Growth hormone therapy

Medical treatment involving the use of growth hormone

Growth hormone therapy

Growth hormone therapy refers to the use of growth hormone (GH) as a prescription medication. It is used to treat children and adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and other conditions that result in short stature or poor growth.

Indications

Growth hormone therapy is indicated for several conditions, including:

• Growth hormone deficiency in children and adults
• Turner syndrome
• Chronic kidney disease
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Small for gestational age
• Idiopathic short stature

Mechanism of Action

Growth hormone stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans. It is a peptide hormone that stimulates the liver and other tissues to secrete insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which in turn promotes growth in bones and other tissues.

Administration

Growth hormone is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. The dosage and frequency depend on the condition being treated, the patient's age, and their response to therapy.

Side Effects

Common side effects of growth hormone therapy include:

• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Edema (swelling due to fluid retention)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Increased risk of diabetes mellitus

Controversy and Misuse

Growth hormone therapy has been controversial due to its misuse in sports doping and anti-aging treatments. The use of growth hormone for these purposes is not approved by regulatory agencies and can have significant health risks.

See Also

• Endocrinology
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Pediatric endocrinology

External Links

• Endocrine Society: Growth Hormone
• Hormone Health Network: Growth Disorders