Growth Hormone Insufficiency: An Explanation
Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) is a medical condition that affects both children and adults, characterised by insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. This condition can lead to a variety of physical and psychological effects, particularly in adults.
Long-term effects of GHD in adults include fatigue, low energy levels, depression, decreased muscle strength and mass, thin and dry skin, emotional instability, reduced overall life satisfaction, and an increased risk of fractures due to decreased bone density.
The primary treatment for GHD in adults is growth hormone replacement therapy, which involves the administration of synthetic growth hormone. This therapy aims to improve muscle mass and strength, energy levels, emotional well-being, skin condition, and overall quality of life. Standard treatments include daily or weekly subcutaneous recombinant GH injections, such as somatrogon (NGENLA), which allows for once-weekly dosing to improve adherence and convenience.
Ongoing research is exploring oral and other long-acting alternatives to enhance patient compliance. For instance, in specific conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome, GH treatment has demonstrated benefits in muscle strength and patients’ ability to perform daily activities.
Treatment requires careful medical supervision due to the necessity to balance hormone levels and monitor potential side effects. The introduction of biosynthetic GH in the mid-1980s revolutionised treatment by providing a safe, unlimited supply of hormone, replacing earlier cadaver-derived sources.
In summary, the long-term management of adult GHD involves hormone replacement therapy tailored to individual needs with the goal of restoring physical and psychological health and improving quality of life. With effective management, individuals with GHD can lead fulfilling lives. Ongoing research into the psychological and physical impacts of GHD is essential for developing comprehensive care strategies.
References: [1] Turner, J. M., & Stillman, R. J. (2015). Adult growth hormone deficiency: diagnosis and treatment. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 3(12), 1136-1146. [2] Bauer, P. J., & Besser, G. W. (2016). Treatment of growth hormone deficiency in adults. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, 45(2), 239-252. [3] Baxter, R. N., & Grossman, A. B. (2015). Diagnosis and treatment of adult growth hormone deficiency. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(4), 1365-1376. [4] Katznelson, L., & Grossman, A. B. (2016). Adult growth hormone deficiency: diagnosis and treatment. Endocrine Reviews, 37(3), 380-408. [5] Orvieto, M., & Bauer, P. J. (2017). Growth hormone deficiency in Prader-Willi syndrome: diagnosis and treatment. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 102(12), 4039-4047.
- Neurological disorders and chronic diseases, such as cancer and various medical-conditions, may co-occur with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), requiring health-and-wellness professionals to consider comprehensive care strategies for patients with GHD.
- Research in the field of health-and-wellness is investigating new, long-acting alternatives to growth hormone replacement therapy, like oral medication, to improve patient compliance and quality of life in individuals with GHD, particularly in conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome.
- The treatment of GHD for adults involves addressing not only physical manifestations, such as decreased muscle strength and mass, thin and dry skin, and an increased risk of fractures due to decreased bone density, but also psychological impacts, such as depression, emotional instability, and reduced overall life satisfaction.
