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The Mystery of Growth Hormone Deficiency: How Does It Affect Our Height?
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a medical condition caused by insufficient growth hormone in the body. The most obvious symptom of this condition is short stature. Newborns may also show conditions such as low blood sugar or a small penis. In adults, this may manifest as decreased muscle mass, high cholesterol levels, or poor bone density. GHD can be present at birth or develop later in life. Causes of this condition may include genetic factors, trauma, infection, tumors, or radiation therapy.
"The impact of growth hormone deficiency is not only reflected in height, but also affects the overall health of the individual."
Symptoms in detail
Children
Severe fetal GH deficiency, especially in the setting of congenital pituitary insufficiency, has little effect on fetal growth. However, prenatal and congenital deficiencies may reduce the size of the male genitalia. Severe deficiency may cause hypoglycemia and jaundice in the neonatal period. Early height is usually unaffected until the sixth month of life. However, from the end of the first year of life to mid-adolescence, GH deficiency in children is primarily characterized by slow growth or short stature.
"If severe GH deficiency is present from birth and untreated, adult height may be as low as 48 to 65 inches (120 to 170 cm)."
Adult
Symptoms of GH deficiency in adults mainly include: decreased muscle mass and strength, osteoporosis, decreased energy, impaired concentration and memory, and abdominal obesity. In addition, lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular dysfunction may occur, and these symptoms will directly affect the quality of life.
Cause Analysis
In children, the cause of GH deficiency is often unrecognized, and adult-onset GHD is usually caused by a pituitary tumor and its treatment or by cranial radiation therapy. Other causes include certain gene mutations, congenital diseases such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner disease, and chronic kidney disease.
"The diagnosis of GH deficiency requires a combination of blood sample testing, physical measurements and other methods."
Diagnosis and classification
Although GH can be obtained through blood test, it is almost undetectable most of the time and cannot be effectively diagnosed by relying on a single test. Physicians generally use a variety of indirect and direct criteria for assessment. This includes measured skeletal maturity and frequent GH testing.
Treatment methods
The main treatment for GH deficiency is growth hormone replacement therapy, which usually requires daily injections. Due to the high cost of treatment, many patients also face psychological and financial pressure while receiving treatment.
"For adult patients, GH replacement therapy should only be considered in confirmed cases of adult GH deficiency after careful evaluation."
Prognosis
Children who receive GH treatment usually begin to grow within a few months and may gradually return to a normal height range over the next few years. In adulthood, GH treatment may improve some physiological and psychological indicators, but its long-term prognosis still needs further research and verification.
As our understanding of GH deficiency deepens, can we still ignore the impact of this disease on society and the quality of life of individuals?
