sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Growth hormone deficiency: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache with vision loss, confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, or weakness that develops quickly.

    These symptoms can point to bleeding or sudden pressure in the pituitary area.

    A person with known pituitary-related cortisol deficiency needs emergency help for symptoms of an adrenal crisis, such as severe weakness, collapse, confusion, or persistent vomiting.

    Follow the emergency steroid plan provided by their clinical team.

    Low blood sugar in a newborn or infant, especially with unusual sleepiness, shaking, poor feeding, or seizures, also needs immediate medical care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treatment team promptly for a new limp, hip or knee pain, persistent swelling, severe or repeated headaches, or changes in vision while using growth hormone.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if a child appears to be growing more slowly than expected, is dropping across growth-chart lines, or has delayed puberty.

    Adults should seek routine assessment for persistent symptoms if they also have a history of pituitary disease, brain surgery, radiotherapy, or a significant head injury.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Growth hormone deficiency. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.