Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) aka dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism

The primary symptom of growth hormone deficiency is a noticeable slow growth (less than two inches per year), although the body has normal proportions.

Children with growth hormone deficiency may also have: An immature face, meaning he or she looks much younger than his or her peers. A chubby body build.

Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in infants and children:

• Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in infants and children results in poor growth. The main sign of GHD in children is slow height growth each year after a child’s third birthday. This means they grow less than about 1.4 inches in height a year.
• Other symptoms of GHD in children and infants include:- – A younger-looking face than what’s expected for their age.
  – Impaired hair and nail growth.
  – Delayed tooth development.
  – Delayed puberty.
  – Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) in infants and toddlers.
  – A very small penis (micropenis) in newborns assigned male at birth.

Symptoms of adult-onset GHD can be more difficult to detect. Symptoms include:

• Reduced sense of wellbeing.
• Anxiety and/or depression.
• Decreased energy levels.
• Increased body fat, especially around your belly.
• Decreased muscle tone.
• Decreased bone density, which leads to osteoporosis.
• Insulin resistance, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes.
• Increase in LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which increases your risk of heart disease.