Growth hormone (GH) plays a central role in the growth process and maturation from childhood to adulthood. It also regulates a number of metabolic and physiological processes throughout life. GH deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland in the brain is unable to produce or release sufficient amounts of GH.

Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) can be grouped into 3 types:

• Congenital: caused by a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus during fetal development
• Acquired: caused by damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus from tumors, severe head injury or infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Idiopathic: unknown cause

Growth deficiencies do not just affect children – they can be a significant problem for adults, too. Until recently, the effects of GHD in adults were unknown. Adult GHD is now recognized as a specific clinical syndrome with numerous physiological consequences including effects on:

• Body composition, including central obesity
• Lipids in the blood
• Muscle strength
• Bone composition
• Exercise capacity and energy
• Cardiovascular risk
• Psychological well-being

GHD in adults can result from a pituitary or peri-pituitary tumor or as a direct result of surgery or radiation used to manage these conditions. Less commonly, GHD in adults arises from a deficiency acquired in childhood.

In adults, the signs of GHD are more subtle than in children. These may include both psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, poor memory and social isolation; along with physiological problems including weakness, poor vitality, easy fatigue and weight gain.

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