Growth hormone therapy
Growth hormone therapy
Growth hormone therapy refers to the use of growth hormone (GH) as a prescription medication. It is used to treat children and adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and other conditions that result in short stature or poor growth.
Indications[edit]
Growth hormone therapy is indicated for several conditions, including:
- Growth hormone deficiency in children and adults
- Turner syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Small for gestational age
- Idiopathic short stature
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Growth hormone stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans. It is a peptide hormone that stimulates the liver and other tissues to secrete insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which in turn promotes growth in bones and other tissues.
Administration[edit]
Growth hormone is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. The dosage and frequency depend on the condition being treated, the patient's age, and their response to therapy.
Side Effects[edit]
Common side effects of growth hormone therapy include:
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Edema (swelling due to fluid retention)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Increased risk of diabetes mellitus
Controversy and Misuse[edit]
Growth hormone therapy has been controversial due to its misuse in sports doping and anti-aging treatments. The use of growth hormone for these purposes is not approved by regulatory agencies and can have significant health risks.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
