Hormones play an essential role in human development and growth. One such hormone is the growth hormone (GH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. Growth hormone therapy is used to treat growth hormone deficiency in children. Here is everything you need to know about growth hormone therapy for children.
What are growth hormone tests?
Growth hormone tests are blood exams that measure the amount of growth hormone (GH) produced by the body.
GH plays a crucial role in a child's height, muscle growth, and bone development.
Conventional blood tests are usually insufficient for measuring GH levels because GH is only present in the blood for a short period of time.
Other chemicals that are involved in GH production, such as hormones and proteins, are often tested along with GH levels to provide a more comprehensive picture of GH function.
Why are GH tests necessary?
GH tests detect abnormalities in GH production. GH tests are necessary to detect GH abnormalities such as acromegaly, GH deficiency, and gigantism.
GH is important for height, muscle growth, and bone development
GH deficiency or excess can lead to medical conditions
GH tests diagnose conditions such as deficiency, gigantism, and acromegaly
Early detection and treatment can improve quality of life and prevent complications
GH tests are necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment of GH disorders
What is the purpose of the growth hormone test?
The purpose of the growth hormone test is to detect GH abnormalities.
Your doctor might order a GH test if you or your child display symptoms of a GH disorder.
Children's signs of GH insufficiency include slower growth than other children their age, modest penis in males, delayed maturation, and smaller limbs.
Adults with GH insufficiency might feel tired, have less bone density, and have less muscle mass.
GH excess in children (gigantism) signs include a massive head, extreme growth in comparison to other children their age, and mild to moderate obesity.
The signs of adult GH excess (acromegaly) include a deep, husky voice, densification of bones, excessive sweating and body odor, oily and dry skin, and more significant than average facial features.
What happens during a growth hormone test?
Your doctor may suggest either GH stimulation or a GH growth test, depending on whether your symptoms point to a possible GH deficiency or GH excess.
A GH stimulation test is used to find GH deficiency, while a GH growth test is run to find an excess of GH.
What should a child do before going for this test?
Children may be required to fast from food and liquids a few hours before their exam.
What is growth hormone therapy?
Growth hormone therapy involves injecting synthetic GH into the body.
The hormone is identical to the natural growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Children with growth hormone deficiency receive injections every day until they reach their final height, while adults receive injections a few times a week.
How effective is growth hormone therapy?
Growth hormone therapy is generally effective in treating growth hormone deficiency in children.
The therapy can lead to an increase in height, muscle mass, and bone density.
However, it is not a cure for GH deficiency, and the benefits of the therapy decrease when it is stopped.
Conclusion
Growth hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for children with growth hormone deficiency. If you or your child display symptoms of GH abnormality, consult a doctor and get a GH test done to determine the next course of action. Growth hormone therapy is safe when administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
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