Sudden Onset of HGH Deficiency

Is it possible for adult-onset HGH deficiency to strike someone who is over 60? Up until now, I've been fine, but now I have all the symptoms and it seems to have come on suddenly in the last couple of years. Does the normal aging process do this? Can it happen this fast? Or might it be an HGH problem?

Adult-onset growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) can indeed occur in individuals over the age of 60, and it may manifest with symptoms that seem to have developed relatively quickly. While the natural aging process can lead to changes in hormone levels, including a gradual decline in growth hormone production, true AGHD onset is not caused by aging, and its extreme symptoms can be reversed by our clinic’s treatment options.

Here are some important points to consider:

1. Normal Aging: As people age, there is a natural decline in growth hormone production, which can contribute to changes in body composition, muscle mass, and overall health. However, the rate and extent of this decline can vary among individuals, and not everyone will develop the more severe symptoms caused by AGHD as they age. For such people, a dramatic increase in quality of life can be achieved by the treatment options we offer – better physical performance, including athletic and sexual performance, greater sense of well-being and energy, and greater productivity and ability in many areas of life.
2. Individual Variation: Some individuals may experience a more rapid decline in growth hormone production than others, which can result in symptoms that appear relatively quickly. The exact reasons for this variation are not always clear and may involve factors beyond just aging – that’s where the testing we can perfom comes in.
3. Underlying Causes: AGHD can also be caused by factors other than age, such as pituitary tumors, head trauma, radiation therapy, or other medical conditions that affect the pituitary gland. These factors can lead to a sudden onset of AGHD, even in older adults.
4. Symptom Awareness: Sometimes, individuals may not fully recognize or attribute their symptoms to AGHD until they become more pronounced or interfere with daily life. It’s a good idea to test earlier rather than later. Why wait until things get much worse?

If you are experiencing symptoms that are consistent with AGHD or have concerns about your health, it is advisable to consult with the board-certified specialists at our clinic. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, including blood tests to measure growth hormone levels and other relevant markers, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Treatment options for AGHD may include growth hormone replacement therapy, which can alleviate symptoms and vastly improve overall well-being. However, it's essential to have a proper diagnosis and guidance from our specialists to address your specific needs and explore the most appropriate treatment options based on your unique health history and the results of your tests.

Do the tests involve taking pharmaceutical drugs?

The tests for diagnosing adult-onset growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) do not involve taking pharmaceutical drugs. Instead, these tests often rely on assessing the body's natural response to specific stimuli. Here are two common tests used to diagnose AGHD:

1. Growth Hormone Stimulation Test: This test involves the administration of a harmless natural substance that should normally stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Commonly used substances for stimulation include insulin, arginine, glucagon, or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Blood samples are taken before and at specific intervals after the administration to measure the growth hormone response.
2. Growth Hormone Suppression Test: In some cases, a suppression test may be performed. This test involves the administration of another harmless substance that should normally reduce the release of growth hormone. Blood samples are taken before and at specific intervals after the administration to measure growth hormone levels.

These tests are used to assess how the pituitary gland responds to specific stimuli and whether it is producing an adequate amount of growth hormone. The goal is to determine if there is a deficiency in growth hormone production.

It's important to note that these tests are performed under the supervision of our board-certified specialists. The tests are designed to be very, very safe and are part of the normal diagnostic process for AGHD.

Give us a call, we’d be very happy to provide you with specific information about the procedures, potential side effects, and any other relevant considerations.

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