Growth hormone therapy is a reliable and safe treatment commonly used for both children and adults who lack sufficient human growth hormone (HGH or somatropin).

The pituitary gland naturally produces HGH, which is vital for several key bodily functions. In children, it is essential for growth and development. After growth has ceased, HGH contributes to metabolism and helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Besides treating growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone therapy has received FDA approval for use in individuals suffering from various other chronic health issues. So, who qualifies for this therapy, and when is the most appropriate time to begin it? Here’s what a specialist in endocrinology wants you to understand.

Who qualifies for growth hormone therapy?

For children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), prescribed HGH (given through injections) can assist them in achieving their maximum growth potential, as noted by UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Besides GHD, there are several other conditions for which GH therapy is applicable. As Dr. Apoorva R. Waikar from Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU explains, FDA-approved uses for pediatric GH therapy in the United States include:

• Growth hormone deficiency
• Children born smaller than average for their gestational age without subsequent growth
• Idiopathic short stature
• Chronic kidney disease (linked to growth delays)
• Genetic disorders (such as Turner Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, SHOX gene haploinsufficiency, and Noonan Syndrome)

In adults, GH therapy is FDA-approved for treating GHD and muscle wasting due to HIV.

What leads to growth hormone deficiency?

GHD is a relatively uncommon condition. Indicators of GH deficiency in children include slowed growth, shorter stature, and lower than normal blood glucose levels in infants and toddlers, according to Waikar.

This deficiency can be congenital or develop later in life, Waikar adds. Often, “there is no discernible cause for growth hormone deficiency,” she mentions. Brain abnormalities and specific genetic disorders can hinder the development of the pituitary gland, impacting growth hormone production during fetal development.

Waikar states that acquired GHD may stem from:

• Pituitary gland tumors
• Brain surgery
• Radiation treatment
• Head injuries
• Infections
• Autoimmune diseases affecting the pituitary gland

When is the ideal age to begin growth hormone therapy?

“The best age for initiating growth hormone therapy depends on the root cause of the growth issue,” Waikar explains. If certain health problems arise during childhood or early teenage years, GH treatment may start as early as ages 2-3.

“Deciding to begin GH therapy involves a thorough assessment of growth trends and the risks and benefits of treatment along with the individual’s overall health,” Waikar points out. It’s important to understand that HGH will not affect height once growth plates have fused, which typically occurs in the later stages of puberty, she clarifies.

Ultimately, “the sooner growth hormone therapy is started, the more effective it can be in optimizing a child’s growth potential,” Waikar states. “However, the best age may differ based on the specific condition treated; thus, a pediatric endocrinologist typically evaluates these factors to determine the ideal timing to start treatment.”