Low growth hormone

What is low growth hormone?

Growth hormone (GH) is a critical hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays an important role in stimulating growth, cell reproduction and regeneration, and metabolic processes. Low levels of growth hormone, also known as growth hormone deficiency (GHD), occur when the pituitary gland does not produce enough of this hormone.

Some key signs and symptoms of low growth hormone include:

• Poor growth and short stature in children and adolescents


• Increased body fat, especially around the abdomen


• Decreased muscle mass and strength


• Tiredness and reduced endurance


• Low bone mineral density (osteopenia, osteoporosis) leading to increased bone fractures

What causes low growth hormone? Some potential causes include:

• Genetic mutations affecting pituitary development


• Damage to the pituitary gland from tumor growth or radiation


• Inflammation of the pituitary gland (autoimmune hypophysitis)


• Certain medications, illness or traumatic brain injury affecting pituitary function


• Unknown cause (idiopathic GHD)

Diagnosing low growth hormone involves blood tests to measure IGF-I and growth hormone levels after stimulation tests. An MRI of the pituitary may check for abnormalities. A comprehensive hormone panel can rule out other pituitary hormone deficits.