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Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

Meaning

This clinical condition is characterized by an inadequate production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland in adulthood. It is not merely a natural decline but a diagnosable state, often resulting from pituitary or hypothalamic disease, trauma, or radiation. Recognizing this deficiency is crucial because GH plays a significant role in maintaining body composition, bone density, and metabolic function well beyond the years of skeletal growth. Diagnosis typically involves specialized stimulation tests to confirm the reduced secretory capacity of the somatotroph cells. The resulting hormonal imbalance can profoundly impact an individual’s quality of life and overall health profile.