How long do people live with HGH deficiency?
Growth hormone (GH) deficiency, also known as growth hormone insufficiency or hypoGH, is a medical condition caused by insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. This can happen both in children and adults. Some key points about living with GH deficiency include:
In children
- If not treated properly, GH deficiency can lead to short stature and health problems. With early diagnosis and treatment, children can achieve normal adult heights.
In adults
- Adult onset GH deficiency often develops slowly over months or years. Many adults remain undiagnosed.
- Symptoms are often nonspecific like tiredness, low energy, decreased muscle strength, increased body fat, and reduced bone density.
- With treatment, patients report improved energy, sleep, cognitive function, exercise capacity, bone density, and cardiovascular function.
- Life expectancy is generally not altered, but quality of life tends to improve with hormone replacement treatment.
Diagnosis
- GH deficiency is diagnosed clinically and with blood tests measuring IGF-1 levels. Other pituitary hormones may also be checked.
- Stimulation tests can help confirm the diagnosis. These check GH levels after ingesting certain substances.
Treatment
- Daily injections of biosynthetic human growth hormone (HGH) are the standard treatment for GH deficiency.
- Dosing is individualized and titrated based on IGF-1 levels, age, and other factors.
- Most patients remain on lifelong HGH replacement.
- Treatment may be stopped briefly to reassess if deficiency persists.
Adults with childhood onset GH deficiency must continue treatment for life. Those with adult onset deficiency are generally advised to continue therapy unless other health conditions develop.
Impact on life expectancy
- Early treatment before the growth plates close can help children reach their height potential. This eliminates one negative consequence.
- In both children and adults, replacing deficient hormones reduces symptoms/complications that could impair quality and length of life.
- For adults starting replacement therapy later in life, some changes may be irreversible, but treatment can still improve vitality and functioning.
- Overall life expectancy is typically normal, but treatment is lifelong in most cases.
Some key benefits patients experience with HGH replacement include:
- Increased energy levels
- Improved endurance
- More restful sleep
- Enhanced mood and cognitive function
- Increased bone density
- Reduced cardiovascular risk factors
- Less body fat and more muscle mass
- Better cholesterol levels
- Faster healing and injury recovery
If symptoms suggest growth hormone deficiency, see your doctor to ask about testing. Effective treatments can help patients enjoy improved wellbeing and normal longevity.