Growth hormone deficiency

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), or hyposomatotropism, is a medical condition resulting from not enough growth hormone (GH).^[3] Generally the most noticeable symptom is that an individual attains a short height.^[1] Newborns may also present low blood sugar or a small penis size.^[2] In adults there may be decreased muscle mass, high cholesterol levels, or poor bone density.^[1]

GHD can be present at birth or develop later in life.^[1] Causes may include genetics, trauma, infections, tumors, or radiation therapy.^[2] Genes that may be involved include GH1, GHRHR, or BTK.^[3] In a third of cases no cause is apparent.^[2] The underlying mechanism generally involves problems with the pituitary gland.^[2] Some cases are associated with a lack of other pituitary hormones, in which case it is known as combined pituitary hormone deficiency.^[4] Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure growth hormone levels.^[2]

Treatment is by growth hormone replacement using synthetic human growth hormone.^[1] The frequency of the condition is unclear.^[2] Most cases are initially noticed in children.^[1] The genetic forms of this disease are estimated to affect about 1 in 7,000 people.^[3] Most types occur equally in males and females though males are more often diagnosed.^[2]