Growth Hormone DeficiencyMedical Author:
Mohsen S Eledrisi, MD, FACP, FACE
Medical Editor:
Arthur B Chausmer, MD, PhD, FACP, FACE, FACN, CNS
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
George T Griffing, MD
Growth Hormone< Deficiency OverviewGrowth hormone (GH) deficiency is a disorder that involves the pituitary gland (a small gland located at the base of the brain), which produces growth hormone and other hormones. When the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone, growth will be slower than normal. Growth hormone is needed for normal growth in children. In adults, growth hormone is needed to maintain the proper amounts of body fat, muscle, and bone. In adults, low or absent growth hormone can also cause emotional symptoms, such as tiredness and lack of motivation. Cholesterol may also be affected. Adults with growth hormone deficiency usually have a history of pituitary tumors that may have been treated with surgery or radiation. GH deficiency can occur at any age. Viewer Comments & ReviewsGrowth Hormone Deficiency - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were your symptoms of growth hormone deficiency? |
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Growth Hormone Deficiency
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Growth Hormone Deficiency is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Synonyms
- GHD
Disorder Subdivisions
- None
General Discussion
Growth Hormone is manufactured in the pituitary gland. If it is missing or reduced in quantity during infancy or childhood, it results in growth retardation, short stature and other maturation delays.
Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) causes an absence or delay of lengthening and widening of the skeletal bones inappropriate to the chronological age of the child. A sufficient quantity of growth hormone is required during childhood to maintain growth and normalize sexual maturity. In some cases the onset of the disorder occurs prenatally (before birth), and in others the condition occurs...
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Growth Hormone Deficiency »
The somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland produce growth hormone.
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