Question
What are the effects of using growth hormone on a child’s own growth and development?
Answer
Growth hormone (GH) is a naturally occurring non-homologous protein in the human body. In clinical treatment, the dosage used is the minimum effective amount, which is safe and effective, and will not negatively impact a child’s growth and development. Additionally, it does not interfere with the secretion of endogenous GH because patients are unable to produce sufficient GH or have insufficient secretion, thus requiring external supplementation. The minimum effective dose does not suppress the patient’s own GH secretion.