Somatotropin Deficiency in Adults

GH Deficiency in Adults

Adult GH deficiency has recently been found to be more psychological and physically unhealthy compared to adults that do not have GH deficiency. There are many signs that show an adult has GH deficiency. Some of these signs are:

Less openness

Less assertiveness

Decreased energy

Increased emotions

More socially isolated

Obesity

Dry skin

Decreased muscle strength

Increased abdominal fat

In adults with GH deficiency, there are many harmful psychological effects, such as depression, anxiety, lack of self control, and social isolation. Other effects of GH deficiency include altered body composition, decreased physical performance, lower protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and higher lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The lean body mass of adults with GH deficiency is 7 to 8% lower than the average adult. Also, the life expectancy for an adult with GH deficiency is lower compared to an ordinary adult.

The growth hormone levels in the body are increased in several ways. Some of these ways are:
Through exercise
Increased sleep
After 32 to 56 hour fasting
After a tramatic event
Major surjery
Increased depression and anxiety

Growth Hormone Treatment

Adults with severe GH deficiency have been successfully treated with growth hormone replacement. This special treatment simply replaces the pituitary gland allowing the body to function normally and excrete normal amounts of somatotropin. Following this treatment, the quality of life for these treated adults have improved dramatically, allowing the adults to lead a normal and healthy lifestyle in many cases.