As we age, we lose the ability to produce sufficient human growth hormone. Although this hormone is produced in the pituitary gland in our brains, it is used by our bodies for many crucial aspects of a healthy life.
The role of human growth hormone in metabolism
For instance, growth hormones have a big say in metabolic matters. These are things like fat metabolism, regulation of blood sugar (glucose), and maintaining strong muscles. All these processes are integral to our good health no matter what age we find ourselves at. If levels are not in balance, we can find ourselves facing diseases such as:
- diabetes,
- obesity,
- fatigue,
- muscle growth and
- the metabolization of protein.
When this hormone is out of balance in our bodies, we become more susceptible to certain metabolic disorders, including poor heart health and fat accumulation.
Knowing your levels is not always enough to combat the possible outcomes, especially as we age. HGH therapy can be critical in some situations. It enhances fat loss, improves muscle mass, regulates blood sugar, and boosts energy and endurance. We can all relate to those issues at some point.
How to get started
If you are seeking growth therapy, it is essential to consult a qualified physician. Trained doctors can assess your hormone levels and create a treatment plan if necessary. Follow-up is also important because a trained physician can manage things like dosage, prescription requirements, and overall treatment costs. Price varies based on branding, the dosage needed, and whether or not the treatment is given by a licensed healthcare provider.
When you go to have your HGH levels checked, you can expect a doctor to test for insulin growth factor 1. This is because HGH leaves the bloodstream almost as soon as it is released from the pituitary gland. Men over the age of 30 should see their results fall between 71-241 nanograms per deciliter. By age 61, that range drops to 47-191 ng/dL. For women 30-plus years old, the range begins at 73-244 ng/dL. By 61, that range drops to 41-168 ng/dL.
It’s important to note that this type of therapy is only legal in the United States if a doctor prescribes it.
Causes of deficiency
There are lots of reasons for having a deficiency of this hormone. Some of those include:
severe injuries to the head
pituitary gland or hypothalamus tumors
radiation treatments
Additionally, disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, some types of medications, and certain infections can cause low levels of HGH.
What medical problems can an HGH deficiency cause?
Separate from the normal aging process, people with low levels of human growth hormone can experience mood changes, insomnia, poor concentration, or difficulty with cognitive functions along with memory loss. These issues stem from the presence of this hormone’s receptors in the brain. Physical symptoms of low HGH include:
- weight gain
- muscle loss
- less bone density
- wrinkles
- cellulite
- sagging skin
- brittle nails
- thinning hair or balding
- hair turning gray.
A deficiency in growth hormone can also wreak havoc on your immune system, making it easier for you to get sick and stay sick. This applies to injuries, cuts, or illnesses. Someone with low HGH may also face issues with low libido, hot flashes, night sweats, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Human growth hormone works by regulating the regeneration of cells, and a loss of this ability can cause problems with your internal organs as well.
Human growth hormone and weight loss
Keep in mind that while some people do have the outcome of losing some weight while using this treatment, it is not approved for that use. It will help in the area of cell reproduction, which will manifest in skin, hair, and nail health. HGH also helps brain functions and emotional health. You can count on some likely benefits to your internal organs, bones, and muscles. These things, along with immunity, metabolism, and temperature regulation, are typically boosted by the growth hormone. You may also see an increase in libido.
There are some possible side effects of using this hormone. Your doctor will monitor your blood levels and may change your dosage along the way. While most side effects will smooth out over time, some may have longer-lasting effects. Possible side effects include fluid retention, joint, muscle, or nerve pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, high cholesterol, acromegaly, and glucose intolerance. While these are not common side effects, it is important that you are aware of them before you start growth hormone therapy. Most side effects are reversible with a change to your dosage.
There is no pill form of human growth hormone. Those taking it with a prescription take it once daily as a shot. While some claim that it can reduce the effects of aging, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve this treatment for this reason, nor is it approved for building muscle. Additional reasons for using it in children include growth hormone deficiency, chronic kidney disease, Turner syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
For adults, additional usage may apply to treat growth hormone deficiency, loss of muscle mass from HIV, and short bowel syndrome. You should only use synthetic human growth hormone if you are directed to do so by a medical provider.
The price of human growth hormone varies depending on dosage, type of treatment,, and location. The average cost ranges from several hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars. Prices may be cheaper if you get them from overseas, but the quality of the treatments cannot be tested by the FDA before purchase.
