Growth Hormone Deficiency is the medical condition of inadequate production of growth hormone (GH) which affects both children and adults. Growth hormones are produced by the pituitary gland, which is attached to the hypothalamus located at the base of the brain. It is the pituitary gland that secretes the human growth hormone and controls the functioning of other endocrine glands. Human Growth Hormone deficiency may occur when there is an abnormal formation of these organs. When the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus is malformed or damaged, it leads to the growth of hormone deficiency.

In some cases, growth hormone deficiency may be the cause of genetic syndrome which is attached to the malformed or damaged pituitary gland.

We are all conversant with the fact that growth hormone is needed for the body to grow. It acts as a stimulant of a body to grow. In adults, it is needed to maintain the proper amount of muscle, bone and body fat. Moreover, in adults, with growth hormone deficiency, the growth hormone can cause emotional symptoms, such as lack of motivation, drowsiness and tiredness affecting cholesterol level too. Adults with a hormonal deficiency also suffer from the history of pituitary tumors which could be treated with surgery or radiation.

There are various reasons that cause the growth of hormone deficiency. These are:

• Inadequate release of stimulatory hormone from the hypothalamus
• Decrease in IGF-hormones
• Abnormality in the pituitary gland, the brain or the liver
• Lack of Oxygen at Birth
• Hereditary Problem
• Inadequate production of growth hormone by the pituitary
• Defect in the hormones receptors that accept and receive the hormone in the body‘s cells

To be very precise, if the functioning of pituitary gland is normal then the production of other several types of gland would also be normal.

However, deficiency of Growth Hormones differs with age. But, when it comes to the adult then they are the least vulnerable to growth hormone deficiency. But if they are trapped in the circle of hormonal deficiency, they are doomed to suffer from lean body mass, poor bone density, glandular disorders, abnormal low growth hormone levels, diminish quality of life, physical symptoms like loss of stamina and strength. Adults suffering from these symptoms should seek laboratory testing by an endocrinologist.

Growth Hormone Deficiency can be acquired or congenital in childhood or adult life. It can be temporary, or permanent. It may be an isolated deficiency or occur in association with deficiencies of other pituitary hormones. It is important to get the treatment done in time as without the treatment, the height of children would not exceed beyond 5 feet. It is the gland that stimulates the body to grow.

Now it becomes indispensable to consider the causes that lead to the growth hormone deficiency. It is simply because, without hormones, we simply could not live. They are essential to the maintenance and a strong immune system, governing the welfare of the entire body, keeping us young, healthy and contented.