Human growth hormone can be used to treat short stature in children and has shown promise as a treatment for conditions such as Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. However, growth hormone therapy has side effects that can affect a patient's health and quality of life. Knowing the possible side effects of growth hormone therapy can help people make informed decisions about whether to begin treatment or find other options.
Edema
Researchers from Colorado State University list edema, or swelling, as one of the most common side effects of growth hormone therapy. This edema seems to be related to the amount of growth hormone that is taken in each dose. The body responds to an excess level of growth hormone by retaining fluid, which is what causes the swelling.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Physicians from the Mayo Clinic indicate that joint and muscle pain are common side effects of growth hormone therapy. Because growth hormone therapy causes an increase in how fast a child grows, the joints and muscles may become sore. This is often referred to as growing pains. Excessive soreness should be reported to a physician for evaluation.
Injection Site Issues
According to physicians from the Mayo Clinic, human growth hormone is only effective when it is given as an injection. Doctors from Cincinnati Children's Hospital list redness, swelling and drainage or discharge at the injection site as possible side effects of growth hormone therapy. If any of these side effects occur, they should be reported to a doctor.
Breast Enlargement
Physicians from the Mayo Clinic list breast enlargement in men as one of the side effects of growth hormone therapy. According to Dr. Ronald Swerdloff of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, growth hormone works closely with other hormones to promote growth of breast tissue. High doses of growth hormone can lead to male breast enlargement, also called gynecomastia.
Hip Problems
Another side effect of growth hormone therapy is related to the growth spurts caused by HGH. Doctors from Cincinnati Children's Hospital indicate that a slipped capital femoral epiphyses can occur due to rapid growth. This is a hip problem that can cause knee pain or limping, which can be diagnosed with an X-ray and needs to be repaired surgically.
Benign Intracranial Hypertension
According to physicians from Cincinnati Children's Hospital, one of the side effects of growth hormone therapy is benign intracranial hypertension. This is an increase in the pressure on the brain, which can cause vomiting, nausea and headaches. Once growth hormone therapy is stopped, this condition goes away.
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