What is Growth Hormone Deficiency? Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Growth plays a vital role in our development, from childhood milestones to maintaining health in adulthood. But what happens when the body doesn't make enough of the hormone responsible for this process?

This condition is known as Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD). It can affect people of all ages, leading to slow growth in children and other health problems in adults.

In this blog, we’ll explain what GHD is, why it happens, what signs to look for, and how it’s diagnosed.

Understanding Growth Hormone Deficiency

Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) is a medical condition where the body produces lower-than-normal levels of growth hormone (GH). This hormone is made by a tiny gland in the brain called the pituitary gland.

Growth hormone isn’t just about height; it also plays a part in:

• Building strong bones

• Developing muscles

• Managing fat in the body

• Keeping up energy levels

When this hormone is missing or insufficient, growth and development can slow down especially in children. In adults, it can affect body strength, energy, and metabolism.

Types of Growth Hormone Deficiency

There are two main ways a person can develop GHD:

1. From Birth (Congenital GHD)

Some babies are born with this condition due to genetic reasons or problems during early brain development. It might show up right away or become noticeable as the child grows.

2. After Birth (Acquired GHD)

Others develop GHD later in life because of:

• Head injuries

• Brain tumors

• Surgery or radiation treatments

• Infections affecting the brain

• Certain medical conditions

This form can appear during childhood or adulthood.

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What Causes Growth Hormone Deficiency?

The cause of GHD depends on the person’s age and medical history.

In Children:

• Genetic syndromes (e.g., Turner syndrome)

• Brain development issues

• Injuries during birth

• Unknown reasons (idiopathic)

In Adults:

• Severe head trauma

• Tumors near the pituitary gland

• Brain surgery or radiation therapy

• Autoimmune problems that damage hormone-producing cells

Sometimes, doctors may not be able to identify a specific cause.

Symptoms of Growth Hormone Deficiency

GHD looks different in children and adults. Here’s how:

In Children:

• Noticeably short for their age

• Grow slower than their peers

• Delayed or no signs of puberty

• A soft, “babyish” appearance

• Increased body fat, especially around the waist

Note: These children usually think and learn normally.

In Adults:

• Constant tiredness or low stamina

• Reduced muscle tone and strength

• Extra fat, particularly in the belly area

• Sadness or lack of motivation

• Fragile bones (increased fracture risk)

• Trouble focusing or remembering things

These symptoms can often be mistaken for other issues, which is why diagnosis is key.

How is GHD Diagnosed?

Doctors use several steps to check for growth hormone deficiency:

1. Medical Evaluation

The doctor will look at your growth history, general health, and symptoms. In children, they may review growth charts.

2. Stimulation Tests

Because GH levels in the blood go up and down during the day, one-time tests aren’t enough. Doctors use special medications to “stimulate” the body to release GH and measure how much comes out.

3. IGF-1 Blood Test

This test checks the level of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a substance linked to growth hormone. Low levels may point to GHD.

4. Imaging Scans

MRI scans help check for tumors, injuries, or abnormalities in the brain and pituitary gland.

5. X-rays for Children

An X-ray of the hand and wrist can reveal how fast the bones are developing and whether growth is on track.

Know more: Is It Possible to Increase Your Height After 18?

Treatment: Can GHD Be Managed?

Yes, GHD is treatable and quite effectively in most cases.

Growth Hormone Therapy

This is the standard treatment. It involves injecting a lab-made version of GH into the body. These injections are usually given once a day or several times a week.

For Children:

• Helps increase height and promotes proper growth

• Best results come when treatment starts early

For Adults:

• Improves energy and muscle mass

• Supports healthy weight and stronger bones

• Enhances emotional well-being and focus

Important: Treatment is always supervised by a hormone specialist (endocrinologist) to ensure safe results.

Why Early Diagnosis is Important

Finding GHD early makes a big difference, especially for kids.

Without treatment, children with GHD may remain much shorter than expected and may face emotional challenges. Adults may experience ongoing fatigue, weight gain, or weak bones.

Early intervention helps:

• Reach a healthier height in kids

• Prevent long-term health problems in adults

• Improve mental and emotional health

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

You should consider seeing a doctor or endocrinologist if:

• Your child is growing slower than others or seems much shorter

• Puberty is delayed or missing

• You feel tired all the time for no reason

• You’ve lost muscle strength or gained weight suddenly

• You had a brain injury or surgery near the pituitary area

Final Thoughts

Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) may sound serious, but the good news is, it can be treated. Whether in children or adults, timely diagnosis and proper hormone therapy can lead to healthy development and a better quality of life.

If you suspect GHD in yourself or your child, don’t delay. Talk to a healthcare provider and get the right tests. With early support, brighter outcomes are possible.

References

• Johns Hopkins Medicine

• Cleveland Clinic

• Medical News Today

• Healthline