What is adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD)?
Clinical evidence indicates that adults still need adequate levels of growth hormone to maintain healthy body composition and metabolism. Only recently have the problems associated with GHD in adults been brought to the forefront of medicine. The amount of growth hormone released by the pituitary gland over a persons lifetime decreases with age. When growth hormone is released into the bloodstream, tissue absorption occurs to maintain a healthy balance within the muscles, bone, and fat tissue. It is very difficult to recognize GHD in adults since the maximum height has been attained and the bones are fused. In a deficient state, an adult body does not maintain a proper balance of fat, muscle, and bone. Fat is deposited more readily, while muscle and bone face deterioration.
