Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Signs and Symptoms

December 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Youthful Vitality Solutions

Growth hormone, or hGH, is a protein that is used for body grow. It is at its highest level in children. Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland (a gland found at the base of your brain) which is then released into the bloodstream. In childhood, growth hormone stimulates development of muscles and bones, while regulating metabolism.

As we age, the levels of growth hormone deplete and in some people, there is actual deficiency levels, referred to as Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Disorder.

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD) is a specific clinical syndrome that has numerous physiological consequences with significant effects on the body. Many of the body symptoms are affected, including:

Changes in body composition, including central obesity.
Lipids in the blood.
Muscle strength changes.
Bone composition.
Exercise capacity and energy.
Cardiovascular risk, and
Psychological well-being.

All of these systems will be affected with dropping levels of Growth Hormones. The psychological and emotional symptoms associated with this deficiency include a reduced sense of well being, low energy, vitality, capacity for work, emotional liability, including mood swings, anxiety, depression, and increased social isolation.

Clinically signs and symptoms of AGHD include changes in the following:

•   Skin- Loses elasticity, becomes thinner, sags, wrinkles and ages prematurely.
•   Energy- Loss of vigor and stamina.
•   Bones- Tendency toward osteoporosis. Bones lose strength.
•   Sexual power- Loss of sexual power and decreased libido.
•   Muscle- Muscles lose strength and mass.
•   Fat- Fat tissue increases and accumulates, especially around the midline.
•   Memory- Memory begins to fade.
•   Heart- Heart muscle loses strength, with reduction in cardiac output.
•   Kidney- Decreased kidney function.
•   Immune System- Decreased immunity and longer healing time.
•   Hair -Hair becomes thinner and loses color.
•   Cholesterol- Higher cholesterol levels.
•   Sleep: Insomnia, and reduction in the amount of deep, restorative sleep.

If you think that your symptoms may be due to falling Growth Hormone levels, there is a very simple blood test that can be done to reveal the possibility that your Growth Hormone levels are dropping rapidly and prematurely. For more information on Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency visit us online at www.Youthful Aging Center.com

Other Youthful Aging Center Pages:
Testosterone for Men
Basic Lab Testing To Assure Longevity and Youthful Aging
Food Allergies and Obesity
Physician Supervised hCG Weight Loss Program
Take The Functional Medicine Questionnaire

Recommended Reading:
The Youthful Aging Center Bookstore

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