Treatment with growth hormone, also known by the acronym GH, is indicated for boys and girls who have deficiency of this hormone, which causes delayed growth. Growth hormone is normally present naturally in people's bodies and is produced in the brain by the pituitary gland at the base of the skull and is essential for the child's growth to reach the usual height of an adult.
This treatment is indicated by the endocrinologist, made with daily injections by the time determined by the doctor, so that the action of the hormone reestablishes the growth and the physical capacity of the child, until his body reaches the bone maturity.
In addition, as this hormone is known to promote weight loss, reduce the aging process and increase lean mass, some adults have sought the use of this hormone for aesthetic reasons, however, this medication is contraindicated for these purposes, since it is not safe for health in these cases.
When it is indicated
Treatment with growth hormone is indicated in cases in which the pediatrician detects that the child does not have adequate growth and is below what is considered normal due to the deficient production of the hormone. For this reason, every child from birth must be measured and weighed at least once per year so that the doctor can keep up with his growth.
The cause of growth hormone deficiency can not always be clarified, however, it can happen in the following situations:
- Genetic alterations;
- Head bumps;
- Severe infections or inflammation;
- Brain tumour;
- Certain treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
This situation usually provokes the first signs from the two years of age, causing an inadequate development in childhood and adolescence, being able to observe that the child is always the smaller of the group or delay to change the clothes and shoes, for example. Find out what it is and how to spot late bone growth.
How is done
The treatment with growth hormone is indicated by the endocrinologist, in treatments by SUS or private, being a medicine bought only with medical prescription. It is done with injections, subcutaneously, into the fat layer of the skin of the arms, thighs, buttocks or abdomen.
The treatment is usually done until the adolescent reaches bone maturity, which is when the cartilages of the long bones close, because when this happens there is no more possibility to grow, even taking the GH. Also check, how to calculate your child's height and tips for the child to be taller.
However, some adults with this hormone deficiency may continue to take, as the endocrinologist has indicated, to have some benefits, such as improving physical fitness and improving bone and muscle conditions. Because of these benefits, some people use growth hormone in the wrong way to treat obesity, and it is advised against being contraindicated for these purposes because it is not considered safe because it can cause several side effects.
Possible side effects
When well indicated by the doctor, growth hormone is usually well tolerated and rarely causes side effects. Some that may arise are reactions at the application site and, very rarely, an intracranial hypertension syndrome, which includes headaches, visual changes, vomiting, and changes in movement.
In adults, GH can cause fluid retention, causing swelling, pain in muscles and joints in addition to carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes tingling.
Who should not use
GH should not be used in people with malignant or brain tumors, decompensated diabetes, who are seriously ill or undergo major surgery.
