Providing the most current informationon the function of human growth hormone (GH) and the consequences of itsdeficiency, this practical yet comprehensive text is divided into threesections. Part one describes the mechanisms of GH secretion and action,including the physiology of GH and its regulation by sex steroids and thyroidhormones, the effects of both under nutrition and obesity on GH secretion, andthe metabolic effects of human recombinant GH therapy. The second sectioncovers diagnostic strategies and tests for GH deficiency in both children andadults, including MRI of the pituitary. The final section describes thedifferent etiologies of GH deficiency, from molecular mechanisms and geneabnormalities to cranial radiation and traumatic brain injury, along withsyndromes related to this deficiency. Presenting underlying mechanisms andpathologies, as well as diagnostic methods, GrowthHormone Deficiency will provide the mostup-to-date essential information and evidence on this condition for theclinical endocrinologist.