Growth hormone deficiencySynonymsPituitary dwarfismGrowth hormoneSpecialtyEndocrinologySymptomsShort height[1]ComplicationsLow blood sugar, high cholesterol levels, poor bone density[1][2]TypesCongenital, acquired[1]CausesNot enough growth hormone[3]Risk factorsGenetics, trauma, infections, tumors, radiation therapy[2]Diagnostic methodBlood tests for growth hormone[2]Differential diagnosisSmall for gestational age, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome[2]TreatmentGrowth hormone replacement[1]FrequencyUnclear[2] Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a medical condition due to not enough growth hormone (GH).[3] Generally the most noticeable symptom is a short height.[1] In newborns there may be low blood sugar or a small penis.[2] In adults there may be decreased muscle mass, high cholesterol levels, or poor bone density.[1] GHD can be present at birth or develop later in life.[1] Causes may include genetics, trauma, infections, tumors, or radiation therapy.[2] Genes that may be involved include GH1, GHRHR, or BTK.[3] In a third of cases no cause is apparent.[2] The underlying mechanism generally involves problems with the pituitary gland.[2] Some cases are associated with a lack of other pituitary hormones, in which case it is known as combined pituitary hormone deficiency.[4] Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure growth hormone levels.[2] Treatment is by growth hormone replacement.[1] The frequency of the condition is unclear.[2] Most cases are initially noticed in children.[1] The genetic forms are estimated to affect about 1 in 7,000 people.[3] Most types occur equally in males and females though males are more often diagnosed.[2] Severe prenatal deficiency of GH, as occurs in congenital hypopituitarism, has little effect on fetal growth. However, prenatal and congenital deficiency can reduce the size of a male's penis, especially when gonadotropins are also deficient. Besides micropenis in males, additional consequences of severe deficiency in the first days of life can include hypoglycemia and exaggerated jaundice (both direct and indirect hyperbilirubinemia). Continue reading →