Growth hormone (GH) plays a key role in the body’s growth and other processes.
You have been prescribed Sogroya® for GHD.

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children means that a child’s body does not make enough growth hormone. Children with GHD may not grow at the same pace or as fully as other children.

 

What causes GHD in children?

 

Pediatric GHD can result from problems with development that occurred before birth. It can also result from damage that occurred during or after birth, such as a brain tumour or head trauma. In many children, however, the reason for the deficiency is unknown. GHD may occur along with other hormone deficiencies or it may occur alone.

 

Common signs of GHD in children include:

  • Shorter height than expected for family size and may be much shorter than other children the same age
  • A growth rate that slows and levels off over time
  • Immature appearance compared to peers

     

Adults who are diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) do not produce enough growth hormone (GH). While adults are no longer growing, we still need GH for reasons related to healthy muscle and fat collection, as well as normal brain function. 

 

What causes GHD in adults? 

 

GHD can occur in either childhood or adulthood. Most cases of adult-onset GHD are caused by damage to the pituitary gland (the part of the brain responsible for making GH). This damage may result from a pituitary tumour or its treatment (surgery and/or radiotherapy). 

 

Common signs of GHD in adults include:

  • Higher level of body fat, especially around the waist
  • Decrease in muscle bulk and strength
  • Abnormalities in cholesterol (may lead to increased risk of heart disease)
  • Reduced bone density (brittle bones)
  • Anxiety and depression  

 

Footer line
Footer line