Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a key hormone produced in the pituitary gland that plays an essential role in regulating growth, metabolism, body composition and overall health across the lifespan. As we age, HGH levels naturally decline, contributing to common signs of aging like decreased muscle mass and bone density, increased body fat, reduced energy, impaired immunity, and impacted mood and cognitive function. Therapeutic HGH treatment aims to restore optimal hormone levels to counteract many age-related changes, making patients look and feel decades younger. When deficiency is significant, patients report dramatic improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
Declining HGH levels rarely cause obvious or sudden symptoms. Deficiency develops gradually over years, manifesting as vague health complaints that are often attributed solely to normal aging. However, adults with clinically low HGH exhibit measureable abnormalities like decreased bone density, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, decreased lean body mass, and increased adiposity. Common subjective signs and symptoms include:
- Unexplained, progressive loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and exercise capacity - Noticeable decrease in energy levels and stamina - Excess abdominal fat, especially visceral fat - Thinning and dry skin and hair - Decreased bone mineral density, higher fracture risk - Joint pain and stiffness - Impaired immunity and slow wound healing - Cardiovascular effects - higher LDL, lower HDL
- Depression, emotional lability, social withdrawal - Impaired memory and cognition - Lack of motivation, mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating - Insomnia, sleep disturbances, need for longer sleep - Reduced sense of wellbeing and vitality
While many factors can contribute to these complaints, improving hormone balance with HGH therapy often leads to significant relief when deficiency exists - patients feel functionally "younger" again.
Unlike steroid hormones, growth hormone cannot be taken orally due to digestion. Therefore, HGH is always administered via subcutaneous injections. Standard treatment uses a very small needle to inject HGH just under the skin, typically in the thighs, arms or abdomen. Self-injection at home is simple and quick to learn.
The most common HGH preparation is called somatropin. Various brand names exist, but all contain synthetic human growth hormone identical to the body's own. No significant differences in efficacy or safety exist between brands when dosed properly.
Treatment always begins using a very low dose adjusted slowly over months based on clinical response and IGF-1 lab testing. This careful process ensures maximal benefits while minimizing risk of side effects. Patience is required to allow the body to readjust its hormonal environment. Once an optimal maintenance dosage is reached, injections continue indefinitely in the same fashion much like thyroid medication or insulin.
Over 30 years of medical research, including numerous placebo-controlled studies, demonstrate HGH therapy effectively restores IGF-1 levels and leads to impressive improvements in signs, symptoms and risk factors associated with growth hormone deficiency in adults. Patients under professional endocrine care reap benefits such as:
- Increased lean muscle mass and decreased body fat - Especially decreased dangerous visceral fat around organs - Resumption of normal fluid homeostasis - Reduction in swelling and bloating - Increased bone mineral density - Lower risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures - Tightened, thicker skin - Improved skin texture, elasticity and hydration - Reduced wrinkles and age spots
- Improved lipid profile - Lower LDL and triglycerides - Higher HDL cholesterol - Enhanced insulin sensitivity - Better glucose tolerance and hemoglobin A1c - Reduced diabetes risk - Normalized blood pressure - Loss of abdominal fat – key risk factor for metabolic syndrome
- Increased exercise capacity and cardiovascular function - Improved immunity – fewer colds and infections - Better wound healing with faster recovery from illness/injury - Increased energy, stamina and productivity - Enhanced muscle strength - Weight loss and healthy body composition - Improved sleep quality – increased deep sleep
- Elevated mood - decreased anxiety and depression - Enhanced motivation and cognitive focus - Increased mental clarity and memory - Greater sense of wellbeing and vitality
- Improved self-esteem, confidence, self-image - Increased interest and optimism regarding future - Rejuvenated interest in exercise, activity, relationships - Higher sex drive, sexual function and enjoyment of intimacy - Renewed ability to participate in preferred activities
The benefits above directly reduce risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, frailty, falls and fractures while supporting healthy longevity.
While often associated with performance enhancement or anti-aging, HGH therapy is also used to treat children with growth hormone deficiency to help them achieve normal height and development. Without treatment, these children may only reach a height of around 4 feet as adults, but HGH enables most to reach close to their genetic potential.
The process to start growth hormone therapy is straightforward but does require physician oversight for safety given HGH’s powerful effects on the body. Key steps include:
Medical History and Physical Exam - Thorough review of health history, medications and symptoms - Head-to-toe physical exam - Assess need for additional diagnostic tests
Baseline Blood Tests - IGF-1 and Growth Hormone Serum Tests - Primary tests to evaluate HGH/IGF-1 status - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - Includes blood sugar, kidney and liver tests - Lipid Panel – cholesterol and triglycerides - Thyroid Panel – TSH, Free T4 - For men - Testosterone, Estradiol & PSA - For women - Estradiol, Testosterone & other sex hormones (if indicated)
Review Diagnostic Results and Determine Treatment Recommendation
Once a diagnosis of clinically significant HGH deficiency is made, HGH therapy may be prescribed using the following protocol:
The goal is to find the optimal dosage that relieves symptoms without excessive IGF-1 elevation. When treatment is properly implemented and monitored, dramatic benefits are achievable with excellent safety profile.
While HGH therapy can produce incredible rejuvenation, certain lifestyle measures also support treatment success:
Weight-bearing and muscle-building physical activity boosts HGH release and enhances body composition improvements. Our fitness centers offer state-of-the-art equipment and classes for all levels.
Nutrient-dense whole foods sustain energy, immunity and cellular repair while processed carbs and sugars trigger inflammation and fatigue. Lakeside eateries like Juice Bar and Plant Cafe serve excellent clean cuisine.
Unmanaged emotional stress elevates cortisol which blocks HGH activity. Local yoga studios like Peace Flow or scenic walks along Lakeside Trail relax the mind.
Natural HGH secretion peaks during slow-wave sleep. Prioritizing 7-9 hours nightly maximizes benefits. The Sleep Clinic provides advanced testing and treatment for disorders like sleep apnea.
Loneliness and isolation suppress immune function. Shared experiences like coaching youth sports, volunteering or joining the Lakeside Newcomers Club forge meaningful bonds and support healing.
While HGH therapy produces incredible rejuvenation at any age, Lakeside provides a uniquely supportive environment for those starting treatment. Beneficial amenities include:
Our close-knit wellness community offers comprehensive hormone, nutrition and lifestyle support. Hormone Health Institute endocrinologists specialize in precision HGH therapy while respected local therapists assist with motivation, self-care and actualizing renewed vigor.
Lakeside's beautiful deciduous forests, wetlands and waterways nourish the senses while scenic walking paths connect charming shops and cafes. Relaxing getaways allow the body to fully receive healing Transformation.
From instructor-led fitness classes to recreational sports teams, many engage in healthy communal activities. Shared outdoor adventures forge bonds that reinforce resilience against modern epidemics of stress, isolation and inactivity.
Peaceful neighborhoods, community events and local shopping foster meaningful engagement missing from impersonal big cities. Strong social ties drive purpose and joy.
In our youth-obsessed culture, declining energy and physical changes often progress gradually until disablement suddenly appears. Pride prevents vulnerable conversations; silence encourages further withdrawal. However many who restore hormone balance regain vibrancy and realize aging need not prevent thriving. Widespread myths regarding HGH safety and efficacy should not deter those struggling from seeking help immediately - restoring wellness enables continuing meaningful contributions. Hormone Health Institute' compassionate care empowers moving forward upon this new path, its joys unforeseen.
Hormone Health Institute physicians specialize exclusively in advanced hormone restoration techniques including HGH. Our expertise derives from Stanford-educated doctors and an integrated nursing staff practicing cutting edge Precision Medicine for decades successfully. Holistic treatment of the entire mind-body system allows profound healing where fragmented approaches fail. We personalize therapeutic protocols based on clinical response - not dated conventions. Compassionate support navigates each stage comfortably. Our inviting clinic feels like an extended family. Make us your first call to rediscover vibrancy - the future awaits!
