Growth hormone (GH) is an important hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth, metabolism, and overall health. As we age or due to certain medical conditions, some people can develop low growth hormone levels or growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
Some key things to know:
Causes - Damage to or a tumor in the pituitary gland - Genetic mutations - Inflammatory diseases - Head trauma - Radiation treatment
Symptoms - Decreased muscle mass and strength - Increased body fat, especially around the waist - Hair loss - Poor concentration and memory - Low energy and persistent fatigue - Higher "bad" LDL cholesterol
Diagnosis Getting tested for low GH typically requires a stimulation test ordered by an endocrinologist to measure the pituitary gland's capacity to produce adequate growth hormone.
Treatment For those diagnosed, treatment with synthetic human growth hormone injections can help alleviate symptoms and reduce health risks associated with growth hormone deficiency.
At Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic, our physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating growth disorders. We provide cutting-edge hormone testing and replacement therapies to help patients optimize health and vitality. Our individualized programs combine hormone injections with nutrition and lifestyle advice for maximum benefits.
Now to dive deeper into some key aspects of low GH...
Healthy adults normally secrete 2-10 mg of growth hormone daily, with secretion occurring in pulses when we sleep. Levels decline significantly as we age - a 75 year old may produce 75% less GH than a 20 year old.
Doctors diagnose growth hormone deficiency when levels fall below 3 mg in stimulation testing. However, some may have "low normal" levels between 3-5 mg and still experience symptoms.
Common symptoms and side effects seen with low GH levels include:
Symptoms may develop slowly over years and are often mistaken for normal aging. But catching and addressing low GH is vital - it can greatly reduce your functional abilities, health, and quality of life when left untreated.
Research shows that reduced GH levels can increase risks for:
This makes screening and early treatment for growth hormone deficiency critically important.
The physicians at Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic specialize in diagnosing and addressing abnormal hormone issues like low GH through personalized programs of testing, hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling.
This covers some essential points about low growth hormone levels - their causes, symptoms to watch for, and key health risks involved. Pay attention to changes happening in your body and energy levels, seek medical testing if concerned, and consider treatment options. Maintaining adequate GH as you age could spell the difference between just surviving vs. truly thriving during your later decades!