Lionel Messi's Career Almost Destroyed Due To GHD
Whether you are a football fan or not, just mentioning Lionel Messi will surely recognize this iconic football icon. The cunning player in this versatile goal is the player and captain of FC Barcelona and Argentina.
Behind the success of Messi or his nickname La Pulga (The Atomic Lice), there is a dark history in his life where his dream was almost destroyed when he once had Growth Hormone Disorder (GHD).
What is GHD?
As a child, Messi dreamed of becoming a leading football player when he grew up. However, due to growth hormone disorders, his dream may be buried just like that.
Growth hormone deficiency or GHD is a condition in which the human brain's pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone for individuals to experience it. It is estimated that about 1 in 7,000 babies will have this condition.
Of course, you can see Messi's body is slightly smaller, less tall, and less weight than individuals his age at the beginning of his career. However, it is a condition that can be treated with the help of growth hormone injections. If left unchecked, the growth of the individual becomes slow and stunted.
FC Barcelona Rescue Lionel Messi Career
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is considered the best footballer in the world alongside world football legends Pele, Maradona, Zidane, and Ronaldinho.
Together with FC Barcelona, he has won 6 Baloon d'Or, 6 European Golden Shoes, 34 trophies, and various other prestigious awards. When this article was written, Messi had already scored 500 goals in his last 500 appearances with FC Barcelona.
All these achievements are the result of FC Barcelona's help in financing Messi's medical expenses to treat his GHD condition. Messi was recruited by Barcelona when he was 13 years old. Looking at Messi's talent, Barcelona is confident that they made the right decision and then showed success after success created by Barcelona together with Messi.
What Causes GHD?
Apart from the disability of the pituitary gland described above, several other factors contribute to the increased risk of GHD, including:
- Children with a cleft lip will usually have problems with their pituitary gland.
- The presence of tumors located in the area around the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain.
- Injuries, infections, or radiation treatment to the brain may also cause GHD. This situation is known as acquired growth hormone deficiency (AGHD).
What are the symptoms of GHD?
Those with GHD will stunt their growth. Other symptoms include:
-
Shorter body shape and stout
- Adult puberty is slow
- Sexual development is stunted
- Low self-confidence
- Male voices do not rupture after puberty
- Breasts do not grow perfectly for women
Not only that, but AGHD is also likely to cause bones to become brittle and easily broken. More frighteningly, this condition may cause other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Psychologically, GHD patients may experience depression, lack of concentration, poor memory, and anxiety.
Conclusion
GHD is a rare condition that affects both physically and mentally for those who suffer from it. Make Lionel Messi an example to get the right treatment right away and move on with your life and achieve the success and dreams you want. There are no obstacles that can stop you, okay!
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