Understanding the Benefits of Human Growth Hormone
If you feel like your muscles are weaker, you’re having a hard time recovering from workouts, your memory is slipping and body fat is increasing, then you need to understand what HGH is and how hormones work.
HGH is a hormone often prescribed to reverse many of the symptoms of cellular aging and to improve the patients overall quality of life. HGH has been extensively studied, is FDA approved and if prescribed properly, has been shown in the medical literature to have significant health benefits.
What is HGH and how do I get my levels checked?
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It signals the liver to produce primary two compounds; insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and also IGF-Binding Protein 3 (IGF-BP3). These two compounds then travel to the various cells of the body to assist in normal physiologic processes. HGH is produced in the highest amounts in early adolescence and adulthood. IGF-1 levels will peak in the mid 500’s in a teenager, and then we lose about 50% production every 7 years after the age of 30. The typical IGF-1 level that I see in patients over 40 is in the 50-175 range.
To truly measure how much human growth hormone you are producing, you have to be admitted to the hospital and have something called an Insulin Challenge Test done. However, this is rarely done in practice, as this test is contraindicated in patients over the age of 55 or in anyone who has suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury. This is why many doctors look at IGF-1 levels. In the family practice literature, IGF-1 levels <175 correlate with human growth hormone deficiency.
What are the clinical features of low growth hormones?
The symptoms of HGH deficiency can be discussed in the context of neuropyschiatric, cognitive, cardiac, metabolic, muscular and bone symptoms. For example, we see patients complaining of changes in memory, processing speed and attention. They can experience a lack of well-being, depression, anxiety or feel a sense of social isolation. They will certainly complain of fatigue, lack of strength, decreased muscle mass and an increase in abdominal fat. When we look at these patients metabolically, we see decreases in bone density, impaired cardiac function, increases in plaque in the arterial wall, worsening cholesterol, insulin resistance and an increased propensity to develop blood clots.
What are the benefits of using HGH?
The most respected endocrinology and medical journals in the world have studied the importance of HGH. Here are some of their conclusions: HGH treatment for 10 years increases lean body mass, muscle mass, improves bone density, reduces body fat, specifically visceral or organ fat, reduces carotid thickness, improves psychological well being, improves cholesterol profiles, improves blood sugars, reduces cardiovascular risks to include heart attack and stroke), improves mood. Additionally, it is one of the only hormones that will thicken the collagen and elastin layers of the skin and improve skin thickness. This is why I discuss HGH with all my patients in my practice. Overall, patients who use it state that they have an overall improved quality of life.
Is human growth hormone safe?
The short answer is yes. HGH has been extensively studied, has FDA approval and the side effect profile is very predictable. Side effects are generally dose dependent, meaning the higher the dose, the more likely you are going to have side effects. They tend to be seen in older patients who are obese. It is for this reason we start low and go slow. Between 5-18% of patients will complain of fluid retention, especially if they are eating the standard American diet (SAD). Some patients will complain of joint aches or muscle aches and 2% of patients will report carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients read online about HGH increasing the risks of cancer, but that has not been demonstrated in the medical literature to date.
How is it prescribed?
HGH is given as a daily subcutaneous injection at bedtime using a small, 30-gauge insulin syringe. Patients use it 7 days out of the week; this is contrary to what you read online about cycling it or using it 5 days and taking the weekends off. The two most common brands used are Zomacton and Omnitrope, both of which have become much more affordable.
If you would like more information about how to be evaluated for HGH deficiency and would like to schedule a consult, please call Dr. Breen’s office at 877-721-0047.