Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a vital hormone produced in the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth and development. As we age, HGH production tends to decline, leading to undesirable effects.
Around age 30, HGH levels start to fall by 10-15% per decade. By age 60, HGH levels may be only 25% of what they were in young adulthood. This decline is associated with changes in body composition and function.
HGH has several important functions:
With falling HGH, these functions become impaired.
Common signs and symptoms of declining HGH levels include:
HGH therapy aims to restore HGH levels using synthetic somatotropin injections. This can provide a variety of meaningful benefits:
Several studies show HGH therapy can boost lean body mass while reducing fat mass, especially abdominal visceral fat. The end result is an improved body composition with more muscle and less fat.
Research indicates HGH therapy increases bone mineral density. This may lower fracture risk and help prevent osteoporosis.
HGH helps regulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Normalizing HGH with therapy can enhance metabolic function.
Multiple studies demonstrate HGH therapy improves exercise capacity. Patients can achieve higher intensity and longer duration activity.
Many patients report significant improvements in energy, mood, motivation, sleep quality and overall sense of wellbeing on HGH therapy. Quality of life markedly improves.
HGH deficiency becomes increasingly common with older age. However, patients under age 60 may also develop bona fide growth hormone deficiency warranting treatment.
Ideal candidates for HGH therapy include those with:
Conditions affecting the pituitary gland are common causes of HGH deficiency, including:
If left untreated, childhood HGH deficiency can persist into adulthood. HGH therapy may still be appropriate for these patients.
Sometimes HGH deficiency occurs due to unexplained or unknown causes, termed idiopathic deficiency. Therapy can still be highly effective for these patients.
Growth hormone deficiency frequently accompanies HIV/AIDS infection. This is another appropriate and responsive indication for HGH therapy.
Since blood HGH levels fluctuate widely throughout the day, testing often includes stimulation tests to assess the pituitary's capacity to produce HGH.
IGF-1 is stimulated by HGH and serves as an excellent marker of HGH activity. Chronically low IGF-1 suggests HGH deficiency. However, IGF-1 levels also decline normally with older age.
Injecting agents like arginine or glucagon stresses the pituitary to secrete HGH. Measuring the HGH response determines if true growth hormone deficiency exists.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualizes the pituitary to detect tumors or structural abnormalities potentially impairing HGH production.
While often associated with athletes and anti-aging, HGH therapy was originally developed in the 1980s to treat children with growth hormone deficiency to help them attain normal height during adolescence. When properly prescribed and monitored by a doctor, it can significantly improve health and quality of life.
If testing confirms bona fide HGH deficiency, daily injections of bioidentical growth hormone can effectively restore levels.
Subcutaneous injection into fat tissue is standard. Common sites include the thighs, buttocks or abdomen. Rotation prevents skin irritation.
Starting dosage is typically 0.2 to 0.5 mg daily. This is titrated over months based on clinical response and IGF-1 levels, up to a maximal dosage of about 1.5 mg daily.
Injection at bedtime appears optimal since natural HGH secretion peaks overnight during sleep. However, some flexibility in timing is allowable if needed.
HGH therapy often requires long-term and potentially lifelong treatment similar to thyroid hormone replacement. Therapy is well tolerated for decades in many patients.
Choosing an experienced HGH therapy clinic like Harmony Hormone Center in Minden offers important advantages.
Our clinic focuses specifically on hormone balance including growth hormone restoration. You benefit from our advanced training and extensive experience successfully treating thousands of patients over 20 years.
We utilize the latest evidence-based protocols personalized for your unique needs, circumstances and treatment goals. This ensures excellent safety, effectiveness and satisfaction.
While we prescribe bioidentical HGH therapy when clinically appropriate, we also provide nutritional, lifestyle and holistic guidance tailored to you. Our integrative approach optimizes wellness and vitality.
In addition to closely supervising your HGH therapy, we also offer continued clinical, educational and emotional assistance to help you thrive during treatment.
Certain lifestyle measures can enhance the benefits of HGH therapy:
Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet high in lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Certain supplements like vitamins D and K may offer added advantages.
Engage regularly in strength training plus aerobic activity consistent with your fitness level and physical health. This helps build muscle, burn fat and support bone strength. Consider working with a personal trainer.
Growth hormone secretion falls with emotional stress. Effective stress relief via mindfulness, yoga, massage or counseling protects hormone balance. Make sufficient sleep a priority.
Certain prescription drugs impair HGH activity. Discuss all medications with your doctor to ensure no unnecessary interference with your therapy.
We closely partner with other establishments to fully support your wellbeing during treatment:
Offers full hormone testing services plus general health screening.
Our trusted nearby hospital for imaging, specialty care and emergency services.
Fabulous facility providing massage, acupuncture, yoga, meditation and other stress-relieving services.
Conclusion
In summary, declining growth hormone levels contribute to undesirable symptoms common during aging. HGH deficiency warrants timely diagnosis and treatment. Through specialized expertise and cutting-edge therapies personalized to your needs, Harmony Hormone Center in Minden stands ready to help you restore peak wellness, fitness and vitality. We look forward to partnering with you on your treatment journey.
