The human growth hormone (GH) plays a central role in physical growth in children; its levels rise progressively during childhood and peak during the growth spurt that occurs in puberty. GH is made by the pituitary gland, at the base of the brain, which regulates a number of metabolic and physiological processes, including height, muscle mass and metabolism.¹
 
Growth hormone deficiencies (GHD) results primarily from damage to the hypothalamus, a gland in the brain, or to the pituitary gland during fetal development (congenital GH deficiency) or following birth (acquired GH deficiency such as via tumor, surgery, radiation treatment, head injury). GH deficiency may also be caused by mutations in genes that regulate its production. In other cases, the pituitary gland itself is incapable of producing GH, or the structure of the hormone itself is abnormal and has little capacity to promote growth.²

Adult GHD can have a wide range of symptoms, although some people affected in childhood have normal GH secretion in adulthood.

GH deficiency in adults is associated with:³

• fatigue
• decreased energy
• depressed mood
• decreased muscle strength
• decreased muscle mass
• thin and dry skin
• increased adipose tissue
• decreased bone density

[1] [2] [3] Growth Hormone, Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed July 11, 2018. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/growth-hormone