HGH is the abbreviation for human growth hormone. The medical term for HGH is "Somatotrpin." Human growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is the agent that simulates growth in children. Amounts of HGH naturally decline over time as a person ages, but rarely, an individual can have lower HGH levels than is normal for a person of his age.
Symptoms of Low HGH Levels in Adults
Adults with low levels of HGH may have the following symptoms:
• A weak heart rate or contractions
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Lack of energy
• Easily fatigued muscles
• Weight gain, especially in the abdomen
• Decreased bone strength
• Low blood sugar
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or the inability to stay up late
• Depression
• Thin skin
Low levels of HGH have been associated with other chronic diseases like lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and slow wound healing. If your doctor suspects that you may have low HGH, you will be referred to an endocrinologist for testing.
Symptoms of Low HGH Levels in Children
Children with low levels of HGH may have the following symptoms:
*Slow growth rate for age group
*Short stature
*Accumulation of fat in the waist area
*Appears younger than others in age group
*Teeth that are slow to come in
*Arrive at puberty later than peers
Children with low or absent HGH levels typically appear normal at birth, but by 6 months of age, it is apparent that the child is not growing as he should.
Cause of low HGH
Human growth hormone deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, and these factors are considered either congenital (something you are born with) or acquired. Since the pituitary gland produces the hormone, anything that damages the pituitary may result in acquired low HGH. Examples include tumors, radiation, infection, immune disorders and accidents. Some cases of growth hormone deficiency do not have a known cause. Keep in mind that levels of HGH naturally decrease as a person ages. The average 20 year old will produce approximately 500 mcg of HGH, 200mcg at age 40 years and only 25 mcg by the time they reach 80 years old.
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with human growth hormone deficiency, your healthcare provider will administer an injectable form of the hormone. The hormone somatropin (Humatrope and Genotropin) may be prescribed by your doctor. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the hormone for this purpose. Your doctor will give you a shot a few times a week into the fat under the skin. Note that there are no over-the-counter substitutes for the hormone. Over-the-counter products that claim to stimulate the production of HGH are not the same as the actual hormone. They typically contain a variety of vitamins and dietary supplements.
Prognosis
The outlook for those with low HGH levels is good. Adults may find improvement with the following:
*Energy levels
*Weight loss
*Sleep patterns
*Tolerance for exercise
*Mental state
*Muscle mass and bone density
Children will realize similar results in addition to stimulated growth. Most children who begin taking the hormone shots early will eventually realize their potential height.
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