Do some adults need HGH treatment?

In some adults, the pituitary gland doesn't make enough growth hormone. This is called growth hormone deficiency. It's different from the expected decline in growth hormone due to aging. Adults with growth hormone deficiency might be prescribed lab-made HGH by their healthcare professional.

Causes of growth hormone deficiency in adulthood include:

• A tumor on the pituitary gland that isn't cancer, called pituitary adenoma.
• Pituitary gland surgery.
• Radiation therapy of the brain or pituitary gland.
• Brain damage from a car accident or a sports injury.

Childhood growth hormone deficiency also may persist into adulthood in some people.

For adults who have growth hormone deficiency, shots of HGH can:

• Boost the ability to exercise more.
• Strengthen bones.
• Increase muscle mass.
• Lower body fat.

HGH treatment also is approved to treat adults with serious weight loss and muscle wasting due HIV or AIDS.