Growth hormone is the principal stimulator of body growth. The hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, a small structure located at the base of the brain. Production of too little growth hormone in children causes growth to be slow.
The decision to give growth hormone to a child is based on a complete evaluation by a pediatric endocrinologist (a specialist in growth problems.) You asked a good question and we will try to answer it.
The major benefit of giving growth hormone is that the child who has a hormone deficiency will grow faster and be taller as adult than they would have been if they did not receive the hormone. Their appetite will increase as both their muscles and bones and other supporting tissues begin to grow.
What are the side effects? Well, if there is a history of insulin-dependent diabetes in the family, growth hormone may trigger the onset of diabetes in the child receiving the medication. Occasionally the child develops headaches, nausea and vomiting from a temporary build up of pressure within the brain. Furthermore, growth hormone therapy requires a long-term commitment by the child and family in order achieve the best possible response. The medication has to be given by injection, three and seven shots per week.
Pediatric endocrinologists now believe that if a child is truly growth hormone deficient, he or she will require treatment for the rest of their life! During childhood, treatment makes it possible for the youngster to reach his genetic height potential. After growth stops, the adolescent should be retested to see if they is still GH deficient (not all children who test GH deficient in childhood remain so as adults!). If so, then they should be restarted on GH at the lower adult dose. This treatment is designed to help protect against heart disease (more common in GH deficient adults) ensure more normal bone mineralization and maintenance of muscle tone, and promote a better sense of well being!!
The child's response to GH therapy should be monitored closely by a pediatric endocrinologist. This usually means visits to the doctor every three to four months with periodic laboratory and X-ray evaluations and dose changes. GH therapy is also expensive and reimbursement may or may not be available from health insurance companies.
