Understanding Excess Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in Children

According to Science Encyclopedia, the overproduction of HGH (human growth hormone) in children will lead to medical conditions such as giantism. Children who suffer from this condition sometimes reach heights in excess of eight feet.

Effects

• Children whose bodies overproduce HGH will have abnormal growth patterns, visual problems and mood changes.

Causes

• Certain tumors cause the body to overproduce HGH in children. Genetics can also predispose a child to produce too much HGH.

Identification

• To identify whether or not a child is overproducing HGH, a doctor will measure HGH levels through blood work.

Treatment

• If a tumor is detected, a doctor will perform surgery to remove it to stop the overproduction of HGH. For a child who overproduces hormones because of genetic causes, a doctor will administer medication to inhibit the HGH production.

Warning

• If the child has surgery to remove a tumor believed to be causing the overproduction of HGH, her blood glucose levels may decrease, which can result in hypoglycemia.