GH Basics
Where is growth hormone produced?
Pituitary gland
In children, GH deficiency results in what condition?
Dwarfism (short stature)
GH excess in children causes what condition?
Gigantism
What is the main treatment for GH deficiency?
GH injections (synthetic hormone)
True or False: GH levels are constant throughout life.
False – they peak in adolescence and decline with age.
When is GH secretion the highest?
During sleep
One sign of GH deficiency in adults?
Fatigue/Low energy
GH excess in adults causes what condition?
Acromegaly
Treatment for pituitary tumors causing GH excess?
Surgery (transsphenoidal resection)
GH can sometimes be misused by athletes for what reason?
Performance enhancement / muscle growth.
GH stimulates the liver to produce what growth mediator?
IGF-1 (insulin growth factor-1)
GH deficiency in adults often causes increased ___.
Body fat
What physical feature commonly enlarges in acromegaly?
Hands, feet, jaw, or facial bones
What class of drugs can reduce GH secretion?
Somatostatin analogs
Who was the tallest person ever recorded, likely due to GH excess?
Robert Wadlow.
What type of hormone is GH (peptide, steroid, or amine)?
Peptide Hormone
GH deficiency in kids can also delay what milestone?
Puberty
GH excess is most often caused by what type of tumor?
Pituitary adenoma
In GH deficiency, therapy works best when started in ___ (childhood or adulthood)?
Childhood
GH helps regulate metabolism by stimulating breakdown of what stored molecule?
Fat (lipolysis).
What part of the brain controls GH release through releasing/inhibiting hormones?
Hypothalamus
Name one diagnostic test used to check GH deficiency.
GH stimulation test / IGF-1 levels.
Long-term GH excess increases the risk of what systemic problem?
Cardiovascular disease / diabetes
Besides drugs and surgery, what other treatment may be used for GH excess tumors?
Radiation therapy
Name one everyday habit that can naturally support GH release.
Adequate sleep, exercise, or good nutrition.