Regular injections of synthetic (man-made) growth hormone will replace the missing naturally produced growth hormone and relieve your symptoms. You will probably continue taking this growth hormone replacement for a long time, because if you stop the treatment you will not get the benefits of your therapy. You will need to have your levels checked from time to time to make sure you are receiving the correct dose. Growth hormone is given as an injection once a day – usually at night, because this is when the body naturally produces most of its growth hormone. It’s not possible to give treatment as a tablet, because the digestive juices in the stomach would destroy it. But there are a few different devices available for giving growth hormone injections so you and your treatment team can find one that suits you.
If you do not like seeing needles: some devices can keep the needle hidden so you do not see it during the injection, or they can automatically insert the needle at the touch of a button.
If you do not want to use a needle at all: there are jet devices that push the growth hormone through the skin using pressure. These devices don’t use needles but that does not mean they are pain-free.
The type of device that is most suitable for you may change over time as your lifestyle changes – remember that you can review your decision and discuss your needs with your treatment team at any time.