A growth hormone deficiency is a medical condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone to facilitate normal growth and development

Since growth hormones are responsible for cell reproduction, cell regeneration, as well as growth stimulation, having a growth hormone deficiency can lead to detrimental problems.

In infants, this can cause serious long-term health problems, and even premature death. For toddlers and young children, a deficiency may result in slower learning development and smaller size. For pre-teens and teenagers, growth hormone deficiencies can lead to smaller stature, low weight, and delayed puberty and maturity.

Since adults are done growing and are no longer physically developing, the consequences of a growth hormone deficiency in adults are vastly different from the consequences a child may endure. A growth hormone deficiency is not very common in adults, however, your growth hormones will decrease as you age, especially once you are in your 30s – 40s. If lacking your regular amount of growth hormones, it may lead to poor bone density, psychological problems, as well as cause the onset of aging indications. Due to the positive features of growth hormone therapy, there are many adults who seek treatment for low secretion levels of growth hormones in order to gain anti-aging and athletic benefits.

It is unknown what exactly causes a growth hormone deficiency, but there are many variables that are believed to affect the likelihood of a growth hormone deficiency. These risk factors include: Turner Syndrome, mutations of genes, brain tumors, autoimmune inflammations, chronic renal insufficiency, and a damaged pituitary gland due to trauma or radiation.

Growth hormone deficiency should not be confused with small body size, especially in young children, as there may be other variables in play when a child is in their developmental phase. It is also crucial to note that growth hormone therapy may not be the solution for children as growth hormone deficiencies may only be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

A deficiency is a medical problem requiring treatment; many adults who do not suffer from a deficiency still seek the positive benefits that human growth hormone levels can provide in healthy adults.