How harmful is excess growth hormone?

Human growth hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and is a very important hormone in growth and development. Children need growth hormone to develop normally. In adults, this hormone helps the body have enough muscle and fat, and strong bones to function well.

Dr. Lam Van Hoang, Head of the Department of Endocrinology – Diabetes, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said some people have a condition where the body produces too much growth hormone. Excess of this hormone causes gigantism syndrome in children and acromegaly in adults.

The process of increased growth hormone secretion causing acromegaly usually begins at the age of 20-40. The earliest manifestations are rough facial features, soft tissue swelling in the hands and feet, thicker hair, and thicker, darker skin. This hormone causes bones to grow excessively, leading to a protruding jaw (protruding jaw) and a misaligned bite. Increased laryngeal cartilage causes the voice to become deep and hoarse. Growth of costal cartilage leads to a barrel-shaped chest, causing degenerative arthritis and deformity.

Excessive growth hormone also increases nerve endothelial fibrosis, causing compression of nerves, leading to headaches. The heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, thyroid, parathyroid glands and pancreas are larger than normal, high risk of heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, enlarged heart, hypertension…

According to Dr. Hoang, excess of this hormone can promote colon polyp development, increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer, erectile dysfunction, irregular menstruation or amenorrhea.

Excess growth hormone can be due to many different causes such as pituitary tumors, pituitary damage or some diseases related to the thyroid and adrenal glands. Using certain medications for a long time without proper instructions can affect hormone balance in the body.

Depending on the cause, doctors prescribe different treatment methods including surgery (removing the pituitary tumor) or using drugs that inhibit growth hormone.

To prevent excess growth hormone and maintain hormone balance in the body, Dr. Hoang recommends that patients maintain a healthy diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and protein, and avoid fast food and foods high in fat and sugar. Exercise regularly, ensure enough sleep, and have regular health checks to detect growth hormone-related problems early.