Growth hormone (GH) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone that plays a significant role in the body’s growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration. Produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain, GH influences various bodily functions. This hormone can also be used therapeutically to address specific medical conditions.
Understanding Growth Hormone and Weekly Formulations
Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Its functions extend beyond stimulating growth, encompassing cell repair and metabolic regulation. GH directly stimulates the division and multiplication of chondrocytes, which are cartilage cells, contributing to increased height in children. It also promotes lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fats, and increases protein synthesis.
Therapeutic growth hormone is a recombinant form of human growth hormone (HGH) called somatropin, which is chemically identical to the GH produced by the body. It is available as a prescription drug to treat growth disorders in children and adult growth hormone deficiency. Historically, growth hormone was administered daily, often as 6-7 subcutaneous injections per week to achieve optimal results.
The development of weekly growth hormone formulations, such as somapacitan, are long-acting growth hormones (LAGHs) designed to reduce the frequency of injections, typically to once a week, thereby improving convenience for patients and caregivers. This reduced injection burden can lead to better adherence and improved outcomes, such as increased height in children. Weekly formulations are prescription medications, requiring medical supervision.
Conditions That Benefit from Weekly Growth Hormone Therapy
Weekly growth hormone therapy is prescribed for several medical conditions where the body either does not produce enough growth hormone or when growth is impaired due to specific syndromes. These include:
Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), where children experience slow or no growth due to insufficient GH production. Treatment aims to help these children reach their full growth potential.
Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD), addressing issues such as reduced well-being, increased body fat, and a higher risk of heart disease associated with low GH levels.
Genetic disorders like Turner Syndrome, a condition affecting girls’ development, and Prader-Willi Syndrome, characterized by poor muscle tone and a constant feeling of hunger.
Children born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) who do not experience catch-up growth.
Growth failure associated with Chronic Kidney Disease.
How Weekly Growth Hormone is Administered and Monitored
Weekly growth hormone is typically administered through subcutaneous injection. Many weekly formulations come in pre-filled pens or auto-injectors, which simplify the administration process and offer precise dosing. This method is preferred due to its effectiveness and ease of use.
Proper injection technique is important, including rotating injection sites to prevent skin irritation. Common injection sites include the back of the arms, top or outside of the thighs, sides of the abdomen, and outer quadrant of the buttocks. Storing the medication as directed, usually in a refrigerator, is also necessary to maintain its effectiveness.
Ongoing medical supervision is a crucial aspect of weekly growth hormone therapy. Patients require regular doctor visits, typically every 3-6 months, for monitoring and dosage adjustments.
Blood tests, such as those measuring Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, are routinely performed to assess the body’s response to the hormone and to guide dosage adjustments. IGF-1 is a hormone primarily produced by the liver in response to GH.
What to Expect from Weekly Growth Hormone Therapy
Patients undergoing weekly growth hormone therapy can anticipate various outcomes. For children, the primary expectation is an increased growth rate, often resulting in an additional 1-2 inches within the first six months of treatment, and a potential improvement in final adult height. Children may also experience an increased appetite and a shift in body composition, with an increase in lean body mass and a decrease in fat mass.
Adults receiving weekly growth hormone therapy may see improvements in body composition, including reduced fat mass, particularly truncal fat, and an increase in lean muscle mass. Other potential benefits for adults include enhanced bone density, improved energy levels, and an overall better quality of life.
Weekly growth hormone therapy can have potential side effects. These may include injection site reactions, headaches, and temporary fluid retention (edema). Some individuals might experience joint or muscle pain. There is also a possibility of increased blood sugar levels or insulin resistance. In rare cases, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, characterized by increased pressure inside the head, has been reported, usually manifesting as headaches, blurred vision, nausea, or vomiting. Open communication with a healthcare provider is important throughout treatment to manage any side effects.