Pituitary Dwarfism: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

The treatment for pituitary dwarfism aims at treating the problem of growth hormone deficiency which is a condition in the pituitary gland when it does not make enough growth hormone. The problem is characterized with disorders of growth and development as well. This condition starts developing in childhood itself and becomes even more evident when the child reaches puberty. In this condition, the growth and development of the child slows down or gets delayed. This condition is caused by a number of disorders in the functioning of the pituitary glands. This organ is located in the brain and is of the size of a pea.

there are two types of pituitary dwarfism. Pituitary dwarfism due to isolated growth hormone deficiency is the one in which there is a deficiency in the production of pituitary growth hormone. However, patients suffering from this problem develop proportionally and reach sexual maturity. These patients are capable of reproducing as well. In the other type of pituitary dwarfism which is known as Pituitary dwarfism due to isolated growth hormone deficiency, none of the pituitary hormones are produced adequately and endocrine failure is also manifested. Slow overall growth and no signs of reaching puberty are the general characteristics of this type of dwarfism.

In order to reduce any other growth disorders in children with pituitary dwarfism, growth hormone therapy is recommended which is very effective in many cases when the treatment starts during the growth process. Subcutaneous injections are given on a daily basis as the dose of hormone therapy until the child finally has an appropriate height. A synthetic growth hormone which is engineered genetically is used instead of the growth hormones extracted by cadavers. In case the child gets the condition with sexual infantilism, treatment starts including the sex hormone as well. In girls, hormones like estrogen and progesterone are added, whereas in boys, testosterone is added. It must be noted that, testosterone is to be added very carefully as it can have a virilizing effect in children

Other drugs can also be used to increase the production of growth hormones. Drugs like arginine, chlonidine, propranolol, and dopamine can be used effectively. Other anabolic substances like nandrolone, oxandrolone and fluoxinesterone, help in stimulating protein synthesis. This also increases cartilage and bone growth.

Another procedure includes the lengthening of the limbs via the process of a surgery. This surgical procedure just like any other involves a number of risks. There is an array of physical and emotional stress that is associated with the procedures therefore, it is highly recommended that a person waits until he or she has attained an age when the stress will not leave a lasting impression on the mind of the patient.

Seeing symptoms like seeing a stature 20%-25% lower than the normal average age stature is a strong signal that your child has pituitary dwarfism. High fat distribution around the waist, diminished muscle mass, underdevelopment of sexual organs is all symptoms of having this condition.

Any individual who does not show symptoms of this condition is not eligible for the treatment.

Growth hormone therapy has side effects like rash and pain at the sight of the injection, edema, transient fever, increased insulin resistance and other such problems.

This condition cannot be completely cured, however, early diagnosis and treatment can help in reducing the symptoms significantly. Taking medications for as long as prescribes is important to see an improvement in the overall health.

Pituitary dwarfism or dwarfism cannot be treated completely as it is a genetic disorder. However, you can regulate the symptoms by starting the treatment early on. Taking growth hormone therapy can be very effective as seen in many cases.

Pituitary dwarfism cannot be completely treated as the child’s growth is affected and the height stops increasing. However, treatment at early age can help in regulating the symptoms.

Pituitary gland can be healed and treated naturally. Avoiding high glycemic food and eating hawthorn berries, horny goat weed and maca have also proven to be helpful in treating the condition naturally.