GHD can be present from birth (congenital), resulting from genetic mutations or from structural defects in the brain. It can also be acquired later in life as a result of trauma, infection, radiation therapy, or tumor growth within the brain. A third category has no known or diagnosable cause (idiopathic).

Most incidences of childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency occur as isolated cases and are not inherited. However, it can occasionally run in families. A number of genes have been identified that cause growth hormone deficiency. Brothers and sisters are affected in around 3% of the cases.

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), also known as dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism, is a condition caused by insufficient amounts of growth hormone in the body. Children with GHD have abnormally short stature with normal body proportions. GHD can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired).

Growth hormone stimulates production of insulin-like growth factor 1in the liver and other organs, and this acts on tissues in the body to control metabolism and growth. In addition to its effect on growth hormone secretion, growth hormone-releasing hormone also affects sleep, food intake and memory.

Following secretion into the blood circulation, the 22-kDa hGH has a short half-life of 10-20 minutes.

Growth Hormone is usually administered 6-7 days per week, but is also available in a long acting form, which is given every 7 to 28 days.

After a user discontinues steroids, loss of muscle size and, to some degree, strength, is often reported. Size and strength gains made during use of hGH are permanent.

A GH serum test is used to measure the amount of GH in your blood when the blood is drawn. For the test, a healthcare professional will use a needle to collect a sample of your blood. The test itself is fairly routine and carries little discomfort or risk. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.

Adults weighing 99 to 121 pounds (45 to 55 kg)—5 mg injected under the skin once a day at bedtime. Adults weighing 77 to 98 pounds (35 to 44 kg)—4 mg injected under the skin once a day at bedtime. Adults weighing less than 77 pounds (35 kg)—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

Following reconstitution with the provided diluent, store under refrigeration and use within 14 days (5 mg vial) or 28 days (10 mg vial); do not freeze.

GROWTH HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY The average female dose is 0.6 mg/day, while the average male dose is 0.4 mg/day – women need higher doses than men in order to achieve the same clinical results. Elderly men often require less GH. In the past, patients were often given GH just two or three times a week.

HGH-deficient adults usually take 1-2 IU/d by subcutaneous injection every evening. Athletes sometimes take as much as 10-25 IU/d, three or four times a week. It is often taken in 4-6 week cycles and in combination with other performance-enhancing agents, especially anabolic steroids.

HGH helps to maintain, build, and repair healthy tissue in the brain and other organs. This hormone can help to speed up healing after an injury and repair muscle tissue after exercise. This helps to build muscle mass, boost metabolism, and burn fat. HGH is also said to benefit the quality and appearance of the skin.