Hormonal decline is expected as we age, yet many people only focus on estrogen and testosterone. They do not realize the more significant problem might be decreased growth hormone (GH) production. Human growth hormone (HGH) is a vital treatment that restores balance when GH levels are low.
What is HGH deficiency in adults?
HGH deficiency, also known as growth hormone deficiency (GHD), is a medical condition that occurs when the somatotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland do not produce enough GH to meet the needs of the growth hormone receptor cells. These cells are located in tissues throughout the body and brain and regulate critical functions such as metabolism, cell regeneration, cognitive processes, sexual activities, hormone production, immunity, and more.
How can you determine your diagnosis?
The first step in identifying if you have GHD is taking stock of your symptoms. However, you cannot go on symptoms alone, as the signs of HGH deficiency often mimic those of other hormonal imbalances and health issues. If you have symptoms of GHD, you will want to contact a hormone doctor for evaluation and testing. Physical examination and blood analysis provide the answers as to the cause of your symptoms – if they are hormone-driven.
Hard-to-Believe Symptoms of HGH Deficiency
HGH deficiency can range from mild and barely noticeable to debilitating. At its worst, growth hormone decline can lead to dementia, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, infertility, social isolation, and more. Adults with GHD often report reduced quality of life.
Because growth hormone is associated with physical growth, many people have no idea how many other ways GH influences critical physiological functions.
Some of the lesser-known symptoms of HGH deficiency in adults include:
- Poor concentration
- Impaired learning ability
- Temperature sensitivity
- High cholesterol levels
- Age spots, wrinkles, dryness, cellulite, and sagging skin
- Internal organ shrinkage
According to the report linked above, adults find that their ability to concentrate, remain focused, commit new things to memory, and remember names, events, and what they were about to say suffer due to HGH deficiency. These changes substantially impact their lives, including increasing self-doubt and daily abilities.
Temperature sensitivity is an area many people do not realize is linked to growth hormone levels. Reduced thermoregulatory function can lead to overheating and heat exhaustion, as well as increased sensitivity to cold.
Adults with low-growth hormone levels tend to have lower-than-recommended high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which can cause significant problems as HDL cholesterol helps to remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the blood vessels. Growth hormone-deficient adults are likelier to have high triglyceride, LDL, and total cholesterol levels.
Changes in skin tone and appearance are caused by decreased cell regeneration associated with HGH deficiency. Collagen and elastin production declines, causing the skin to become dry and thin and show signs of wrinkles and aging. Hair thinning or loss can also occur because of declining GH levels.
The same decline in cell reproduction extends to the internal organs. The body is in a constant state of renewal as old cells die and new cells take their place. Critical vital organs lose function with age, with the most significant changes occurring in the heart, kidneys, and lungs. Cellular production decrease adversely affects organ functions.
More Common Symptoms of HGH Deficiency in Adults
Growth hormone is such a vital chemical compound for adults that its decline can have widespread ramifications throughout the body. While it is natural for the body to decrease the amount of GH delivered to the bloodstream as we age, it is not to be expected that the body will break down as a result. People who suffer from symptoms of HGH deficiency can find hope in hormone replacement therapy.
Some of the more common symptoms of HGH deficiency in adults include:
- Weight gain and body image
- Psychological health
- Fatigue and sleep problems
- Muscle and bone loss
- Loss of sexual interest and function
Body composition changes can direly affect health, physical ability, and self-image. Growth hormone decline causes an increase in fat accumulation around the midsection, leading to weight gain that can influence heart health, exercise ability, pressure on the joints, and how we view ourselves.
Changes in body image are not the only aspect of psychological health that suffers due to GHD. Along with not liking how one’s body is changing, the influence of GH on the brain, central nervous system, and neurotransmitters increases the risk of depression. For people with HGH deficiency, antidepressants rarely provide the desired relief. Because growth hormone opposes cortisol, low GH levels tend to cause a rise in the production of the stress hormone, leading to increased anxiety and irritability.
Higher cortisol accumulation in the bloodstream interferes with the body’s natural circadian rhythm and melatonin production. People with GHD tend to sleep less, suffering from insomnia and other sleep disturbances. Lack of sleep coupled with weight gain and sluggish metabolism result in reduced energy and fatigue. Many people find that they tend to fall asleep during the day or run out of steam long before nightfall.
The cell-regenerating aspects of growth hormone are crucial for maintaining and protecting muscle and bone mass. HGH deficiency results in a loss of muscle and bone mineral density, weakening the body and increasing the risk of joint pain and osteoporosis.
Because growth hormone receptors in the gonads help stimulate sex hormone production and functions, many adults with GHD suffer from decreased sexual desire and poor arousal. Erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness can cause impaired sexual performance and decreased pleasure.
The many symptoms of HGH deficiency can significantly alter the quality of life and lead to debilitating health conditions if not corrected.
Conclusion
HGH deficiency is a significant problem for many men and women as they age. The changes associated with this condition impact physical activity, appearance, physiological functions, cognition, health, sexual performance, and more.
Getting help for adult GHD is crucial to maintaining optimum well-being throughout one’s life. Advancing age requires abundant growth hormones to support heart health, brain functions, immune responses, circulation, and quality of life.
A hormone specialist can determine if HGH treatment is beneficial and recommended. Diagnostic testing is vital to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Contacting the appropriate doctor can make quite a difference in one’s future.
