Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone that is normally secreted by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is most active during the years most human growth occurs, which is from birth through adolescence. Some children have a congenital pituitary defect that causes the pituitary gland to secrete decreased amounts of HGH. Children with lower HGH production will be noticeably shorter than other children their age, motor skill development may be delayed and they may have higher levels of body fat. For children inflicted with this disorder, HGH therapy may be indicated.
Before 2003, HGH was only approved as a treatment for children who were hormone deficient. In 2003, the Food and Drug administration approved HGH as a treatment for non-hormone deficient short children. As with any medication or therapy, there is a risk for unwanted or unexpected effects. The effects may be different in each population, hormone deficient children and non-hormone deficient children.
Hormone Deficient Children
Human growth hormone therapy can greatly assist children who suffer from pituitary dysfunction. The psychological effects and increased self esteem that arise from the children appearing "normal" often justifies the treatment. However, there are some physical side effects associated with HGH therapy. In hormone deficient children, HGH therapy may cause an increased incidence of ear infections, abdominal pain, blurred vision, nausea, breast enlargement, bone pain, muscle pain and swelling of hands and feet.
Non-Hormone Deficient Children
HGH therapy can cause some very serious side effect in children with already adequate production of human growth hormone. Excessive HGH in the body can lead to conditions such as diabetes, abnormal growth of the bones and internal organs, atherosclerosis (increased plaque in the arteries, also known as hardening of the arteries) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Excessive HGH levels can increase metabolism to the extent that children will become unusually lean and inappropriately muscular and may have too-low body fat levels.
Cancer Risks
A risk of cancer is also associated with HGH therapy. This risk is most likely linked with children who are undergoing HGH therapy and do not have a hormone deficiency. Human growth hormone causes the liver to increase production of an insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Elevated blood levels of IGF-1 has been proven to be associated with an enhanced risk for both breast and prostate cancers.
There have also been reports of leukemia be associated with hormone-deficient children receiving HGH therapy. Researchers are still trying to determine whether HGH is directly linked increased risk for leukemia. Hormone deficiencies can also lead to brain tumors, which are commonly treated with radiation therapy. Leukemia could be linked to radiation therapy instead of HGH therapy, so the research remains ongoing to investigate the link between leukemia and HGH therapy.
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