Question
Does injecting growth hormone affect a child’s growth and development? Is it unsafe, and are there any side effects?
Answer
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) can lead to transient hyperglycemia, which usually returns to normal as the medication duration shortens or stops. In clinical trials, approximately 1% of short-statured children experience side effects, commonly including localized transient reactions at the injection site (pain, numbness, swelling, etc.) and symptoms of fluid retention (peripheral edema, joint pain, or muscle pain). These side effects occur earlier but the incidence decreases with the duration of treatment, and it is rare for them to interfere with daily activities.