growing much more slowly than classmates or has dropped across percentiles on the growth chart
Symptoms
Causes
- Congenital problems with pituitary development or genetic mutations
- Pituitary tumors (adenomas) or tumors near the pituitary such as craniopharyngioma
- Surgery or radiation therapy to the head or pituitary region
- Traumatic brain injury
- Infection, inflammation, or reduced blood supply affecting the pituitary
- Unknown (idiopathic) causes, particularly in childhood-onset cases
Risk Factors
- A history of pituitary or brain tumor treatment
- Previous head injury or brain surgery
- Radiation therapy to the head for cancer in childhood
- Other pituitary hormone deficiencies (hypopituitarism)
- Certain genetic syndromes and midline birth defects
Diagnosis
- Growth tracking on height charts over time in children
- Blood tests for IGF-1 (a marker that reflects growth hormone activity)
- Growth hormone stimulation testing, where a medication is given and hormone levels are measured over several hours
- MRI of the pituitary gland and brain to look for structural causes
- Testing of other pituitary hormones, since deficiencies often occur together
Treatment
- Daily or weekly injections of synthetic (recombinant) growth hormone, with doses adjusted by an endocrinologist
- Regular monitoring of IGF-1 levels, growth, blood sugar, and side effects
- Treatment of the underlying cause, such as surgery for a pituitary tumor
- Replacement of other missing pituitary hormones (thyroid, cortisol, sex hormones) when needed
- Supportive: resistance training and adequate protein to help rebuild muscle mass
- Supportive: consistent sleep, since most natural growth hormone is released during deep sleep
- Supportive: calcium and vitamin D intake to protect bone density, especially in adults
Prevention
- Most cases cannot be prevented, but early recognition limits long-term effects
- Attend routine pediatric checkups so growth is measured and tracked
- Follow up with an endocrinologist after any pituitary surgery or head radiation
- Protect against head injuries with helmets and seat belts
- Seek evaluation promptly if a child's growth rate slows noticeably
When to See a Doctor
- A child is growing much more slowly than classmates or has dropped across percentiles on the growth chart
- Puberty is significantly delayed
- Persistent fatigue, muscle loss, and weight gain in an adult with a history of pituitary problems or head injury
- New headaches, vision changes, or other symptoms that could suggest a pituitary tumor
- Signs of other hormone deficiencies, such as cold intolerance, dizziness, or loss of libido
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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