Growth Hormone Deficiency Evaluation & Replacement
Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and influences growth, body composition, bone health and metabolism. In adults, growth hormone replacement is reserved for appropriately diagnosed growth hormone deficiency rather than routine anti-aging, weight-loss or performance enhancement.
Evaluating Possible Growth Hormone Deficiency
Evaluation begins with medical history, symptoms, pituitary history and appropriate laboratory assessment. IGF-1 can be useful in the evaluation, but suspected adult growth hormone deficiency often requires formal growth hormone stimulation testing unless the clinical setting clearly establishes deficiency.
When Growth Hormone Replacement May Be Appropriate
Patients with confirmed growth hormone deficiency and no contraindications may be considered for individualized replacement therapy. Treatment requires monitoring for clinical response, IGF-1 levels and adverse effects.
Growth and Short Stature
Growth concerns in children and adolescents require age-appropriate pediatric endocrine evaluation because short stature has many possible causes and growth hormone is appropriate only for defined indications.
Read our guide to growth hormone and short stature.
Written and medically reviewed by David Nazarian, M.D.
