How the pituitary level effects height, whats the diagnosis, what hormone would be prescibribed and why?
The parents of 14 year old Megan are concerned about her height because she is only 4 feet tall and they are both closed to 6 feet tall. After tests by their doctor, it was confirmed that her thyroid gland was functioning normally as well as her ovarian hormonal production. The problem seems to be at the pituitary level. Certain hormone is prescribed for the girl. What is the probable diagnosis? What hormone is prescribed, and explain why the girl might expect to reach normal height?
User Comments
- http://www.pituitary.org/faq/
The pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that functions as "The Master Gland." From its lofty position above the rest of the body it sends signals to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, directing them to produce thyroid hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and many more. These hormones have dramatic effects on metabolism, blood pressure, sexuality, reproduction, and other vital body functions. In addition, the pituitary gland produces growth hormone for normal development of height and prolactin for milk production.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/...
Treatment
Synthetic growth hormone can be used for children with growth hormone deficiency. This treatment requires the assistance of a pediatric endocrinologist. Treatment with synthetic (recombinant) human growth hormone is generally considered to be safe, with rare side effects.
If the deficiency is an isolated growth hormone deficiency, synthetic growth hormone is given alone. If the deficiency is not isolated, other hormone replacement preparations will be required as well.
Expectations (prognosis)
Growth rates are improved in most children treated with growth hormones, although the effectiveness may decrease with prolonged treatment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/growth_horm...
Growth hormone (GH or somatotropin) is a 191-amino acid, single chain polypeptide hormone which is synthesised, stored and secreted by the somatotroph cells within the lateral wings of the anterior pituitary gland, which stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other animals.
- Pituitary gland secretes a hormone called "somatotropin", which determines the height of a person.
Its deficiency causes dwarfism.
It can be diagnosed by stunted growth, disproportionate growth of the jaws & limbs.
Somatotropic hormone is prescribed to attain normal height.
All the best for magan.