What Is the Treatment of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults?

Clinical scenario

Adult growth hormone deficiency requires a structured, ongoing replacement approach. Because patient characteristics vary considerably, management cannot be standardised to a single fixed regimen — individual factors determine how treatment is introduced and adjusted over time.

Treatment approach

Growth hormone replacement forms the basis of management. Dosing is individualized rather than weight-based, with therapy initiated at a low dose and subsequently titrated. Age, sex, and estrogen status are among the factors that shape how the regimen is structured for a given patient.

The complete dose-titration algorithm, sex- and age-specific starting points, and adjustment schedule are detailed in the full protocol.

Treatment targets

The primary biochemical goal is an IGF-I level within the age-adjusted reference range, together with an appropriate clinical response and the absence of significant side effects. Response is reassessed at regular intervals throughout dose titration.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2011-0179

We recommend that GH-dosing regimens be individualized rather than weight-based and start with low doses and be titrated according to clinical response, side effects, and IGF-I levels.
We recommend that GH dosing take gender, estrogen status, and age into consideration.
Daily dosing should be increased by 100–200 μg every 1 to 2 months, the goals being an appropriate clinical response, an avoidance of side effects, and an IGF-I level in the age-adjusted reference range.

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