subject: Deficiencies And Excesses Of Growth Hormones [print this page] Functions of growth hormones are widely varied. They range from those essential to normal growth and development to the a variety of vital functions. The wide variety of functions that can be laid at growth hormones' door makes it extremely problematic to have either a deficiency or an excess.
If they do occur...the quick and accurate identification of any deficiencies or excesses can is vital. Any hormonal imbalance is problematic. But a growth hormones imbalance can have a wide range of negative health consequences.
An excess in growth hormones will most often result in what is called a pituitary tumor. The tumor is made up of somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary. They are benign. They grow slowly. They also result in a gradual increase in GH production.
If excesses are left untreated they can result in acromegaly. This condition is characterized by a thickening of the jaw, finger and toe bones. other health consequences that result from prolonged GH excesses include: weakness, decreased energy, decreased sexual function, excessive sweating, carpal tunnel, etc.
Depending upon the age of the individual growth hormones deficiencies can have differing results. When deficiencies of growth hormone present in young children it most often results in decreased height as well as a disruption in the normal sexual development of adolescents.
Symptoms that present when growth hormones deficiencies occur in adulthood they show differently. The most common cause of adult growth hormones deficiencies is the pituitary adenoma. Other potential causes are: childhood problems that continued into adulthood, structural trauma or idiopathic GHD.
Growth hormones deficiencies result in a variety of symptoms in adults, but most are general enough that they make identifying the deficiency difficult. Some of these symptoms include: decreased muscle mass, decreased energy, truncal obesity, decreased quality of life, etc.
Proper diagnosis is vital. A thorough diagnostic procedure should depend heavily on a hormone stimulation test. This test is used to determine whether or not hormones are produced in response to appropriate stimuli.
Once a deficiency or excess has been identified and diagnosed proper treatment should quickly follow. Growth hormones and homeopathic growth hormone formulas are both used for treatment purposes. Homeopathic growth hormones formulas offer additional benefits on top of alleviation of the symptoms caused by the imbalance. They often result in anti-aging, increased general health and mood improvement.
