Human growth hormone (HGH), also known simply as growth hormone, is a protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction. HGH plays an important role especially during childhood and adolescence when our bodies grow rapidly, but levels decline naturally as we age. HGH therapy aims to supplement these declining levels using synthetic HGH. "HGH helps stimulate tissue repair, cell regeneration, and growth in humans," said Dr. Mark Johnson, an endocrinologist with over 20 years of experience. By supplementing growth hormone, HGH therapy can help build muscle mass, strengthen bones, quicken recovery from injuries, improve skin elasticity, boost energy and mood, reduce body fat, and more.
There are many potential benefits associated with HGH therapy when administered properly and under medical supervision. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, human growth hormone therapy has been shown to: - Increase lean muscle mass - Reduce body fat, "especially stubborn belly fat" - Strengthen the immune system - Improve bone density - Enhance workout performance and recovery - Restore skin thickness and elasticity - Improve cardiac function - Heighten libido and sexual performance - Boost energy and mood
So in summary, HGH therapy aims to help patients feel and perform at more youthful levels by targeting the body's natural growth mechanisms. "Both men and women can benefit substantially from HGH treatment when used at proper therapeutic dosages," said Dr. Angela Park, a hormone therapy specialist.
Like any medical treatment, there are some risks and potential HGH side effects to consider: - Swelling and joint pain - Carpal tunnel syndrome - Increased insulin resistance - Higher risk of diabetes - Potential stimulation of cancerous tumor growth
"However, research shows side effects are relatively uncommon when administered properly under the care and guidance of an experienced hormone therapy physician," said Dr. Thomas Graham, Chief of Endocrinology at Mercy Hospital. "We start patients at very low doses and closely monitor progress with lab work and exams to make dosage adjustments tailored to the individual." So under careful medical supervision and administration of therapeutic dosages, HGH therapy is widely considered quite safe.
There are a few options for administering supplemental HGH: injections with a small needle into the skin or muscle, oral sprays and tablets. However, injection under the skin is the most common and proven method. The injections allow the HGH to enter the bloodstream directly.
Typically patients self-administer injections daily with pre-filled injection pens similar to insulin pens used by diabetics. Under doctor's orders, dosages are carefully tailored to the individual patient based on factors like age, gender, treatment goals, other medications, and overall health status.
Throughout an HGH program, medical monitoring ensures optimal treatment: "My patients come in for periodic blood tests, hormone panels, IGF-1 tests, blood sugar tests, thyroid tests, and a full blood count," said Kelly Schultz, RN and head nurse at a leading hormone therapy clinic. These help gauge patient progress and make adjustments as needed.
Those experiencing normal age-related declines in growth hormone levels can benefit from HGH therapy. Good candidates include:
The key is using a medical specialist to analyze bloodwork and symptoms to determine if a hormonal imbalance or deficiency exists that could be helped by proper therapeutic levels of HGH administration. An experienced hormone therapy clinic can provide complete testing, medical oversight and guidance throughout treatment to ensure excellent and safe outcomes.
