Growth Hormone Replacement in Older Men Clinical Presentation

  • Author: Angela Gentili, MD; Chief Editor: George T Griffing, MD   more...
 
Updated: Nov 18, 2011
 

History

GHD in adults causes changes in body composition that are similar to those occurring with normal aging.

  • Decrease in lean body mass
  • Increase in total and abdominal fat
  • Decrease in muscle strength
  • Decrease in bone mineral density
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Causes

The pathophysiology of somatopause is confounded by several variables that can contribute to the decline in GH secretion associated with aging: adiposity, decreased production of sex steroid hormones, decreased physical fitness, fragmented sleep, and malnutrition (see Pathophysiology).

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Angela Gentili, MD  Director of Geriatrics Fellowship Program, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Angela Gentili, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Geriatrics Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Robert A Adler, MD  Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology and Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University

Robert A Adler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, and Endocrine Society

Disclosure: Eli Lilly Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Genentech Grant/research funds Independent contractor

Specialty Editor Board

Barry J Goldstein, MD, PhD  Director, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University

Barry J Goldstein, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Diabetes Association, and Endocrine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Don S Schalch, MD  Professor Emeritus, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics

Don S Schalch, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, Central Society for Clinical Research, and Endocrine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mark Cooper, MBBS, PhD, FRACP  Head, Diabetes & Metabolism Division, Baker Heart Research Institute, Professor of Medicine, Monash University

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

George T Griffing, MD  Professor of Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine

George T Griffing, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Medical Practice Executives, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, American Heart Association, Central Society for Clinical Research, Endocrine Society, International Society for Clinical Densitometry, and Southern Society for Clinical Investigation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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