Somatopause (synonyms: STH deficiency; STH deficiency; growth hormone deficiency; ICD-10-GM E88.9: metabolic disorder, unspecified) describes the progressive decline in STH (somatotropic hormone, growth hormone) secretion with consecutive STH deficiency in middle-aged and older adults.
The hormone STH is a peptide produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and is secreted irregularly throughout the day, with the greatest secretion occurring during sleep. It plays a central role in various metabolic processes.
The release of STH is controlled by SRF = GRH, GRF – the somatotropin-releasing factor and somatostatin. The effect of STH is mainly indirectly caused by IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor I), also called somatomedin C, which is produced in the liver from STH.
Because the hormone is indispensable for normal length growth, its secretion is particularly high during puberty. If too little of the hormone is produced, this leads to microsomia (short stature) in children and adolescents, for example. In contrast, an oversupply of STH at pubertal onset, i.e. before the growth plates of the bones close, leads to pituitary gigantism or hypersomia (giant growth) due to an adenoma (benign tumor) of the anterior pituitary lobe. In case of oversupply after completion of the growth age, the so-called acromegaly (selective enlargement of nose, ears, chin, hands, feet, zygomatic bone and the vertebral bodies) occurs without increase in height.
Today it is known that the hormone also influences a number of important metabolic processes in adulthood. Here, it no longer has a growth-promoting effect, but an anabolic effect, i.e. it strengthens or maintains tendons, connective tissue and muscles. Growth hormone is therefore also indispensable for mental and physical well-being.
Gender ratio: Men and women are equally affected.
Frequency peak: The drop in STH secretion associated with somatopause occurs between the third and sixth decades of adult life and takes place in parallel with menopause (menopause in women) or andropause (menopause in men).
Course and Prognosis: The decrease in STH secretion, which increases with age, is considered an important factor in aging in older adults and is associated with the classic structural changes of the aging organism.
