Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) in Adults: To Treat or Not To Treat?

over the last decade, different guidelines have been published for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of adult growth hormone deficiency (aghd). themes and recommendations common to the guidelines offer a pragmatic approach to the management of aghd. nevertheless, there is a need for more research in some key areas in which recommendations in the guidelines are supported by moderate evidence, at best. recent meta-analysis and long-term follow-up studies have contributed with valuable information on the efficacy and safety of gh therapy in adults. this review brings a historical perspective of the aghd, with an emphasis on the following aspects: (i) who are the appropriate candidates for gh therapy in adult life? (ii) how to make the diagnosis (iii) the impact of gh therapy; (iv) which therapeutic approach should be used? (v) how to follow and monitor the patients; and (vi) special aspects on mortality and longevity related to the gh-igf-1 axis.