Signs & Symptoms of Low Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone is necessary for children to grow and for adults to sustain the correct amount of body fat, muscle and bone. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is responsible for creating the growth hormone. When the gland does not make enough, growth is slowed. This condition is also known as acquired growth-hormone deficiency. A deficiency in human growth hormone can be the result of a brain injury or can occur at birth or during the aging process as hormone production declines.

Slowness of Growth

• A child with a growth-hormone deficiency will grow at a slow pace. A child with the condition usually grows at a rate of 2 inches per year and will be noticeably smaller than his peers. Also, a child with a hormone deficiency will lack muscle strength and have trouble executing normal physical activities.

Proportions

• A person with a hormone deficiency will have regular proportions in body size and can possess regular intelligence. However, their face will take on a younger appearance than that of their peers. It is common for children with the condition to have a stocky build. In older children, adolescence may come later or not occur at all.

Adult Symptoms

• According to the Child Growth Foundation Web site, adults suffering from a deficiency of human growth hormone can display a variety of symptoms, including trouble sleeping, which leads to chronic fatigue, along with increased anxiety and distressed emotional reactions.

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms can include wounds taking longer to heal. When growth hormone production decreases, the skin becomes less elastic causing wounds to mend quickly. Also, growth hormone deficiency can cause the body to have low levels of blood sugar, producing such symptoms as irritability, night sweats and headaches.