Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a protein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. HGH stimulates cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and other animals.
In particular, HGH is responsible for:
HGH levels are highest during childhood and puberty, leading to accelerated growth. Production begins declining after early adulthood, leading to various undesirable effects associated with aging.
HGH therapy involves injections of synthetic human growth hormone to restore levels back to those of early adulthood. This can reverse or attenuate many symptoms of aging and provide a host of benefits.
Declining HGH levels can lead to a constellation of symptoms and adverse effects collectively known as adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). According to Endocrine Society guidelines, diagnosis requires patients to exhibit three or more of the following signs and symptoms:
The severity of symptoms tends to correlate with the degree of HGH deficiency. However, onset is often gradual, so patients may not notice symptoms for years. Obtaining an HGH blood test is the only way to accurately diagnose a deficiency.
Treatment with HGH injections can reverse many of these symptoms, providing transformative rejuvenating effects. But the benefits go much further than symptom relief...
Human growth hormone therapy offers a remarkable list of evidence-based benefits:
The benefits of HGH treatment are wide-ranging and often life changing. Most patients report feeling like a younger version of themselves. Quality of life dramatically improves across physical, mental and social domains.
Due to the gradual onset of symptoms, diagnosing HGH deficiency requires specialized blood testing of HGH levels. Normal reference ranges can vary by factors like age, sex, and body mass index. Provocative stimulation tests may also be used to assess the pituitary gland's ability to produce HGH.
Patients will typically be screened for deficiencies in other pituitary hormones like testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, and adrenal hormones. Combined pituitary hormone deficiency is not uncommon.
The Endocrine Society provides detailed clinical practice guidelines for evaluating suspected growth hormone deficiency in adults. However, standards continue to evolve as more research emerges.
Finding a physician experienced in hormone replacement therapy is crucial for accurately diagnosing and interpreting hormone deficiencies. WelnessTreatment Pro specializes in advanced hormone testing and replacement therapies.
Once a growth hormone deficiency is confirmed, treatment involves injections of synthetic recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH). Doses are titrated based on factors like age, gender, and level of deficiency. Frequency is typically daily at bedtime when natural HGH secretion peaks.
HGH injections are well-tolerated with few side effects when used at proper therapeutic dosages and monitored by a hormone therapy specialist. Benefits are often noticed within the first month and peak around 6 months.
Treatment is lifelong as the deficiency is considered permanent. Patients undergo regular clinical evaluation and lab testing to monitor progress and adjust dosing. Those appropriately treated under medical supervision can enjoy benefits for decades.
There are a variety of HGH injection options available:
The recombinant DNA-derived HGH injections are most commonly prescribed and recommended due to purity and dosing precision. Non-injectable secretagogues and peptides may be alternatives for needle-averse patients.
WelnessTreatment Pro offers all HGH therapy options. An experienced hormone doctor will recommend the optimal regimen based on a patient's needs and preferences.
HGH therapy begins with a loading dose phase to rapidly elevate levels:
| Loading Dose Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial dose | 0.2 to 0.3 mg injected daily at bedtime for 3-6 months |
| Dose adjustment | Gradually increased based on lab results and clinical response |
| Injection site | Subcutaneous into the abdomen, thighs or arms |
| Transition | After loading phase, dose is lowered to maintenance level |
For maintenance dosing:
| Maintenance Dosing | Details |
|---|---|
| Average dose | 1 to 3 IU per day |
| Frequency | Dividing into morning and evening doses may provide stable levels |
| Titration | Dose is titrated to optimal range based on IGF-1 lab testing |
| Monitoring | Periodic stimulated GH testing helps guide dosage adjustments |
Dosing must be individualized and regularly monitored. Finding an experienced HGH therapy clinic is crucial for maximizing benefits long-term while staying safe.
WelnessTreatment Pro offers state-of-the-art therapeutic protocols personalized to each patient's needs. Only the highest quality pharmaceutical-grade HGH is used.
To get the most from growth hormone therapy, certain lifestyle measures are recommended:
With an optimal lifestyle regimen tailored to the individual, HGH therapy delivers maximal benefits. WelnessTreatment Pro provides comprehensive treatment plans incorporating nutrition, exercise and stress reduction counseling.
Exciting research reveals that human growth hormone plays a key role in cognitive function and mental health in addition to its physical benefits:
Adequate HGH levels are essential for mental and cognitive well-being. An HGH deficiency should be considered as a potential factor in mood disorders, anxiety, poor sleep and cognitive decline. Testing and treatment may significantly improve these conditions when indicated.
WelnessTreatment Pro screens for and treats HGH deficiency with mental health aspects in mind. Combined counseling, advanced hormone testing and expert HGH therapy enables patients to look, think and feel their best.
As a master hormone that declines with age, HGH deficiency is implicated in many undesirable effects of aging. Optimizing growth hormone levels may be one of the most effective anti-aging therapies available.
While more research is still needed, the evidence so far indicates optimizing HGH levels long-term may support healthy longevity in humans. The physical and mental benefits certainly contribute to an improved quality of life.
The standard protocol for initiating HGH replacement therapy involves several steps:
Medical evaluation - Thorough history, physical exam and symptom questionnaire to determine if HGH deficiency is suspected.
Lab testing - Baseline blood tests of IGF-1 levels and possibly stimulated GH levels to confirm deficiency. Other hormone levels checked also.
Prescription - If deficient, synthetic recombinant human growth hormone is prescribed, typically a daily dose taken at bedtime.
Loading phase - A higher dose is used for first 3-6 months to elevate levels. Dose adjusted based on patient response and IGF-1 testing.
Maintenance phase - Dose is lowered for ongoing therapy. Testing conducted semiannually to monitor and adjust dose as needed.
Follow up - Patients undergo periodic clinical evaluation to assess progress and adjust treatment plans as needed over months and years.
Follow up testing includes: - IGF-1 levels - Lipid profiles - Blood cell counts - Thyroid levels - Liver enzymes - Blood sugar - Bone density
Protocols are tailored to the individual patient based on factors like age, gender, diet and lifestyle. Finding an experienced HGH therapy specialist like WelnessTreatment Pro is key to developing optimal treatment regimens.
A: Out of pocket costs range from $500 to $1000 per month depending on dose. Some health insurance plans may cover a portion, especially with demonstrable deficiency. WelnessTreatment Pro can check your coverage.
A: When properly dosed and monitored, side effects are uncommon. But excessively high doses can lead to joint pain, swelling, and other problems in the short term. Always work with an experienced prescribing doctor.
A: Most patients notice positive effects in energy, mood and sleep within the first 1-2 months. Physique changes of increased muscle and reduced fat become noticeable around the 3-6 month mark for most.
A: Studies show patients can safely continue treatment for 10 years or longer under a doctor's supervision with ongoing lab testing. Therapy can often last for life barring any adverse reactions.
A: Yes, growth hormone therapy often generates even greater benefits when combined with testosterone or other hormone therapies under an endocrinologist or hormone specialist's guidance.
WelnessTreatment Pro was founded to help patients optimize hormone levels and reverse the undesirable effects of aging. Our clinic specializes in testing, diagnosis and treatment of hormone deficiencies including growth hormone decline.
Benefits of choosing WelnessTreatment Pro for your HGH therapy needs:
If you are experiencing the effects of low growth hormone levels, contact WelnessTreatment Pro today. Our expert staff will listen to your concerns, thoroughly evaluate your hormone status, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Many patients find HGH replacement therapy profoundly life changing. We look forward to helping you restore your vitality and reclaim the younger, healthier you!
