Patient's question:
The child is taking growth hormone to grow taller, can this interfere with the body? What are the side effects of growth hormone? The kind of help needed: The child is taking growth hormone to grow taller, can this interfere with the body? What are the side effects of growth hormone?Doctor's answer:
Currently, growth hormone testing is safe and reliable. If there is a deficiency in growth hormone, it is indeed necessary to receive injections. The common side effects are local redness and swelling/pain at the injection site, which usually resolve on their own within 3 to 5 days. Another potential issue is hypothyroidism, which often occurs 2 to 3 months after starting treatment. This can be corrected with oral thyroid hormone supplementation, and regular follow-up tests are sufficient.To prevent this, doctors typically recommend monthly hospital check-ups during the first year of treatment, after which the frequency can gradually be reduced to every 3 to 6 months.