What Are the HGH Deficiency Signs and Symptoms in Adults?
Adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) shows up in many different ways, unlike childhood-onset GHD, which presents itself in short stature and delayed growth. Human growth hormone (HGH) is necessary at every age, as you will see in the HGH deficiency signs and symptoms presented below.
Growth is not the sole function of growth hormone (GH). While that is the primary role in children and adolescents, in adults, there are many other uses for GH in the body. Growth hormone deficiency signs and symptoms show up in some of the following ways:
- Impacting metabolism
- Reducing immunity
- Decreasing cell regeneration
- Interfering with brain functions
- Inhibiting healthy organ and heart functions
- Affecting sexual performance and pleasure
HGH deficiency signs and symptoms interfere with healthy physiological and brain functions necessary for optimal health.
What Is HGH Deficiency and How Does It Occur?
HGH deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland cannot or does not provide the body with enough growth hormone. The somatotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland are responsible for producing GH upon receiving signals from growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) from the hypothalamus. HGH deficiency in adults symptoms occur when not enough GH makes its way into the bloodstream.
Some adults may experience growth hormone deficiency signs as a result of having childhood-onset GHD continuing into adulthood. Others may develop adult-onset GHD later in life due to a severe head injury, tumor, autoimmune disease, impaired blood flow to the brain, or idiopathic causes. The aging process results in a decline in GH production, worsened by being overweight, not getting enough sleep, lack of exercise, and increased stress.
Being cognizant of the negative lifestyle actions that can influence growth hormone production can decrease the risk of developing HGH deficiency signs and symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of HGH Deficiency?
The growth hormone deficiency symptoms may vary considerably from one person to the next, often making this condition difficult to diagnose.
Why do the symptoms of HGH deficiency vary?
The reason for the differences is that growth hormone has many roles in the body. The location and function of the individual GH receptor cells that receive or do not receive adequate supplies of growth hormone determine where the problems may develop. For example, if the bones or muscles do not receive enough GH, they will become weak. When areas of the brain that contain a plethora of GH receptors are without adequate signals, learning, processing, and memory may suffer.
The chart below highlights many of the most common HGH deficiency signs and symptoms in men and women:
| Signs and Symptoms of Adult HGH Deficiency | ||
| Sluggish metabolism | Weight gain | Muscle mass loss |
| Reduced muscle strength | Thinning hair | Balding |
| Greying of hair (color loss) | Joint pains | Height shrinkage |
| Bone mineral density loss | Weak, brittle bones | Bodily stiffness |
| Lack of energy | Low endurance | Lethargy/fatigue |
| Depression | Mood swings | Increased stress |
| Irritability and anxiety | Poor health | Frequent illness |
| Longer-lasting illness | Slow recovery from illness | Longer healing from injury |
| Slow exercise recovery | Brittle, chipping nails | Socially isolating |
| Increased hot/cold sensitivity | High LDL and total cholesterol | Elevated triglycerides |
| High blood pressure | Insulin resistance | High blood glucose levels |
| Reduced motivation/drive | Lack of focus | Poor concentration |
| Trouble learning | Slow mental processing | Impaired memory |
| Internal organ shrinkage | Poor organ functions | Reduced sweating |
| Lack of productivity | Reduced sex drive | Erectile dysfunction in men |
| Vaginal dryness in women | PMS symptoms | Hot flashes |
| Night sweats | Insomnia | Loss of collagen and elastin |
| Wrinkles | Cellulite | Sagging skin |
| Age spots | Skin thinning and dryness | Reduced cardiac capacity |
| Decreased cardiac muscle mass | Impaired cardiac function | Poor quality of life |
How to Know If You Have the Signs of HGH Deficiency
The list of HGH deficiency signs and symptoms above is extensive and offers a look at how a decline in growth hormone levels can affect daily life. From health to performance, mood to relationships, all areas of a person’s life and well-being can suffer.
Determining whether you have HGH deficiency symptoms and signs is relatively easy with the list above. You can print it out and check off or highlight the ones that match how you feel or write down which issues are present in your life. If you can identify at least three of the items above, it may be time to contact a hormone specialist for a consultation and blood analysis.
HGH deficiency in adults symptoms do not go away on their own. Growth hormone levels will only continue to decrease with time unless some action is taken.
What to Do If You Have Signs and Symptoms of HGH Deficiency
If you have at least a few of the signs of HGH deficiency, you owe it to yourself and those around you to get tested for GHD. Adult growth hormone deficiency itself may sound more bothersome than dangerous. However, if left untreated, these GH deficiency symptoms can increase the risk of developing any of the following health conditions:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Depression
Some of these health conditions can impair your quality of life and take away your independence. Only two out of every five adults who experience a hip fracture ever return to the quality of life they had before their injury.
Do not let the HGH deficiency signs and symptoms go undiagnosed. Contact National HRT for a free phone consultation with one of our experienced and knowledgeable medical advisors. Our doctors offer confidential care and treatment, beginning with low-cost blood analysis at a national chain of laboratories. Call for your complimentary consultation today to improve the quality of your life in the future.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.