Growth Hormone Deficiency

What is growth hormone deficiency?

Growth hormone deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland – a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain – produces an inadequate amount of growth hormone. This deficiency in growth hormone results in a slower rate of growth.

What causes growth hormone deficiency?

There are a number of possible reasons for poor growth hormone production in childhood. There may have been improper formation of the hypothalamus (the region of the brain that controls the pituitary gland) or pituitary gland itself before birth.

Head injuries, brain tumors, and brain damage due to disease or radiation can also cause poor functioning of the pituitary gland. Various tests may help to identify the cause of deficiencies in pituitary function.

Treatment of growth hormone deficiency

Humatrope is used for the treatment of children who have growth failure due to low production of natural growth hormone. If your child has closed epiphyses (the growth plates at the ends of the long bones), he or she should not receive Humatrope.