Another variant of growth hormone deficiency occurs in adults and to ascertain whether one has a growth hormone deficiency, one has to go through blood tests or insulin-tolerance tests to see the level of growth hormone at various times of the day. The following are some manifestations of growth hormone deficiency that may prompt you to go to the doctor:
- Slow growth:
Growth is a prolonged process that takes place over a while and at different rates. Patients with growth hormone deficiency have delayed height and weight milestones with normal body proportions. Children or teens with the deficiency of growth hormone have ‘chubby’ body laden with ‘baby fat’, slow growth as compared to the fellows of their age, a very prominent forehead, and an underdeveloped nasal bridge.
People with early GH deficiency may have delayed puberty. In women, there is the underdevelopment of breasts and in men, there is little development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Yet, slow growth is not only due to GH deficiency. There are a number of genetic, hormonal, systemic, skeletal, and dietary causes of growth problems. These include familial short stature, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In such cases, the primary treatment is to go for recombinant growth hormone therapy. Still, one has to be firm with the continuation of the therapy because this may take a few months to even notice minor improvements in height and weight.
- Weight changes:
The deficiency of growth hormone is widely associated with changes in body composition. People with GH deficiency gain fat mass. This is generally referred to as central obesity as there is an accumulation of fat in the abdomen or the flanks region. The fat gain in GH- deficient people may also be generalized. A decrease in the levels of growth hormone badly affects fat metabolism. GH-deficient people may find it particularly hard to shed extra pounds even if they try to do so. Lack of endurance and exercise capability aggravates the weight gain. This may have a dangerous impact on one’s mental health. People low in growth hormone already battling depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, etc may lose all hope during this time and reject any form of treatment.
It is now a well-proven fact that growth hormone replacement in GH deficiency causes a considerable decrease in obesity and particularly in abdominal fat mass.
- Psychological Symptoms:
People who are low in growth hormone often complain that they ‘do not feel like themselves’. These people may experience depression but that is not only due to deficiency of GH. Due to low growth, people may feel different from their fellows. This may lower their confidence and self-esteem. This may lead to them being secluded from their surroundings, worsening their state of depression. Growth hormone-deficient people also complain that their memory has deteriorated, and they cannot focus on a particular thing for long.
Moreover, a fall in growth hormone levels causes a considerable decrease in sexual drive. These people may also struggle with body dysmorphia which makes them extremely concerned about even minor ‘flaws’ in their body or even flaws that may not exist altogether. Other emotional and psychological impacts of Adult Growth Hormone deficiency include frustration, lack of motivation, anger, insomnia, irritability, and mood swings. This almost always leads to social tension for that person.
- Low stamina:
Stamina can be defined as the ability to maintain prolonged mental/ physical endeavors and the loss of stamina and generalized fatigue is a major component of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). This haplessly affects one’s daily routine as well as professional productivity. Having low stamina often causes people to feel tired after very little exertion, and they may experience an overall lack of energy or focus. They start finding minor tasks laborious which they used to complete with ease when they were not affected by AGHD. These patients often reminiscence times when they used to be physically much more active as compared to the present times.
However, when treated with Growth Hormone Therapy, people experience a rise in their endurance and stamina. This treatment has been quite a havoc in sports’ magazine for rejuvenation of stamina. This has led to growth hormone supplementation in normal, healthy adults- ignoring the long-term potential side effects of this treatment when used for non-medical reasons.
- High Cholesterol:
In untreated HGH, whether congenital or adult-variant, there is a rise in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) but the rise of LDL is quite dangerous for the patient. In a cardiovascular disease known as atherosclerosis, LDH tends to stick to walls of the artery, forming plaques. These plaques may rupture, triggering the formation of blood clots and potentially obstructing blood flow to the heart or brain, acting as a precursor for heart attack or stroke.
Nonetheless, cholesterol levels retain to normal after a few months of HGH supplementation. Though when one opts to go for HGH therapy, blood cholesterol, and bone density are to be monitored strictly. Both of these measures should show signs of improvement and effectiveness of the adult growth hormone-deficiency therapy. It should also be kept in mind that Growth hormone levels above normal, also causes a rise in triglyceride and cholesterol levels- causing the same detrimental effects on the heart and the brain.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Is The Side Effect Of Lack Of Growth Hormone?
Introduction
Growth hormone (GH) is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which is responsible for regulating growth and development throughout the body. It is essential for normal growth and development, and disruption of the normal production or availability of GH can have serious side effects. The side effects of a lack of growth hormone vary depending on the age of the individual, but can include stunted growth, obesity, and cognitive and behavioral problems.
Stunted Growth
The most obvious side effect of a lack of growth hormone is stunted growth. Growth hormone deficiency usually results in short stature in both children and adults, with the degree of short stature varying depending on the age at which the deficiency began. In some cases, growth hormone deficiency can cause growth to stop completely.
Obesity
A lack of growth hormone can also cause obesity. Growth hormone is responsible for the normal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and a deficiency can lead to an increased accumulation of adipose tissue. This can cause individuals to be overweight or obese, and can also increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Cognitive and Behavioral Problems
Low levels of growth hormone can also cause cognitive and behavioral problems. Research has shown that growth hormone deficiency can cause learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other behavioral problems. It can also cause memory problems and difficulty with problem solving and concentration.
Conclusion
The side effects of a lack of growth hormone can vary depending on the age of the individual, but can include stunted growth, obesity, and cognitive and behavioral problems. Growth hormone deficiency is a serious condition and can have long-term consequences if left untreated. It is important to seek medical advice if you or your child show signs of growth hormone deficiency.
