How does the healthcare provider determine if you have AGHD?
The signs and symptoms of adult growth hormone deficiency can be varied. People with this disorder often suffer from decreased energy levels and exercise capacity, as well as impaired psychological wellbeing. They may also experience metabolic changes which manifest as increased body fat, especially around the waist, and decreased muscle mass.
In addition, an adult who has experienced one or more of the following may be more likely to be evaluated for growth hormone deficiency:
- Evidence of hypothalamic-pituitary disease
- Cranial irradiation (radiation therapy for treatment of head and neck tumors)
- Previous diagnosis of childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency
- Multiple hormone deficiencies as a result of surgery or trauma
Your healthcare provider will perform diagnostic tests if he or she feels you may be at risk for growth hormone deficiency.
Criteria for a diagnosis of AGHD
In order to be diagnosed with adult growth hormone deficiency, you must meet either of the following two criteria:First, you must be biochemically diagnosed with AGHD based on a smaller-than-normal response to a growth hormone stimulation test. This is a special blood test your healthcare provider may order if he or she suspects you are growth hormone deficient.
The second criterion is whether your growth hormone deficiency began in childhood or in adulthood. If you have adult-onset growth hormone deficiency, you must have a deficiency of growth hormone either alone, or in combination with deficiencies in other hormones, resulting from disease, surgery, radiation therapy, or trauma. If your growth hormone deficiency began in childhood, the diagnosis of your childhood condition will need to be confirmed prior to beginning therapy as an adult.
Keeping track of your own progress
If you are diagnosed with AGHD and begin Nutropin therapy, it's important to remember that evaluating the effectiveness of your therapy is the job of your healthcare provider.However many patients also like to keep track themselves with a tool called a body-mass index (BMI) calculator. Again, remember that using a BMI calculator should not take the place of consultation with your healthcare provider.
References
Growth hormone deficiency in adults: diagnosis and treatment. Genentech, Inc.Lifshitz F, ed. Pediatric Endocrinology. 4th ed. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker Inc; 2003.
