Question

The growth hormone is used to help children that are unusually short because they have an gh deficiency. But why would a 25 year old average size request the hormone to help them grow taller?what is the significance of this hormone

Answer 1

Growth hormone is produced from anterior pituitary glands and then released into the bloodstream. In children, growth hormone promotes the growth of many parts of the body. Growth hormone stops increasing height when growth plates in the epiphyses (bones) have fused. But in adults, it is not the basis of growth. In adults, it helps to sustain normal body structure and metabolism. It is also serving to retain blood glucose levels within set levels.

In cased of growth hormone deficiency in adults, it causes an increased risk of heart disease, weak heart, bones and muscles, increased fat and a reduced sense of wellbeing. This condition may exist from birth but the causes can be unknown, unseen, genetic or due to pituitary glands’ injury. This deficiency may also arise in adults due to brain injury, a pituitary gland tumor or harm of the pituitary gland.

Thus, growth hormone treatment may benefit these adults. As, growth hormone linked to energy levels and a sensation of wellbeing.