Growth Hormone Deficiency
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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General Discussion
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a rare disorder characterized by the inadequate secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that is responsible for the production of several hormones. GHD can be present from birth (congenital), resulting from genetic mutations or from structural defects in the brain. It can also be acquired later in life as a result of trauma, infection, radiation therapy, or tumor growth within the brain. A third category has no known or diagnosable cause (idiopathic).
Childhood-onset GHD may be all three: congenital, acquired, or idiopathic. It results in growth retardation, short stature, and maturation delays reflected by the delay of lengthening of the bones of the extremities that is inappropriate to the chronological age of the child.
Adult-onset GHD is most often is acquired from a pituitary tumor or trauma to the brain but may also be idiopathic. It is characterized by a number of variable symptoms including reduced energy levels, altered body composition, osteoporosis (reduced bone mineral density), reduced muscle strength, lipid abnormalities such as increased LDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, and impaired cardiac function. Treatment for GHD requires daily injections of recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH).
Patients with GHD that have no known cause are diagnosed as having idiopathic GHD. Genetic tests may reveal a congenital anomaly, but are often considered unnecessary after confirmation of GHD since they will have no effect on treatment. However, it is recommended that children be retested for GHD when they transition from pediatric to adult care since GH levels may normalize upon reaching adulthood. The level of GH considered normal for an adult is much lower than that for a child, especially one undergoing the pubertal growth spurt.
Supporting Organizations
Child Growth Foundation
- Tel: 020 8995 0257
- Email: info@childgrowthfoundation.org
- Website: http://www.childgrowthfoundation.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Human Growth Foundation
- 997 Glen Cove Avenue
- Suite 5
- Glen Head, NY 11545
- Tel: (516)671-4041
- Fax: (516)671-4055
- Tel: (800)451-6434
- Email: hgf1@hgfound.org
- Website: http://www.hgfound.org/
MAGIC Foundation
- 6645 W. North Avenue
- Oak Park, IL 60302
- Tel: (708)383-0808
- Fax: (708)383-0899
- Tel: (800)362-4423
- Email: mary@magicfoundation.org
- Website: http://www.magicfoundation.org
NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- 31 Center Dr
- Building 31, Room 2A32
- Bethesda, MD 20892
- Fax: (866)760-5947
- Tel: (800)370-2943
- Email: NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov
- Website: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 8/11/2015
Copyright 2012 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
