Growth Hormone Deficiency or GHD is an inadequate production of growth hormone in the body which affects children and adults alike. When the body does not produce or release enough growth hormone, it is called growth hormone deficiency. Deficiency of growth hormones prevents the growth and cell production. When there is a deficiency of Growth hormones in the body, it significantly causes different problems at various ages. It can be congenital or acquired in childhood or adult life. It can be temporary or permanent in nature. Growth hormones deficiency is particularly caused by the deficiency in pituitary hormones which is a protein released by the pituitary gland.
If we observe the case of new born infants and childhood, then, the primary result of growth hormones deficiency is hypoglycemia or micropenis. While, if we consider the case of adults, then deficiency is characterized by loss of strength and stamina, lean body mass, poor bone density, glandular disorders, abnormal low growth hormone levels.
Therefore, Growth hormone plays a vital role in healthy muscle, and is needed for normal brain function. Now there is a need of assessment whether you are suffering from growth hormones by which you may treat growth hormones deficiency in time with proper diagnosis. If you feel anxiety and depression, if excessive fat is accumulated around your waist, if you are taking least interest in sexual activities, if you become too fatigue, if your weight begin to diminish, then you are falling a prey to growth hormone deficiency.
Evaluation starts with history of early health problems, height problems, early or late puberty of yours and your relatives. Doctors gather information on the person’s stresses, injuries, height, weight, past illness and general health. This all information is quite relevant from the point of view of a doctor as all measurements are needed to be taken so the doctor can plot them on a growth chart.
Once you are suffering from a growth hormone deficiency, you need to diagnose it as well. A thorough physical examination is performed; an x-ray is obtained to examine the bone development to compare your height and chronological age. In some cases, a small amount of blood is drawn for checking whether one is not suffering from thyroid hormone deficiency or kidney, bone or any other diseases. Blood cholesterol and bone density will also be monitored by the doctor.
However, Growth hormone therapy should not be given to those who have complications from open heart or breathing problems, cancer or tumors, multiple injuries due to an accident. At the same time, a person suffering from diabetes should also be vigilant in keeping his doctor informed about having doses of growth hormones.
At last, to diagnose Growth Hormone Deficiency, you must consult your doctor who is the main source of information about you and your health. Ask him any questions about your health or your medication. Besides that, you must also make a practice to do a heavy exercise that releases growth hormone, and is another way to obtain a growth hormone level in testing for deficiency.