Although HGH therapy is often associated with athletes trying to gain a competitive edge, one of its most common and FDA-approved uses is actually to treat growth hormone deficiency in children to help them achieve normal height and development.
Maintaining optimal HGH levels is essential for overall health and vitality. However, HGH production naturally decreases with age, often leading to growth hormone deficiency in adults. Treatment with HGH therapy can help restore hormone levels, providing extensive anti-aging and metabolic benefits.
Human growth hormone (HGH) is made up of a structure of 191 amino acids. It is synthesized and secreted by unique endocrine cells called somatotrophs, located within the lateral wings of the anterior pituitary gland.
HGH possesses highly specialized physiological functions, playing a key role in several complex metabolic processes. This hormone acts directly on tissues and cells to stimulate cellular reproduction, growth and regeneration.
Some key facts about HGH:
By supporting cell reproduction and regeneration, HGH helps maintain the structure and function of tissues and organs throughout the body. This includes vital systems such as the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and muscles.
While essential through all life stages, maintaining optimal HGH levels is particularly important as we age. Among other vital functions, HGH helps counteract age-related physiological decline by:
Studies show that HGH therapy can help restore youthful hormone ranges in HGH deficient adults. This leads to extensive anti-aging and metabolic benefits, improving body composition, enhancing vitality, supporting better health and an improved quality of life.
Growth hormone production peaks during adolescence and early adulthood. After age 30, HGH levels steadily decline at rate of about 14% per decade. Often by the time adults reach their 40s and 50s, HGH levels have decreased significantly enough to be considered clinically deficient.
Low HGH is associated with several bothersome signs and symptoms related to physiological decline, including decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, low energy, poor concentration and memory, thinning hair, reduced immunity, decreased libido, and loss of skin elasticity resulting in wrinkles.
Furthermore, researchers have linked long-standing HGH deficiency to higher risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis and osteoporosis.
Fortunately HGH therapy provides a safe and effective way for adults diagnosed with clinically low growth hormone levels to correct this deficiency. Treatment works to restore optimal HGH levels, leading to remarkable improvements in energy, body composition, bone density, cholesterol profiles, cardiovascular function, mental acuity, immune function, hair/skin quality and an enhanced sense of overall health and wellbeing.
Identifying growth hormone deficiency involves diagnostic blood testing along with a complete medical evaluation to assess clinical signs and symptoms.
Adults with declining HGH often start to notice bothersome symptoms associated with decreased tissue and organ function. Common symptoms of low HGH include:
While not everyone with low HGH experiences all (or even multiple) symptoms, adults concerned about bothersome health changes related to aging are advised to consider testing. Evaluation is the only way to determine if declining HGH is a contributing factor.
Clinically diagnosing HGH deficiency requires specific blood analysis along with a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify symptomatic correlations. Two key lab tests are necessary:
Analysis of IGF-1 and stimulation test results, along with a physician’s assessment of correlated deficiency symptoms determines if HGH therapy is clinically indicated. Ongoing monitoring of IGF-1 levels serves to guide appropriate dosage adjustments over the course of treatment.
Careful oversight of HGH therapy helps ensure patient safety and optimal benefits. Protocol involves appropriately starting treatment, monitoring for effectiveness, and making dosage adjustments as needed over time.
Prior to starting, medical and family histories are reviewed, along with baseline blood analysis and discussion of treatment goals. Women must have pregnancy ruled out prior to starting.
HGH is administered via subcutaneous injection, rotating sites to minimize skin irritation. While dosage must be individualized based on lab results and symptomology, most patients begin with a starting dose of approximately 1 IU per day.
Patients/caretakers receive thorough instruction to ensure proper preparation and administration techniques. Follow up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress, review injection logs, renew prescriptions and perform ongoing lab tests.
Patients achieve optimal improvements by combining HGH therapy with healthy lifestyle modifications including:
Working closely with practitioners helps patients implement realistic, sustainable changes to amplify improvements. Check out the “Hormone Replacement Lifestyle Guide” eBook available on our website for helpful information.
Clinical oversight aims to continually assess progress towards restoration of optimal IGF-1 ranges correlated with symptomatic relief. Follow up blood tests are performed approximately every 3 months to gauge biochemical response and determine if dosage adjustments are indicated.
Appointments also cover any side effect management, discussion of lifestyle modifications, addressing patient questions or concerns, and renewing prescriptions. While most patients utilize treatment long-term under careful supervision, length of therapy is individualized based on clinical indications.
Successful treatment requires specialized training and ample experience in endocrine dysfunction combined with appropriate follow up and monitoring. Work only with reputable clinics staffed by expert hormone physicians.
Our doctors complete advanced training and certification focused specifically on the intricate dynamics of hormone balance and regulation. This specialized insight allows our practitioners to identify and address the root causes of hormonal imbalances using cutting edge testing and targeted treatment protocols personalized for your unique needs.
We continually upgrade our understanding through ongoing seminars, data analysis and peer reviewed journal study. You can feel confident our staff offer the clinical expertise to identify candidates who may benefit from therapy and deliver customized treatment plans aimed at optimal wellness and disease prevention.
New Beginnings HRT Clinic provides comprehensive support to Washington patients including, but not limited to:
New Beginnings HRT Clinic maintains optimal availability in Washington for timely and responsive patient support. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our highly qualified hormone experts. Our caring staff look forward to assisting you.
