The causes of AGHD can include pituitary disease, hypothalamic disease, surgery, radiation therapy, as well as trauma.

Generally, adults with AGHD can be divided into 2 major categories or groups:

Individuals who were growth hormone deficient as children and continue to be so as adults (childhood-onset AGHD patients)

Individuals who have became growth hormone deficient as adults (adult-onset AGHD patients)