The side effects of growth hormone after more than a decade

Growth hormone therapy may have potential side effects such as joint pain, abnormal blood sugar levels, and increased cardiovascular risk after more than a decade, but long-term use is generally safe for most patients. Growth hormone is a protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It is clinically used to treat diseases such as growth hormone deficiency and idiopathic short stature in children, and must be strictly used according to medical advice and regulations. Long term use of growth hormone may affect joint cartilage metabolism, and some patients may experience knee or hip pain in adulthood, which is related to the dosage and duration of medication during adolescence. These symptoms can usually be relieved by reducing exercise intensity and applying local hot compress, and in severe cases, orthopedic evaluation is required. Growth hormone can antagonize insulin action, and blood glucose needs to be monitored during medication. A few patients may have abnormal glucose tolerance after more than ten years, but the probability of developing diabetes is low. Regular monitoring of fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin can aid in early intervention. Growth hormone may slightly increase blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is recommended that patients undergo annual blood lipid and electrocardiogram checks during long-term follow-up, and maintain a low salt and low-fat diet. A very small number of patients may experience benign intracranial hypertension, characterized by persistent headaches and blurred vision, which requires immediate discontinuation of medication and neurological examination. Overuse after closure of epiphyseal plates may lead to acromegaly like changes, but this rarely occurs in patients receiving standardized treatment. Individuals with a history of cancer should be alert to the theoretical risk of recurrence, but existing evidence does not show that growth hormone directly causes tumors.

It is recommended that patients undergo long-term follow-up to maintain moderate exercise, avoid excessive joint weight-bearing, and undergo annual assessments of blood glucose, bone density, and cardiovascular system. If there is unexplained headache or joint swelling, timely follow-up should be sought, and daily attention should be paid to supplementing vitamin D and calcium. Keeping complete growth curves and biochemical examination records during medication helps doctors evaluate long-term safety.