Human growth hormone (HGH) is an important hormone produced by the pituitary gland that helps regulate growth, metabolism, and overall health. As we age, HGH levels naturally decline, leading to signs and symptoms associated with growth hormone deficiency.
Some common signs and symptoms of HGH deficiency in adults include:
If these symptoms sound familiar and cannot be attributed to other causes, HGH deficiency may be negatively impacting health and quality of life. The good news is treatment is available.
HGH therapy involves injecting bioidentical human growth hormone to restore levels back to a healthy range. When used appropriately under medical supervision, HGH offers a variety of benefits:
One of the major effects of HGH is building and maintaining muscle. Research shows supplementing with growth hormone can increase lean muscle mass while also reducing body fat. This leads to significant improvements in strength, mobility, and ability to conduct daily activities with ease.
In those with confirmed growth hormone deficiency, studies demonstrate HGH improves oxygen uptake during exercise, allowing for longer and more intense workout sessions. The boost in endurance makes it easier to get in shape and meet fitness goals.
HGH helps regulate the heart and circulatory system. HGH therapy can lower dangerous LDL cholesterol while raising good HDL levels. Over time, this leads to reduced risk of cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Age-related declines in HGH contribute to development of osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. Growth hormone therapy paired with calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise can help strengthen bones and protect long-term health.
Research demonstrates HGH therapy can alleviate anxiety while also sharpening focus, memory, and cognitive skills. These central benefits lead to a boosted mood and ability to manage daily responsibilities with less stress or forgetfulness.
The ability of HGH to stimulate cell growth translates into noticeable differences in appearance as well. Common benefits include reduced wrinkles, brighter complexion, tighter skin, and thicker hair.
If struggling with multiple bothersome signs of aging, HGH therapy may provide the solution. But to achieve results, treatment must be personalized and properly implemented under guidance from an anti-aging specialist.
The first step is confirming hormone deficiency through blood analysis and medical evaluation. Specific lab tests check IGF-1 and growth hormone levels for comparison against normal range for gender and age. If below optimal, treatment may be recommended after ruling out other underlying health issues. It's critical to have accurate test results before pursuing hormone therapy.
Bioidentical human growth hormone is administered via subcutaneous injection. This means a tiny needle is used to inject medication into fat below skin. The process is relatively quick and painless. Most patients are taught to self-administer shots at home for convenience.
Comprehensive treatment regiments include prescription HGH paired with therapies to enhance effectiveness:
With a multifaceted approach focused on overall mind and body balance, profound improvements are possible.
Balanced Hormone Clinic takes an integrative approach to HGH therapy for residents of Brunswick, considering all contributing factors for deficiency.
We utilize advanced diagnostic methods based on latest scientific data to pinpoint current hormone status and personalized treatment needs for the best outcome.
Our compassionate practitioners develop customized care plans reflecting unique health history, risks, sensitivities, and objectives. We recognize no two patients are alike.
In addition to office visits, we emphasize education, telehealth check-ins, community referrals, and open communication so patients feel equipped, empowered, and motivated throughout treatment journey.
While we offer cutting-edge hormone, sexual health, and aging therapies, we also promote positive lifestyle behaviors with elite partners to speed progress.
Through our integrative care model focused on the needs of Brunswick region, Balanced Hormone Clinic helps patients address hormone deficiency to enjoy an active, healthy life regardless of age. We welcome the opportunity to meet with potential patients to determine if treatment is right for them. Call today to schedule a consultation.
While often associated with anti-aging or athletic benefits, HGH therapy was originally approved to treat growth failure in children. It helps stimulate growth for those with growth hormone deficiency, giving children who would otherwise remain very short the ability to reach normal adult heights.
The most common symptoms suggesting HGH deficiency include stubborn weight gain (especially abdominal fat), feeling extremely tired despite adequate sleep, muscle loss and joint aches, mood changes like anxiety/depression, loss of interest in sex, thinning hair, dry skin, fuzzy thinking or memory lapses.
Absolutely, great question. We have many patients who benefit from natural supplements, dietary changes, stress management therapies and specialized workouts before considering hormone therapy. Our practitioners can guide you through some introductory steps to see if your symptoms respond favorably, and then retest hormone levels in a few months to determine if more advanced treatment is appropriate.
We use a very sensitive growth hormone stimulation test that measures IGF-1 and growth hormone production in response to specified stimuli. This helps determine if the pituitary gland is releasing appropriate amounts of HGH based on age, gender, lifestyle and health factors. Defining one’s optimal hormonal balance is complex so we take time to thoroughly assess results as part of our initial consultation before prescribing therapy.
Changes related to improved energy, mood, mental clarity and exercise endurance are often apparent within the first 1-2 months. Physique changes as far as decreased body fat and increased muscle definition generally take longer, closer to 4-6 months as hormone levels build. Assuming treatment goes well, we recommend continuing for 12-24 months then reevaluating to see if extended therapy is beneficial or HGH can be discontinued. We tailor protocols based on patient response and objectives.
When properly dosed, human growth hormone is quite safe with minimal risks. However potential side effects to watch for include joint pain/swelling, fluid retention, inflammation, numbness or carpal tunnel syndrome. We closely monitor patients for any reactions so we can make adjustments quickly. Certain health conditions like active cancer or critical illness would likely preclude someone from starting therapy until their situation stabilizes under care of other specialists. Our team conducts comprehensive review to advise if hormone treatment is appropriate.
Currently growth hormone therapy is only covered by insurance if someone has documented childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency as proven by stimulation testing. Age-related hormone decline is still considered a cash-based elective treatment. That said, we work with independent financing companies that provide competitive rates/terms so therapy is affordable regardless of insurance coverage.
Absolutely! Every patient meets face-to-face with one of our hormone therapy experts for extensive review of medical history, lab testing, exam findings and treatment considerations tailored to your objectives. We also schedule follow up assessments at regular intervals, and encourage questions in between via phone consults and our secure patient portal. Ongoing communication allows us to provide exceptionally personalized care aimed at the best results possible.