Uses of Somatropin

Somatropin is a man-made growth hormone that essentially works like those hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Often administered intravenously through a series of injection by a medical professional, it is used to supplement the amount of human growth hormone in those people with a deficiency in this realm. Yet, you may also receive this substance for other purposes, such as to counteract genetic disorders or complications of other disorder.

Growth Hormone Deficiencies

• Of all the uses of somatropin, the treatment of growth hormone deficiencies is by far the most common. Since the human growth hormone is a very important component in the development of your bones, muscles and other tissues, any lack or shortage of this can greatly impede your growth. Supplementing with somatropin often regulates your hormone levels so height can be increased during "normal" growth spurts.

Turner Syndrome

• Another common use of somatropin is found in the treatment of Turner syndrome, a genetic disorder where females are either missing certain chromosomes or these chromosomes are actually incomplete. And much like with growth hormone deficiencies, somatropin is administered periodically throughout the life of your child, especially during adolescence, and is usually used in conjunction with other hormones, such as estrogen, so they may go through puberty.

Noonan Syndrome

• Besides Turner syndrome, somatropin is also used in another genetic disorder known as Noonan syndrome, which is characterized by a mutation that triggers an "abnormal" development in some fashion, including overall height. Though not all children affected with this condition need somatropin, those with a deficient amount of growth hormones typically are administered this "man-made" version of the substance to aid in development.

Kidney Failure

• Somatropin has also been used as part of the treatment for kidney failure, namely those cases that are chronic in nature. Yet this hormone is more so beneficial for the associated anemia that commonly stems out of renal failure, so you may not be administered this substance if you're not suffering from a deficit of red blood cells. The growth hormone essentially boosts the level of red blood cells in your blood.

HIV/AIDS

• While somatropin has no real effect on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the growth hormone can go a long way to combating weight loss associated with this illness. In some cases of AIDS, the human growth hormone may be periodically administered as part of your treatment plan, not the only course of care, so that weight can remain at "normal" level.

Short Bowel Syndrome

• Somatropin may also be necessary in some cases of short bowel syndrome, which is a condition where your lower digestive tract is shorter than normal, either due to genetics or surgical procedures. What this treatment serves to do is combat weight loss (much like in HIV/AIDS) as well as decrease any muscle loss due to the condition. This is usually used in conjunction with dietary changes and supplements.