Growth Hormone Deficiency - Symptoms and Causes
If you constantly strain your neck in literally looking up to your friends, you know that something is definitely wrong with the picture. Normally you could stretch yourself crazy to increase your height or you can ask a doctor for some analysis on your condition. In some cases, you might take all those growth vitamins for faster results. For all you know, the problem may be hormonal than just a physical setback.
The pituitary gland is an organ in your body that produces growth hormones. In children, production of growth hormones is great and can promote normal growth and development until they reach the maximum point. In older people, it affects body mass that is a combination of fat and muscles. The rate at which the pituitary gland produces the hormones is crucial in determining whether you will have a normal growth rate or not.
When the pituitary gland produces minimal amount of growth hormones, this can cause stunted growth and affect overall physical development. What actually causes the gland to churn out an insufficient supply? There are a number of reasons and some of which are:
- Underdevelopment during the infancy stage
- Chronic renal insufficiency
- Congenital diseases
- Trauma
- Infections
- Radiation therapy affecting the pituitary gland
- Congenital malformations of body organs including the pituitary gland
- Tumors
Identifying the cause can help you and your doctor apply treatments where necessary, or you can simply take human growth hormone to keep the growth hormone deficiency at bay. First, you need to undergo diagnosis to interpret the symptoms manifested as a result of growth hormone deficiency. Symptoms of this condition are:
- Delayed onset of puberty
- Muscle mass is not improving in spite of exercise and supplements
- Increase in weight
- Increase in fat deposits around the waist
- Delayed tooth development in children
Physical appearance, on all accounts, can give a hint if you are suffering from growth hormone deficiency. Still there is no way of really telling for sure unless you undergo some tests. Part of the diagnosis includes undergoing a series of blood analysis. Another is through x-ray, CT Scan or an MRI which can give an idea of your bone’s density and if it is on normal levels.
A background check into your medical history may also be put in place. This will guide the doctor in releasing prescription medicines or in suggesting therapy treatments to cure it. In case you do not want to visit a doctor, effectiveness of HGH supplements has also been proven. Although it may take some time for everything to reach normal levels, it is one process worth taking because it affects the social and emotional aspects of your life.