Growth hormone deficiency

Of the Growth hormone deficiency describes the insufficient release of the growth hormone called somatotropin. A somatotropin deficiency primarily causes retarded growth in children and adolescents, with growth hormone deficiency ranging from mild to severe cases.

What is Growth Hormone Deficiency?

Of the Growth hormone deficiency, also under the term Hyposomatotropism known, defined by the insufficient formation of somatotropin. This growth hormone, also known as STH or GH (Growth Hormone), is produced in the pituitary gland (pituitary gland) and contributes significantly to the growth and development of children and adolescents.

A lack of somatotropin therefore leads to delayed, slowed growth. Since this hormone also has an influence on the protein and energy balance, muscle formation and fat breakdown in the body remain limited by the growth hormone deficiency, which among other things leads to increased fat deposition.

Both young and adult sufferers also suffer from low blood sugar levels due to the so-called “insulin-like growth factors” of the missing hormone. However, metabolism and growth can be normalized in the case of growth hormone deficiency by the administration of somatotropin.

causes

The causes of the Growth hormone deficiencythat occurs in around one in 4,000 children are quite different. The somatotropin deficiency occurs either individually or in conjunction with other hormone failures, as the pituitary gland produces various hormones. (In this context, a thyroid hormone deficiency or an underactive adrenal cortex is increasingly evident.)

Heredity can also be a reason for the deficiency in somatotropin (for example through genetically determined structural changes in the hormone or malformations of the secretory cells) as can acquisition through complications at birth, shock syndromes, brain tumors or injuries to the pituitary gland. If the cause of the growth hormone deficiency cannot be clarified, one speaks of “idiopathic hormone deficiency”.

There is also a type of growth hormone deficiency caused by a disruption of the hypothalamus (an area of ​​the diencephalon), in which the somatotropin can be formed but not effectively released by the body.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

A growth hormone deficiency manifests itself differently in children and adults. A slowdown in general body growth is mainly observed in children. They only grow less in length, but without changing their body proportions.

Particularly noticeable in the affected children are small hands and feet, a rounded face with a short nose and small chin, and the formation of fat pads on the stomach. Teeth also develop more slowly. If the growth hormone deficiency occurs later in the growth phase, the growth in length is only stopped at this point in time.

In addition to the delay in physical development, the children do not experience any other symptoms. Without treatment for growth hormone deficiency, the adolescents only reach a maximum height of 1.40 centimeters. Therefore, hormone therapy is necessary until the body has finished growing. Secondary growth hormone deficiency in adults causes very different symptoms.

Various diseases such as a tumor of the pituitary gland (pituitary gland) can lead to an inhibition of the production or the secretion of growth hormones. Typical symptoms are a decrease in muscle mass with a simultaneous increase in fat mass, a decrease in bone density (increase the risk of osteoporosis), listlessness and a drop in blood sugar levels. Sometimes depression also occurs. Treatment for growth hormone deficiency in adults depends on the underlying condition.

Diagnosis & course

The main symptom of the Growth hormone deficiency is the slowed growth of those who mature, leading to short stature, who usually do not grow taller than about 130 centimeters as adults. Further signs of the children suffering from growth hormone deficiency are the small hands and feet as well as a doll-like appearance with only weak muscles and very thin skin.

If there is suspicion of a growth hormone deficiency, various tests (for example the arginine or insulin tolerance test) are used. This determines whether it is only a matter of a lack of somatotropin or whether other hormones are also affected by the underproduction. A proven growth hormone deficiency requires a magnetic resonance imaging examination in order to determine a possible defect in the pituitary gland.

Complications

A growth hormone deficiency can lead to a number of different complaints and complications. First and foremost, those affected suffer from impaired growth, although this complaint occurs at a young age. As a result, many children suffer from bullying or teasing and develop psychological complaints or depression as a result.

Very often there is a short stature and a significant delay in growth. The affected person's blood sugar level is also relatively low, so that patients often feel tired and cannot easily take part in everyday life. It can also lead to a very small penis, which has a negative effect on self-esteem and can possibly lead to inferiority complexes.

The face itself also appears childlike, with patients often suffering from a delayed onset of puberty. Furthermore, the growth hormone deficiency can lead to severe weight gain. As a rule, the growth hormone deficiency can be combated with the help of substitutes. There are no particular complications.

Those affected, however, are dependent on taking the medication regularly. With early detection of the disease, many complaints can be alleviated very well. The growth hormone deficiency usually does not have a negative impact on the life expectancy of the patient.

When should you go to the doctor?

A doctor must always be consulted if there is a growth hormone deficiency. This is the only way to prevent further complications and complaints, so that a doctor should be consulted at the first signs and symptoms. An early diagnosis of this deficiency has a very positive effect on the further course and also on the further growth of the child. Independent healing can usually not occur.

A doctor should be consulted in the case of a growth hormone deficiency if the child suffers from growth problems. This leads to very slow growth, which in the worst case can stop completely. The growth problems have a very negative effect on the life of the person concerned and can often lead to psychological upset or depression. A psychologist should also be consulted. A growth hormone deficiency can be detected by a general practitioner, and a pediatrician can also be consulted. The treatment itself is done by taking medication and can relieve the symptoms well.

Treatment & Therapy

There at Growth hormone deficiency If the somatotropin is not sufficiently available, the hormone called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), which significantly contributes to cell division in the cartilage layers and the skin, but also to the release of fatty acids, cannot be produced by the body.

In order to guarantee these functions in the presence of a growth hormone deficiency, the body must be administered a dose of somatotropin daily. This hormone treatment using genetically engineered somatotropin takes years and actually ends after growth is complete.

However, adults with growth hormone deficiency also need to be given somatotropin because the body normally continues to produce it, even if the amount decreases with age.

Studies have shown that the administered somatotropin, which not only promotes growth but also supports the metabolism, has a positive effect on muscle strength, bone density, circulation and the vitality of the person concerned, which is why further treatment should be continued after adolescence if there is a growth hormone deficiency with somatotropin is effective and useful.

So far, in the treatment of growth hormone deficiency, it has not yet been possible to manufacture the active ingredient somatotropin in tablet form or as drops.

prevention

A prevention against those caused by insufficient somatotropin supply Growth hormone deficiency is, like its general healing, not yet possible.

However, if the pregnancy is known to be breech, the birth can and should be performed by a caesarean section. This reduces the risk of insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and thus the risk of growth hormone deficiency.

Aftercare

In most cases, those affected with a growth hormone deficiency have only a few options for direct follow-up care. For this reason, they should ideally consult a doctor at an early stage and initiate treatment so that there are no complications or other complaints in the further course. The growth hormone deficiency cannot heal itself, so treatment by a doctor is always necessary.

Above all, the child's parents should pay attention to the complaints and symptoms and consult a doctor. The disease can be cured in most cases by taking various medications. It is important to ensure that it is taken regularly and that the dosage is correct in order to counteract the symptoms over the long term. Parents should monitor the correct use of medication.

If anything is unclear or if there are side effects, it is advisable to first contact a doctor. Furthermore, regular medical checks and examinations should be carried out to monitor the current development of the child. The life expectancy of the person affected is usually not reduced or otherwise restricted by this disease. Further follow-up measures are not necessary.

You can do that yourself

In making this diagnosis, it is important to determine what is causing the deficiency. Only then can suitable therapies be initiated to prevent short stature. However, those affected have to undergo the therapy prescribed by the treating doctors regularly - some even for their entire life.

But even if early therapy could prevent the short stature, those affected often suffer from depression and / or reduced self-esteem. Accompanying psychotherapy sessions should be scheduled here. Children and their relatives also benefit from self-help groups. The treating doctors are happy to establish contacts here, but the portal www.einfach-wachsen.de also provides current information and relevant addresses on the Internet.

It is important for those affected that they develop a healthy relationship with their body, especially since the growth hormone deficiency can manifest itself in both children and adults as overweight, poor general well-being and the aforementioned tendency towards depression. Sport helps here, especially team sport. It promotes the metabolism and also gives the patient the opportunity to playfully measure forces. Since the somatotropin administered daily promotes muscle growth, the patient quickly sees success here.

The administration of growth hormones can promote diabetes. Patients would therefore do well to counteract this tendency with their diet. You should eat a diet rich in vitamins but low in sugar and fat, and avoid fast food and alcohol.