What is growth hormone?
It is a protein produced by the pituitary gland and is also known as somatropin. It is located in the anterior aspect of the brain. The pituitary gland is one of a series of glands that make up the endocrine system and produces other important hormones for the human body.
The main functions of growth hormone (GH) are to stimulate growth, cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and other animals.
It should also be noted that there are some diseases that are treated with growth hormone, such as chronic renal failure, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, short bowel syndrome, among others.
Function of growth hormone
The main functions it performs are to increase height, muscle mass, control the body’s metabolism and reduce body mass. There are some people who have a deficiency of growth hormones, which can cause various health problems. Similarly, having an excess of growth hormone can also cause problems.
Growth hormone is not limited in its role in growth, as it is produced throughout a person’s life, and not exclusively in the developmental stage.
This hormone affects and influences the process of glucose inhibition, is a stimulant to produce proteins and degrades fatty acids in the body. If we are fasting, growth hormone maintains blood glucose levels and moves reserved fat to have an alternate energy source for the body.
GH deficiency can lead to weight and sexual maturity problems.
Pathologies that growth hormone may suffer from
The main pathologies of growth hormone are the following:
- Growth hormone deficiency: in children it can cause slow growth and lead to problems with weight or sexual maturity. Children with growth hormone deficiency have normal birth weight and height. Slow growth may first be seen during infancy and continue throughout childhood. In adults it can cause tiredness, glucose intolerance or muscle weakness, as well as alterations in metabolism.
- Acromegaly: This is a hormonal disorder that occurs when an excessive amount of growth hormone is produced during adulthood. This causes an increase in the size of bones, hands, feet and face.
- Gigantism: If growing children have an excess of growth hormone, they may have excessive bone growth and out-of-normal height. The child will grow in height, as well as muscles and organs, but excessively for his or her age. The most common cause of excessive GH is a benign pituitary tumor. In general, it is an unusual pathology.
Treatments for growth hormone pathologies
Growth hormone deficiency is based on growth hormone replacement therapy. In children, growth hormone injections can be given on a daily basis, which can be performed at home. This treatment is usually long-term and lasts for several years, with regular check-ups with the pediatrician. Treatment may cause side effects such as headache, fluid retention, muscle and joint pain or slippage of the hip bones.
In the case of acromegaly and gigantism, surgery may be the solution. The pituitary tumor causing the disease can often be corrected. In other cases, the tumor is too large to remove completely, and radiation may be used to shrink the tumor. Medications may help block or reduce the secretion of growth hormone.
Specialist who treats growth hormone pathologies
The expert who treats growth hormone disorders are specialists in Endocrinology and Pediatric Endocrinology. At Top Doctors you can find the specialist who best suits your needs and preferences.