Growth Hormone Therapy
Doctors prescribe growth hormone therapy to children with growth hormone deficiency. It is a naturally safe treatment that usually does not have harsh side effects, except for one: it may cause high blood sugar levels, resulting in acanthosis nigricans. Other side effects are often very mild, like an allergic reaction at the site of GH injection, headache, and joint pains.
The good news is that the severe side effect of heightened blood sugar levels may go away as soon as the treatment stops. Therefore, the doctors need to know if it is growth hormone therapy that is causing one’s problem with dark skin patches that may appear in different parts of the body, particularly in the folds. That way, they may recommend whatever treatment adjustments the patient needs to get the full benefit of GH minus the acanthosis nigricans side effect.
Ruling out the actual cause of acanthosis nigricans is critical, whether it is growth hormone therapy or another health condition. Insulin resistance could make the body system go haywire, and it is crucial to address the root of the problem before it goes out of hand.
