Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) is a medical condition in which the body does not produce enough growth hormone (GH). Growth hormone, also called somatotropin, is a polypeptide hormone which stimulates growth and cell reproduction. HGH also refers to human growth hormone but this older abbreviation has begun to develop paradoxical connotations, particularly in relation to the peddling of medically unnecessary GH supplementation (so-called HGH quackery).
There are a variety of rare diseases which resemble GH deficiency, including the childhood growth failure, facial appearance, delayed bone age, and low IGF levels.
An educational segment discussing diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency. Learn more at hgfound.org about diagnosis and treatment options for many kinds of growth problems and related issues.