Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy

Human growth hormone (hGH) is necessary for normal growth and development and for the maintenance of organs and tissues. It is produced by the pituitary gland. Growth hormone replacement therapy is generally used to treat individuals whose bodies do not produce enough of the hormone. Some seek hGH therapy as a means to preserve youth and increase stamina. Many over-the-counter supplements are available, but their effectiveness is unproven. Shots of hGH are available by prescription only and must be administered by a medical professional.

Frequency and Symptoms

• About 1 in every 4,000 to 10,000 infants is born with an hGH deficiency. Late or adult onset hGH deficiency is very rare and is usually caused by a medical condition such as tumors or infections. Approximately 1 out of every 100,000 adults requires growth hormone replacement therapy (see Reference 1).

  A long list of symptoms is associated with a lack of hGH in the body. In adults, these symptoms include changes in lean muscle to fat ratios; changes in heart rate; reduced basal metabolic rate; energy and vitality; osteoporosis; reduced skin thickness; changes in skin texture and color; sleep disorders and psychological changes. Adults with an hGH deficiency are more likely to die from heart disease (see Reference 1).

Therapy for Children

• Growth hormone replacement therapy has been used for about 40 years to treat children who do not produce enough hGH. It increases the height of hGH-deficient children. However, studies show these children are usually shorter than their same age peers when they reach their final height. The first four to five years of therapy are characterized by the most significant rates of growth improvement (see Reference 2).

  Therapy is useful in increasing bone mineral density in hGH-deficient children. Additionally, growth hormone replacement therapy has been used to treat short children who do not have an hGH deficiency and children and adolescents who suffer from other conditions such as Turners syndrome (see Reference 2).

Therapy for Adults

• The therapy has medical applications for adult and aging individuals. Some believe hGH supplements or shots can prolong youth, although there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support this belief. As reported in an issue of BioDrugs, growth hormone replacement therapy for adults can substantially increase basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure; improve bone mass; improve cognitive function; decrease anxiety and raise levels of serum calcium and phosphorus (see Reference 1).

  There is conflicting evidence as to whether growth hormone replacement therapy actually increases bone mass. Some studies show increases in bone mass while others do not. This may be due to the timing of the hormone deficit. Studies show patients with childhood onset deficiencies respond fairly well to growth hormone replacement therapy while those with adult onset deficiencies show little to no improvement is bone mass (See Reference 1).