Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy
Replacing growth hormones that lacking or missing can improve the quality of life of a person who has growth hormone deficiency. It reduces body fat and increases the density of bones.
Growth hormone replacement therapy is not appropriate for people who have active cancer or certain types of eye damage as a result of diabetes (diabetic retinopathy).
If after being on growth hormone replacement for six months without any clinical improvement, the therapy should be stopped. Ongoing, long-term studies are evaluating the benefits and risks of growth hormone replacement therapy.
Side Effects of Growth Hormone Replacement
Be aware that growth hormone can affect the way the body uses insulin. If you are a diabetic who is receiving growth hormone replacement therapy, be sure to inform your doctors and regularly monitor your blood sugar and manage your diabetes well.
In addition, growth hormone replacement therapy can cause:
- Water retention
- Achy joints and muscles
- Carpel tunnel syndrome (pins and needles in the fingers and toes)
