tillväxthormonadministrering

Tillväxthormon, also known as somatotropin or growth hormone (GH), is a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary role is to stimulate growth in children and adolescents, influencing bone and muscle development. Beyond growth, GH has significant metabolic effects throughout life. It promotes protein synthesis, increases fatty acid mobilization, and plays a role in regulating blood glucose levels. The secretion of growth hormone is pulsatile, with higher levels typically occurring during deep sleep. Its production is regulated by hormones released from the hypothalamus, primarily growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin.

In adults, growth hormone continues to be important for maintaining body composition, muscle mass, and bone density. It also contributes to energy metabolism and cardiovascular function. Deficiencies in growth hormone can lead to various health issues depending on the age of onset. In children, GH deficiency results in dwarfism. In adults, symptoms can include decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, fatigue, and a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Conversely, excessive GH production, often due to a pituitary tumor, leads to gigantism in children and acromegaly in adults, characterized by abnormal growth of bones and tissues. Medical interventions, such as synthetic GH therapy, are used to treat GH deficiencies and certain other conditions.