Growth Hormone
- Production: Controlled by the hypothalamus, growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland.
- Release pattern: Typically released in pulses during sleep, stimulating growth until the end of adolescence.
Growth Hormone Disorders
- Pituitary tumors: Can lead to overproduction of growth hormone.
- Gigantism: Excessive growth before puberty.
- Acromegaly: Abnormal growth of hands, feet, and facial features after puberty.
- Acromegaly symptoms: Gradual onset over about 12 years, characterized by:
- Increased chest size
- Enlarged brow and lower jaw
- Underbite
- Treatment challenges:
- Pituitary gland’s location at the base of the brain makes surgery difficult.
- Accidental damage to other pituitary cells can cause severe side effects like insatiable appetite.