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Many adults find themselves walking around each day in a bit of a fog, having no idea that they are growth hormone deficient. This condition, often associated with children, can be especially troublesome for adults. Ignoring growth hormone deficiency without treatment can put you at risk for many other health concerns.
We commonly think of growth hormone deficiency as a condition that prevents children from growing at the same rate as their peers. GH decline is not always as noticeable in adults because we have finished growing. It is easy to confuse or Trusted sourceGrowth Hormone Deficiency Symptoms & CausesBoston Children`s HospitalGo to sourcemisread the symptoms as those of other health conditions.
You cannot get growth hormone deficiency treatment in adults without first contacting a doctor for blood testing. If you go to your regular physician, you will likely undergo some unnecessary tests that will not provide the proper diagnosis. Hormone balancing is a specialized branch of medicine. You want to find a doctor who specializes in hormone replacement therapy for testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
GH levels begin to decline by the time most people enter their thirties. You may think that is fine since you have already long since reached your adult height. However, linear growth is not the sole function of growth hormone. In fact, it is only a small part of what this vital chemical messenger does for the body. If left untreated, GHD can result in an increased risk of developing the following health conditions:
- High cholesterol
- Osteoporosis
- Dementia
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Osteopenia
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Adults with these conditions are more likely to have undiagnosed GHD than people who are healthy. The risks increase with each year of leaving growth hormone deficiency untreated.
Impact of Growth Hormone Deficiency on the Body
The reasons for seeking growth hormone deficiency treatment are plentiful. If for no other purpose, reducing the previously mentioned risks should be more than enough for most people. However, there are many other reasons to seek help from a qualified and experienced hormone replacement specialist.
Ignoring growth hormone deficiency without treatment commencement can take quite a toll on your body. GH is essential for regenerating new cells needed for tissues, muscles, bones, hair, skin, nails, blood, internal organs, and even your eyes. Imagine what would happen if your internal organs start to shrink because there are not enough new cells to replace the ones that die off. When this happens to your skin, it becomes thinner, dry, and the signs of aging appear. With your hair, you may experience loss or thinning. However, your internal organs perform essential functions that will suffer when they begin to shrink.
When not enough cells are available to maintain your muscles and bones, your body becomes weak and frail, leaving it subject to injury and fractures that take longer to heal due to reduced immune and cellular responses. Yes, Trusted sourceHGH to Increase Immune Function in People With HIVU.S National Library of MedicineGo to sourcegrowth hormone also impacts immunity , as well as metabolism – which is why many adults with GHD gain weight.
Even your libido and sexual performance will suffer when you are growth hormone deficient.
Effects of Untreated Growth Hormone Deficiency on the Brain and Emotions
As if the physical aspects of ignoring growth hormone deficiency without treatment weren’t enough, what happens inside the brain may be even worse for some people.
The brain houses an abundance of GH receptor cells, especially in areas associated with memory, learning, and cognitive performance. You may find that your level of concentration declines and you must keep rereading the same passage to comprehend and commit it to memory. Walking into a room and forgetting why you are there can become commonplace.
Emotionally, many adults with GHD report regular feelings of depression and reduced quality of life. Their outlook for the future is bleak, and they question why this is happening to them.
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, stress, and other emotional changes eat away at your once happy demeanor. Couple these changes with reduced sleep quality and fatigue and you have a recipe for failure. Working adults dealing with low growth hormone levels frequently site impaired motivation and productivity on the job.
By seeking the help of an experienced hormone specialist, growth hormone deficiency treatment results can reverse these concerns. Our hormone clinic provides confidential consultations to men and women throughout the US at no charge. Call today to learn more.
- Henry Anhalt, DO, Alan Rogol, M.D., Melanie Schorr Haines, M.D.
- Daniel J. Toft MD, PhD
