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Causes & Risk Factors of Growth Hormone Deficiency
Pituitary gland, an endocrinal gland located at the base of the brain is responsible for controlling the growth of human body. But there are other glands at play which determine the quantum of growth hormone produced by pituitary gland. The growth hormone thus produced enters the blood stream and it causes the liver to produce a hormone called IGF-1 that plays an important role in the child’s physical development. If this hormone is not present in required quantity it results in abnormally short height results. But there are no clear causes for this deficiency found. It is assumed that the child affected may not be having sufficient growth hormone at the time of birth. Brain injury, tumor or a medical condition affecting the brain might cause the deficiency. It is also seen that children with defects such as cleft palate or cleft lip are usually affected by growth deficiency.
In rare cases the disease may occur in adult hood also. This is caused by radiation therapy for brain tumors or due to head injuries. | |