Some key signs and symptoms of growth hormone (HGH) deficiency in adults include:
Adults with low HGH levels often have less muscle mass and strength compared to healthy individuals. This can impact physical functioning and ability to conduct daily activities. Treatment with HGH injections can help rebuild and maintain muscle mass.
HGH helps regulate distribution of body fat. HGH deficiency can result in increased body fat, particularly around the stomach and waist. HGH therapy can help reduce body fat, especially stubborn belly fat.
Feeling constantly drained, fatigued and having low energy levels is a common symptom of HGH deficiency. This tiredness often persists despite getting adequate rest. HGH injections can significantly improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Low HGH levels are associated with developing anxiety, depression, lack of motivation and overall poor mood. HGH helps regulate chemicals in the brain that influence emotions and mood. Restoring HGH levels can improve emotional health and outlook.
HGH plays a key role in maintaining healthy bone density. Not having enough HGH can lead to developing osteopenia or osteoporosis. Getting HGH replacement therapy helps improve bone strength and density.
HGH deficiency can negatively impact memory, ability to focus, think clearly and process information - all key aspects of cognitive function. Optimizing HGH levels enhances cognitive performance.
Low libido, lack of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction are potential consequences of not having enough HGH. The hormone is involved in regulating reproduction and sexuality. HGH injections can improve libido, sexual performance and enjoyment.
Disturbances in duration and depth of sleep are commonly reported in those with HGH deficiency. This includes difficulty falling asleep, frequently waking up during the night, and feeling unrested in the morning. HGH replacement therapy can improve sleep quality and duration.
Hair thinning and loss is associated with lower HGH levels, since the hormone plays a role in regulating hair growth cycles. Increasing HGH production with replacement therapy can help address hair loss.
HGH injections and replacement therapy help restore healthy growth hormone levels to treat deficiency. Here are the basics:
HGH stands for human growth hormone - it is produced by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. As the name suggests, HGH plays a key role in growth and development, especially during puberty. But HGH continues to be important throughout adulthood for regulating body processes like muscle and bone mass, body fat distribution, mood, energy and more.
There are several potential causes of HGH deficiency:
Diagnosing HGH deficiency involves blood tests to measure current IGF-1 and growth hormone levels, along with assessing signs/symptoms and risk factors. The blood test to diagnose this is called an IGF-1 level test.
The doctor will order and analyze an IGF-1 test to establish a diagnosis of HGH deficiency. They will also take a full medical history, perform a physical exam, and evaluate for the many signs/symptoms associated with low growth hormone levels.
If low HGH levels are detected, HGH replacement therapy will be prescribed. This involves regular injections of biosynthetic human growth hormone to restore levels.
HGH injections are given subcutaneously (under the skin) on areas like the thighs, hips or abdomen. This allows for steady absorption into the bloodstream. The hormone cannot be taken as pill since HGH would be broken down by stomach acids.
The frequency of injections ranges from 3-7 times per week, with daily being most optimal. The dosage is tailored to the individual based on factors like age, gender, severity of deficiency, and treatment goals.
It takes approximately 3-6 months to experience the full treatment benefits of HGH therapy. The duration of treatment depends on the underlying cause, but often therapy is continued long-term to maintain benefits.
Patients get periodic blood tests (every 4-6 months typically) to monitor IGF-1 levels and ensure dosage continues to be appropriate. The doctor adjusts the HGH dosage based on the lab results and clinical response.
Patients with HGH deficiency treated using biosynthetic growth hormone injections experience numerous benefits. Some major improvements include:
HGH stimulates protein synthesis and growth of skeletal muscle. This leads to noticeable increases in lean muscle mass, allowing patients to gain strength, stability and improve body composition.
With increases in muscle mass, strength and energy levels, patients find they can undertake more strenuous exercise training. This enhances capacity for both cardio and resistance exercise, further amplifying fitness outcomes.
Patients commonly lose significant abdominal/visceral body fat after several months of HGH therapy. This is partly due to increases in fat metabolism and using fat as an energy source during activity. The hormone helps mobilize stored fat, leading to substantial fat loss.
HGH directly stimulates osteoblast cells that rebuild bone, leading to marked improvements in bone mineral density. This is key for preventing fractures from falls and osteoporosis. Those already diagnosed see stabilization or even reversal of bone loss.
HGH helps strengthen heart muscles while lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels. This leads to noticeable enhancement in cardiovascular functioning - improved circulation, blood pressure levels, oxygen uptake and more.
HGH significantly increases collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining youthful-looking skin, hair and nails. Patients notice improvements in skin elasticity, texture, and hydration. Nails grow faster and stronger as well with collagen regeneration.
With HGH therapy, most patients report feeling like they have turned back the clock 10-20 years when it comes to energy levels and endurance. They have enthusiasm for exercising, socializing and conducting daily activities without needing long rest periods.
Research indicates HGH enhances connectivity between brain networks and neurotransmitter function. Patients undergoing therapy often see noticeable sharpening of memory, focus, concentration, information processing speed and reaction time.
HGH is intrinsically tied to regulating circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. Most patients find falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer without waking up, and feeling well-rested in the morning. This amplifies other health benefits.
Both men and women undergoing HGH therapy often report increased interest and enjoyment surrounding intimacy and sex. This includes improved libido, sexual arousal/sensation, orgasm intensity and erectile function for male patients.
While specific HGH dosing and frequency of injections varies and is tailored by doctors, treatment generally follows a standard procedure:
The frequency of injections is critical - daily regimens lead to the best absorption and stable blood levels needed to stimulate tissue growth and amplify other desirable therapeutic effects. Timing injections in the late evening can enhance quality of sleep as an added benefit.
After several months, progress is evaluated to determine length of therapy. The goal is to continue treatment until target hormonal levels and intended benefits are achieved and maintained long-term. Most patients remain on lifelong HGH therapy due to the underlying cause of their deficiency. With proper medical guidance, HGH replacement treatment is extremely safe and rewarding.
While often associated with athletic performance enhancement, HGH injections are actually approved for medical treatment of growth hormone deficiency and short stature in children. When prescribed by a doctor and used appropriately under medical supervision, HGH can help kids with serious growth issues reach more typical heights.
Regardless of underlying cause, addressing abnormally low HGH levels through hormone replacement therapy is critical for both short and long-term health. Reasons why include:
Without treatment, decreased muscle strength and mass progresses over time. This negatively impacts mobility, stability, metabolism, and a host of other areas. Optimizing HGH prevents further declines in lean muscle tissues.
Bone density continues worsening when HGH deficiency goes untreated, eventually leading to osteoporosis. This vastly increases odds of debilitating bone fractures. Replacement therapy strengthens bones.
Research shows low HGH levels increase risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death. Raising HGH levels reduces cardiovascular risks substantially.
With fatigue, mood changes, cognitive issues, sexual problems and sleep disturbances all improving thanks to therapy, patients experience immense enhancements in all aspects of daily living and overall life quality.
Patients deficient in HGH show accelerated aging - appearing much older than actual age. Restoring growth hormone levels helps reclaim a more youthful appearance and energy levels.
Due to the immense, body-wide benefits of normalized HGH levels, seeking prompt evaluation and treatment for suspected deficiency through reputable hormone clinics delivers immense rewards now and years into the future.
There are many reasons Brooklyn Park patients trust Balance Health Clinic when it comes to experiencing the full benefits of customized HGH replacement therapy.
Our clinic's team solely comprises doctors and nurses specializing exclusively in hormone-related health. With extensive training in anti-aging, regenerative and functional medicine, our practitioners offer unparalleled expertise.
We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques beyond standard blood tests, including genetic assays, metabolic analysis, microbiome profiling and more. This allows creating highly-tailored treatment plans to address root causes of hormonal imbalance for each patient.
Balance Health Clinic provides access to a wide array of state-of-the art hormone optimization therapies, including HGH injections, peptide therapies, hormone pellets, intravenous therapies and additional supporting regenerative treatments to enhance patient outcomes.
Through instruction during consultations, patients can self-administer daily HGH injections in the comfort and privacy of home rather than needing to make frequent office visits for injections. This leads to better compliance.
Hormone therapy is never one-size-fits-all. Our practitioners personalize and modify your treatment protocol based on lab testing, family history, genetic risks, symptoms and goals to promote safety and maximize benefits.
With routine follow-up bloodwork, progress tracking forms, around-the-clock on call availability and consistent patient education, Balance Health Clinic streamlines HGH therapy management for optimal treatment adherence and lasting wellness.
Visit our top-rated Brooklyn Park functional medicine clinic today to explore your hormone therapy options and determine if HGH replacement aligns with your health goals! Our compassionate staff is ready to guide you towards regaining your vitality.
