Human growth hormone, abbreviated as hGH, is produced by the pituitary gland. Sometimes, children do not produce enough of growth hormone and lag behind peers in growth patterns. Children who lack sufficient amounts of growth hormone may be given supplements of hGH as a long-term treatment to promote normal growth. As with other types of drugs, growth hormone therapy could present some side effects in some children.
Acromegaly
Children generally undergo growth hormone treatment until their bones have achieved full growth, which is usually achieved by age 16 in boys and around age 14 for girls. Depending on the age of first treatment, hGH therapy may be used for years. Children who have taken hormones on a long-term basis may experience a condition called acromegaly. Acromegaly is the swelling of the body's tissues and organs, and it may become a serious illness if not managed.
Blood Sugar Fluctuation
The Magic Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing information and support to the families of children who have medical conditions that affect growth, indicates that some children may experience fluctuations of blood sugar levels while taking growth hormones. Hypoglycemia, or the state of having low blood sugar, is a side effect that primarily affects children who have multiple disorders of the pituitary system. Glucose levels usually stabilize throughout the course of treatment, according to the Magic Foundation.
Loss of Body Fat
A side effect that is commonly associated with children who are on growth hormone therapy is a loss of body fat. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, based in Washington, D.C., reports that because hGH speeds up the metabolism as it promotes growth, a child may burn calories more quickly. Body fat decreases and the child becomes unusually muscular.
Poor Kidney Function
Children who already have kidney damage when they begin taking growth hormones may see a further decline in kidney function as a side effect of the medication. As the hormones increase the metabolism, the blood flow through the kidneys increases as well. Kidneys that are already compromised may not be able to handle the additional filtering that is required.
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