Growth Disorders Lifestyle and Prevention

For children:
Because growth hormone is taken for years, it is good for parents of children with GHD to be aware of some safety precautions:

• Carefully follow the directions for taking GH
• Tell all doctors who care for your child that he or she is undergoing growth hormone therapy
  
• Make sure your child takes any other prescription drugs exactly as prescribed
• Contact your child's doctor immediately if you have any questions about treatment or signs or symptoms which suggest a complication of GH treatment

In addition, encourage your child to have a healthy lifestyle. Eating a variety of healthy foods will help your child to grow and respond to growth hormone therapy. Be sure that your child gets regular exercise and plenty of sleep, too.

For adults:

Adults receiving GH treatment should also eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and plenty of sleep.

Some adults find their lives are much better after taking GH alone. Others may find they still need some help, particularly with the psychological symptoms of GHD. You may need medication to control anxiety or lift your mood.

Counseling may be helpful too. Some forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavior therapy, can allow you to correct negative thoughts you may be having. You also may want to join a support group with other adults who have GHD. Talking to others who have been through the same thing can be healing.

Editors:
Melvin M. Grumbach, MD
University of California, San Francisco
Department of Pediatrics

Erica A. Eugster, MD
Indiana University School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics

Last Updated: January 2008