Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin or simply by the acronym GH, is a naturally produced hormone by the body that is essential for the development of children and adolescents, stimulating growth and regulating various body processes.
Generally, this hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, but can also be developed in the lab in its synthetic form, often used in medications prescribed by the pediatrician to treat growth and developmental problems.
- However.
- This hormone is also often used by adults to try to prevent aging or increase muscle mass.
- For example.
- But in this case it can have several side effects that end up obscuring the positive effects.
In its natural form, growth hormone is very important to cause the growth of children, so when it is missing, its synthetic form can be used in medicines to stimulate the development of young children or who have one of the following conditions:
In addition, this hormone can also be used in babies born at an early gestational age, to stimulate organ maturation.
However, the synthetic form of GH can also be used in adults, and approved uses include people with short bowel syndrome, pituitary tumors or diseases that can cause muscle fiber wear.
Check how the test is performed to find out gh levels
While the use of growth hormone is approved for previous situations, this hormone is also often used for other purposes, such as trying to combat aging, improve performance and increase muscle mass; however, there are no studies that indicate a benefit for these purposes.and this is accompanied by several side effects.
The hormone should only be used with the advice and prescription of a doctor, and is usually given by subcutaneous injection every day, at bedtime or as directed by the doctor.
The duration of growth hormone treatment varies as needed, but in some cases it can be used from childhood to late adolescence.
Side effects of growth hormone use are generally not observed in children; However, when administered to adults, the following side effects may occur:
Very rarely, there may still be headaches, increased intracranial pressure, high blood pressure and ringing in the ears.
The main side effect of growth hormone in children is pain in the bones of the legs, called growth pain.
Growth hormone should not be used in pregnant women or people with a history of cancer or benign intracranial tumor.In addition, the use of this type of hormone should be very well evaluated for diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, unintended hypothyroidism and psoriasis.