Growth hormones for adolescents. Instructions, tablets, injections, where to buy, price, doctors' reviews

Man's height varies from birth to puberty. This is facilitated by growth hormone (GH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. Often, the process slows down or, on the contrary, accelerates, and this happens most often in adolescents. It is necessary to notice something amiss in time, and seek help from a specialist.

Growth rates in adolescents by years

Growth hormone (GH) is constantly produced in the body, but its amount changes throughout life. The maximum concentration of the hormone in newborns, therefore, in the first year, the child grows by an average of 25 cm. For the second year, the increase is 10-12 cm, and in the future - 5-6 cm annually.

During puberty, adolescent growth is enhanced by an increase in the synthesis of GH, which contributes to the elongation of long bones (linear growth). In girls, puberty begins at 10-12 years old, and in a year they grow up to 8 cm. Puberty in boys begins later (13-14 years old). On average, they increase in height by 9.5 cm.

Usually, by the age of 15-17, girls stop growing, and in boys, this process continues until the age of 19-20.. Changes in growth occur in different ways, since the onset of puberty is individual for each adolescent. Some children grow evenly, others in leaps and bounds (especially in summer).

At this time, teenagers look awkward. Thinness is due to the fact that bones grow faster than muscle tissue. Conversely, body weight increases due to a pause in growth. By the end of puberty in healthy children, the parameters of height and weight are normalized and correspond to statistical data.

Reasons for short stature

With insufficient production of growth hormone, a growth deficit gradually develops. It can be noticed at an early age if the indicators increase by no more than 2-3 cm per year. You need to pay attention to this, otherwise in the future the growth will not exceed 140 cm.

There are several reasons for the development of short stature:

• family-constitutional factor - if the parents of a teenager are of short stature, then his indicators will be within the same limits;
• the onset of puberty - late puberty leads to growth retardation;
• hormonal disorders - with endocrine pathologies, the action of other hormones is disrupted, which affect the production of growth hormone;
• chronic diseases - rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, heart defects, inflammation of the kidneys of infectious etiology (pyelonephritis), cystic fibrosis;
• poor nutrition of a teenager;
• difficult psychological situation in the family - constant scandals, beatings;
• violation of the regime, leading to late falling asleep, lack of night rest;
• diseases at the genetic level - Down, Marfan, Turner, Prader-Willi syndromes.

What is a genetically engineered growth stimulant? Mechanism of action

If you suspect a growth retardation, it is necessary to contact an endocrinologist, who determines the characteristics of the child's development, reveals a lack of GH. In the second case, examinations are prescribed within the walls of the hospital, where the presence of endocrine pathologies is confirmed or denied.

Growth hormones for adolescents are prescribed as needed. Growth hormone is synthesized by genetic engineering. It is a 191 amino acid polypeptide (protein).

The development of the hormone began about 20 years ago. Through complex chemical processes, they found a gene that is able to encode this protein. For this, a method of splicing two DNAs of natural and synthetic origin was used.

The artificially created GH completely coincides with the human hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland, practically has no side effects.

GH affects all organs and tissues:

• activates growth processes;
• participates in the formation of proteins;
• affects the breakdown of fatty acids into their constituent parts;
• has a mineral-saving effect (Ca, Na, K, N, P);
• builds up protein mass;
• saves carbohydrates;
• increases the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate and collagen;
• ensures normal physical and mental development.

Can artificial hormones be used on my own?

Growth hormone preparations are prescribed by a doctor individually based on a clinical examination.

Treatment continues until the child reaches the desired result, or until the growth zones are closed, and depends on:

• the diagnosis made;
• the age of the patient;
• compliance with the doctor's recommendations.

Throughout the entire course of therapy, patients periodically (at least once a quarter) undergo examination, according to which the drug intake is adjusted.

The best results are achieved in the first year of drug therapy. With the continuation of treatment, it is necessary to increase the dose taken. Doctors state that there is no definite limit in the dosage of the drug. It is prescribed depending on the needs of the body.

With normal GH values, treatment is not prescribed, even if the child is short. Otherwise, the hormone will begin to accumulate in the body, and this is fraught with consequences (an increase in the size of individual parts of the body). Therefore, taking artificial hormone preparations on your own is contraindicated.

Forms of drugs

Growth hormones for adolescents are produced in the form of:

• ready-made solution for injection;
• powder (lyophilisate) for the preparation of a liquid product for subcutaneous administration.

The lyophilisate is in the cartridge. The kit includes a syringe with solvent.

To prepare a solution, you must:

• connect the cartridge to the syringe;
• insert the contents of the syringe into the cartridge;
• achieve complete dissolution of the powder by turning the bottle up and down (do not shake).

If powder particles remain in the solution, it cannot be used for injection.

Pros and cons of linear growth stimulants

With a GH deficiency, the appearance of a teenager has its own characteristics:

• the head becomes rounded;
• the neck is shortened;
• facial features do not develop;
• the upper and lower limbs remain miniature.

Treatment with growth hormone drugs promotes:

• strengthening and lengthening the skeletal system;
• improving the work of internal organs;
• the transformation of subcutaneous fat into muscle;
• strengthening the body's defenses;
• increasing mental abilities.

The conditional disadvantage of linear growth stimulants is that the use of drugs requires patience and constant self-control from the adolescent and his parents in following the doctor's recommendations. Indeed, only if the drug is administered daily, the treatment will bring the desired result.

Indications

The appointment of GH drugs is preceded by clinical studies on the level of growth hormone and other hormones that affect it. Bone age is detected using radiography.

With GH deficiency, there is a delay in skeletal maturation. CT and MRI studies are performed to confirm or deny the presence of pituitary and hypothalamic neoplasms. To clarify the diagnosis, provocative tests are performed on the body's ability to produce growth hormone.

The indications for the use of GR are:

• growth retardation with a lack of GH;
• GH deficiency in the presence of 2-3 other hormones;
• severe GH deficiency associated with a violation of the pituitary-hypothalamic structures;
• intrauterine growth retardation, which manifests itself by 4 years and older;
• genetic causes affecting the production of growth hormone;
• CNS tumors are inactive;
• after radiation therapy of the skull;
• short stature of children with genomic syndromes;
• GH deficiency in chronic renal failure.

Contraindications

Growth hormones for adolescents do not prescribe or stop taking it in the following conditions:

• negative reaction to the drug or any component;
• active growth of a malignant intracranial neoplasm;
• critical situations requiring urgent medical intervention (cardiac problems, abdominal surgery, trauma, ARVI, breathing problems);
• treatment of adolescents whose epiphyseal zones are closed.

There are conditions in which GH medications are prescribed with caution. This is:

• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• increased sugar;
• an increase in intracranial pressure indicators.

Side effects

With prolonged use of somatropin in adolescents, such unpleasant manifestations are possible:

• soreness appears at the injection site;
• swelling of the extremities develops;
• skin allergic reactions occur;
• possible problems with falling asleep;
• headaches are felt;
• increases in blood sugar;
• sensitivity disorder occurs (numbness, tingling);
• scoliosis progresses (with Prader-Willi syndrome).

In critical cases, the doctor stops therapy or reduces the dose of the drug.

Description, instructions for growth hormone preparations for adolescents

The pharmaceutical industry produces various types of growth hormone preparations, the active substance of which is somatropin.

The composition of medicines includes the following additional ingredients:

• histidine;
• glycine;
• mannitol, mannitol;
• sodium phosphate bipartite;
• sodium hydrogen phosphate heptahydrate;
• sodium hydroxide;
• phosphoric acid solution;
• sodium hydroxide solution;
• poloxamer;
• metacresol;
• methionine;
• sucrose;
• polysorbate 80.

Norditropin Nordilet

Norditropin Nordilet is prescribed for:

• growth hormone deficiency;
• Turner syndrome;
• renal failure, accompanied by a lack of GH.

The drug is available in the form of a ready-made solution for subcutaneous (or intramuscular) administration, the container with which is placed in a syringe pen. The drug is presented in the following dosages: 5, 10, 15 mg.

The syringe is intended for repeated use according to the doctor's prescription. The remains of the drug after the next injection should be stored in the refrigerator. Its validity lasts for 28 days.

Growth hormones for adolescents are prescribed at 0.07-0.1 IU / kg as a single administration at night. Sometimes the dose is doubled, but injections are made every other day. A new sterile needle is used for each subsequent injection. To avoid negative consequences on the skin, you need to inject the drug into a new place each time.

Genotropin

This is a lyophilisate (powder) for the preparation of an injection solution.

Genotropin is prescribed in the following cases:

• growth retardation due to lack of GH;
• developmental abnormalities as a result of gene changes;
• CRF, leading to impaired growth of tubular bones;
• lack of growth in intrauterine development.

The minimum dose of the drug is 0.025 mg / kg, the maximum dose is 0.067 mg / kg. Doctor's prescriptions depend on the diagnosis.

Contraindications for the use of a hormonal agent are the conditions listed above.

Before injection, it is necessary to prepare a solution of this hormonal drug. The lyophilizate cartridge is connected to a syringe filled with solvent and all of the liquid is injected into it. After complete dissolution of the powder, the solution is ready for use. For injections, use the Genotropin-Pen injector. The physician should train the parents in the necessary skills to use the device.

Jintropin

The growth hormone preparation is available in the form of a lyophilisate (1.33 and 3.33 mg each).

The contents of the vial must be mixed with water for injection (1 ml). The resulting solution is used in the form of subcutaneous or intramuscular injections as directed by a doctor. The remainder of the drug is stored in a cold place for 14 days.

Diagnosis	Single dose mg / kg	Recommendations
Lack of growth hormone	0,025-0,035	It is advisable to start therapy in the prepubertal period and before the closure of the epiphyseal zones.
Turner syndrome	0,045-0,05
Genomic disease (Prader-Willi syndrome)	0,035	Not prescribed if the growth is less than 1 cm per year
Chronic renal failure	0,045-0,05	Increasing dosage for poor growth (as recommended by a physician).
Lack of growth in the womb with a history of the disease	0,035	Treatment is stopped if: after a year of using the drug, the child's height increases by no more than 1 cm; if the indicators change by 2 cm, but the bone age is higher than the permissible norm.

Jintropin is administered once a day in the evening. Soreness may be felt at the injection site, which can be avoided by an injection in another part of the body.

Omnitrope

The drug is presented in the form of a ready-made solution for s / c or i / m injections with a dosage of 5 and 10 mg somatropin. The preparation contains benzyl alcohol and phenol, which act as preservatives.

Omnitrope is prescribed to adolescents and young children with growth retardation, which develops with such pathologies:

• insufficient production of GR;
• Turner and Prader-Willi syndromes;
• decrease in kidney function by half with chronic renal failure;
• at birth, the child had growth rates lower than it should be in the given gestational period.

For adolescents, this growth hormone is recommended in a dosage of 0.025 to 0.05 mg, depending on the disease diagnosed. The drug is intended for a single dose in the evening.

The initial stage of therapy requires the increased attention of the doctor. Lack of GH causes a decrease in the intercellular fluid, which is restored with the introduction of the drug.

But such a side reaction can develop, as fluid retention, which results in:

• swelling in the limbs;
• change in sensitivity;
• joint pain.

These conditions may disappear on their own, but more often - after lowering the dosage. When taking the drug, other side effects described above are possible.

Rastan

This preparation of somatotropic hormone is presented in the form of a lyophilisate, which is dissolved with an injection liquid. The second option is a ready-made solution. The drug contains 5 mg of the active substance.

Rastan has the following actions:

• accelerates the elongation of tubular bones;
• affects somatic growth;
• takes part in metabolic processes;
• builds muscle fibers;
• reduces visceral fat;
• increases the number and size of cells of internal organs;
• increases efficiency.

The drug is not prescribed for Prader-Willi syndrome. In other cases, a dosage of 0.025 to 0.05 mg is used, which depends on the diagnosis.

Injections in the same place can cause local reactions:

• redness;
• swelling;
• soreness;
• itchy condition;
• dent due to dissolution of the fat layer.

Drug prices

Pharmacies provide an opportunity to buy GH medications according to special prescriptions, which are issued by a doctor based on the diagnosis. Medicines prices:

A drug	Dosage in mg	Price in rub.
Norditropin Nordilet	5; 10; 15	4350 to 5403; 4295 to 5403; from 4295 to 5403
Genotropin	5,3	from 2790 to 5770
Jintropin	3,33	5000
Omnitrope	3,33; 6,7	from 1410 to 5200; from 4200 to 31900
Rastan	5	from 1500 to 12990

A responsible attitude to the health of the child will allow you to notice deviations in height and weight, and to contact an endocrinologist in time. In adolescent puberty, it is still possible to correct the parameters with the help of growth hormones. The main thing is not to miss this chance until the growth zones are closed.

Growth hormone videos

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