Growth hormone (GH) is recognized to have many important biological actions in adult life, thereby raising the question of routine GH replacement therapy for GH-deficient adults. GH-deficient adults have reduced bone mineral density, lean body mass and exercise capacity which may increase following treatment with GH. However, such potentially beneficial effects of GH do not currently constitute an absolute indication for GH replacement in the GH-deficient adult. In-depth unstructured interviews with 35 GH deficient adults have revealed that 94% dislike their body image, 91% have low energy levels, 83% have poor concentration and memory, 71% feel irritable, 66% report a lack of stamina, 63% report a lack of drive and 57% have difficulty coping with stressful situations. This reduction in the quality of life of the GH-deficient adult may constitute the major indication for GH therapy in adult life.
